Eleanor Wilson Will Use Her Eli Lilly Scholarship at Carnegie Mellon University

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Eli Lilly awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to four (4) students. One of those students is Eleanor Wilson from O'Fallon, MO.

Studying Information Systems at Carnegie Mellon University with a minor in Global Systems Management has aided Eleanor Wilson in the discovery of her passion for technology. Over the past three years, she has taken every opportunity available to explore different technology industries. Starting off in human computer interaction where she was able to research how artificial intelligence can be used to address social disparities in education. Inspired by how technology can help people, she turned to technology consulting at EY for the past two years. She immersed herself in the financial services sector and was able to gain experience in anti-money laundering and risk assurance.

Eleanor Wilson * Eli Lilly Scholar

Overall, the best part about her work experiences is that Eleanor has been able to apply her skills each time in a new industry. Eleanor is always looking for opportunities to grow and improve her skills. As she finishes off her senior year, she looks forward towards securing a full time job and will go to graduate school to focus on cybersecurity.

We asked Eleanor to share her thoughts on BDPA:

"I was first exposed to the technology industry from family members in the field. In high school, I started to take more computer classes and each time was always surprised by the lack of diversity. Entering Carnegie Mellon, I had expected to meet a broader range of people in my industry. Indeed, I ended up meeting a broader group, however I still found myself being the only Black woman in my graduating class for my major, Information Systems. After hearing about BDPA from a friend earlier this year, I was eager to join. Being exposed to an entire network of people in the technology industry that I share similar backgrounds with has been refreshing and inspiring. I hope to get more active with the BDPA in the future and continue to be an advocate for Black involvement in technology."

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student as a winner of the Eli Lilly Scholarship for BDPA Students. We look forward to supporting Eleanor's career as she seeks to advance her career in the technology industry!