Aggie Hispanics in Computing (AHIC) is a new student organization in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Texas A&M University for students with an interest in exploring the technology field.
Formed in September, the group is committed to empowering Hispanic/Latinx students to pursue and succeed in computer science careers, as well as providing educational opportunities and resources to further promote the idea that computing is for everyone.
Officers include Larry Powell, president; Maximiliano Zavala, vice president; Bernardo Gonzalez de Castilla, treasurer; Valeria Heredia, administration officer; Elba Garza, officer; Gino Chacon, mentoring and leadership officer; and Nadxhieli Juarez; professional communications officer. Dr. Dilma Da Silva, professor and holder of the Ford Motor Company Design Professorship, serves as the group’s faculty advisor.
The number of computer science job openings has skyrocketed in the past few years, but tech professionals from minority groups are still severely underrepresented. More specifically, Hispanic/Latinx tech professionals make up only about 7% of the field.
To help increase diversity and inclusion in the field, AHIC looks to develop a safe space where students can connect and help each other with coursework, work on passion projects, brush up on or learn new computing skills and network with former students. Overall, the officers hope that the group can be a support system for students who do not have one in their personal lives or the communities that they are involved in.
“People say it is hard to find talented Hispanic/Latinx computer scientists and computer engineers, but that is not true at all,” said Da Silva. “At Texas A&M we have hundreds attending our classes right now and this organization will help better connect industry to current and former students.”
AHIC is currently looking to recruit new members and welcomes students from all backgrounds and disciplines.
Visit the group’s website for the latest news and announcements.