ITWomen Celebrates 2026 Scholarship Recipients and Surpasses $1 Million in Scholarships Awarded

May 12, 2026 — The ITWomen Charitable Foundation proudly celebrated an inspiring evening honoring the outstanding young women selected as the Foundation’s 2026 Scholarship Recipients.

The event brought together scholarship recipients, families, mentors, volunteers, and technology leaders to recognize six exceptional students whose academic achievements, leadership potential, and passion for technology represent the future of innovation.

The 2026 ITWomen Scholars will pursue degrees in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, and related technology disciplines at leading universities across the country.

Meet the 2026 ITWomen Scholarship Recipients

Ana Albornoz

Major: Computer Science

High School: Nova High School

University: University of Central Florida

Tara Conway

Major: Computer Science

High School: MAST Academy

University: Columbia University

Laylah Desarvines

Major: Computer Science

High School: Coral Springs High School

University: University of Florida

Gabriela Fernandez

Major: Mechanical & Aeronautical Engineering

High School: School for Advanced Studies North

University: University of Central Florida

Lia Paulino Severino

Major: Management Information Systems

High School: Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts

University: Florida Atlantic University

Jayda Washington-Booth

Major: Computer Science

High School: Coconut Creek High School / Atlantic Technical College

University: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering

More Than a Scholarship

Each ITWomen scholar receives much more than financial assistance. Through the Foundation’s unique support model, recipients gain access to a community dedicated to helping them thrive throughout their academic and professional journeys.

The 2026 scholarship package includes:

• $8,000 Scholarship Award
• Professional Mentorship
• Internship Opportunities
• Networking with Technology Leaders
• Dorm Essentials and College Support
• Access to a Community of Women Invested in Their Success

By connecting students with accomplished professionals across technology, business, cybersecurity, data, engineering, and digital innovation, ITWomen helps bridge the gap between education and career success.

A Historic Milestone

This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as ITWomen surpassed a major organizational milestone: more than $1 million in scholarships awarded to young women pursuing technology-related degrees since 2005.

For more than two decades, ITWomen has remained committed to inspiring, educating, and empowering girls and young women to pursue careers in technology and STEM fields. The Foundation’s scholarship program continues to create opportunities for talented students while helping build a stronger and more diverse future technology workforce.

Looking Ahead

The ITWomen community congratulates each of our 2026 scholars and looks forward to supporting their continued growth and achievements. Their talent, determination, resilience, and ambition serve as a powerful reminder that the future of technology is bright.

We cannot wait to see the impact these young women will make as the next generation of innovators, engineers, data scientists, technology leaders, and changemakers.

Congratulations to the ITWomen Charitable Foundation Class of 2026 Scholarship Recipients!