Breaking Barriers: The Impact of the Digital Divas Bootcamp

The tech world is constantly evolving, with new roles and opportunities arising every day. Yet, despite the growing demand for skilled professionals in IT, engineering, cybersecurity, and beyond, women remain underrepresented in these fields. That’s where initiatives like the Digital Divas Bootcamp come in—an inspiring event designed to immerse high school girls in the dynamic world of technology, helping them see firsthand the exciting career possibilities that await them. 

At its core, the Digital Divas Bootcamp aimed to empower young women by showcasing the diverse and dynamic career paths available in the tech industry. The goal was not just to provide knowledge but also to inspire these students to envision themselves as future leaders and innovators in fields like IT, engineering, cybersecurity, and more. With the fast-paced, constantly changing nature of technology, it’s crucial that the next generation of tech professionals reflects the diversity we see in the world around us. Through this bootcamp, we hoped to spark a passion for tech in young women and help them understand the impact they can make in these industries. 

The event was designed to be interactive and engaging. It wasn’t just about listening to talks or reading about the roles in tech—it was about experiencing them. Through a combination of workshops, panel discussions, and real-world scenarios, students had the chance to explore the day-to-day responsibilities of various tech professionals. Key IT roles such as Director of IT, Project Management, Marketing, Sales, Channel Management, and Pre-Sales Engineering were represented by professionals from Blue Mantis, its clients, and partner organizations. 

The event started with an introduction to these different roles. Speakers like Sarah Westberg, Director of IT at Milton CAT, and Jess Lindof from Climb Channel Solutions, shared insights into their positions and the skills required to excel in their respective fields. The students engaged deeply with the presenters, asking thoughtful questions and seeking advice on how to pursue similar careers. These interactions were not only informative but also incredibly motivating for the students, as they realized that the people in these roles were once in their shoes—unsure of their future paths but finding inspiration and guidance along the way. 

One of the highlights of the bootcamp was a hands-on activity led by our friends at Fortinet, a global leader in cybersecurity. This exercise allowed students to get a taste of what it’s like to make crucial IT decisions in real-time. The students were split into teams, each playing a different role—Network Engineers, Security Engineers, and End-User Experience Engineers. Their task was to decide whether to upgrade a firewall due to a known vulnerability or risk leaving it unchanged. The decision was complex, requiring collaboration and critical thinking. Each role contributed to the analysis, considering factors like security, user experience, and the broader impact of IT decisions. 

This simulation was more than just a learning exercise—it was an opportunity for students to step into the shoes of professionals who have to make difficult decisions every day. They not only configured a wireless network together but also gained an appreciation for the thought processes involved in network security and management. The hands-on activity emphasized the importance of teamwork and problem-solving, skills that are essential for any career, particularly in the fast-paced world of technology. 

The energy and enthusiasm from the students throughout the day were palpable. The bootcamp wasn’t just about passive learning—it was a space for students to ask questions, dig deeper into complex topics, and challenge themselves. Whether it was about the technical aspects of configuring a network or the day-to-day responsibilities of various tech roles, the students were fully engaged and eager to learn more. 

The feedback from the students, as well as from the school administration, was overwhelmingly positive. We were honored to have visits from the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and the Principals of both Plymouth South and Plymouth North High Schools. Their support and appreciation for the event confirmed that we were on the right track in fostering an environment where young women could explore their potential in tech. 

One email from a student perfectly captured the spirit of the event: 

“Dear Amy, 
I just wanted to personally thank you for running Digital Divas. It was an inspiring and empowering experience! I truly appreciate all the hard work you and your amazing team of digital divas put into teaching us. Learning about everyone's roles and how to set up Wi-Fi was awesome! Thank you again for creating such a wonderful event. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it!” 

This heartfelt message is a reminder of why we do what we do—helping young women feel seen, heard, and empowered to pursue their dreams in the world of technology. 

The success of the Digital Divas Bootcamp would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of many individuals and organizations. Our team of Digital Divas—Khat Pouliot, Amber Clifton, Erin Pollock, Penny Behrensmeyer, Amy Guggina, and Shannon Barnes—were instrumental in bringing the event to life. Their collaboration and passion for empowering young women in tech were truly the driving force behind this initiative. 

In addition, we are incredibly grateful to our partners and clients, including Fortinet, Climb Channel Solutions, and Milton CAT, for their invaluable support. Their contributions, both in terms of expertise and resources, were crucial to the success of the event. Special thanks go to Jenna Tombolesi, Regional Director, Systems Engineering at Fortinet, who authored the Lab Guide and Workbook for the event. Jenna, along with her team of engineers, guided the students through the hands-on network configuration exercise, ensuring that they gained real-world experience and insight into the tech industry. 

The collaboration between Blue Mantis, Fortinet, and other partners highlights the power of community and how coming together can make a significant impact. By sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise, we are creating a ripple effect that can inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in tech. 

The success of this bootcamp has laid the foundation for future events. We are thrilled to announce that the school has already expressed interest in making this an annual event, which is a testament to the positive impact it had on the students and the community as a whole. As we look ahead, we are excited to continue supporting and inspiring young women to explore the endless possibilities that await them in the tech industry. 

The Digital Divas Bootcamp was just the beginning. By continuing to engage with high school students and providing them with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration they need to pursue careers in tech, we are helping to shape the future of the industry. Through events like this, we hope to break down barriers, build confidence, and create a more inclusive and diverse tech community—one where women are leading the way. 

The future of technology is bright, and it’s clear that women have a significant role to play in shaping that future. By providing young women with the opportunity to explore tech careers, we are not just inspiring the next generation—we are building a more inclusive and innovative industry. Through events like the Digital Divas Bootcamp, we are helping to create a pipeline of talented, driven women who will make their mark on the world of technology. 

As we move forward, we will continue to advocate for women in tech, providing mentorship, inspiration, and hands-on experiences to ensure that they feel empowered to take the next step in their careers. The Digital Divas Bootcamp is just one example of the positive change that can happen when we come together to support young women in their pursuit of tech careers. With continued dedication and collaboration, we are confident that we can make a lasting impact on the future of tech.