In late April, Cassidy Williams, senior in computer science, received the news that she would be included in a team of 100 of the brightest individuals in the United States to be on an 11-hour, British Airways flight from San Francisco to London.

On the plane ride, Williams and her group had to come up with a concept that they wanted to pitch, something that would cause social change. Williams’ group formulated a pitch: a community where women in science, technology, energy and mathematics could get advice and learn more about STEM.

Williams’ group was victorious. Later that week, they presented their concept at the DNA Summit, and the next day, Williams was back in Ames.

Just this past weekend, Williams was invited to the United Nations in New York, where she and two of her teammates from the trip will present their concept about women in STEM.

“I didn’t think it would change me as much as it did,” Williams said. “It was empowering. It feels like I can make more of an impact than I thought I could.”

Due to Williams’ involvement with the National Center for Women and Information Technology, she was invited on the flight to London. 

Participants needed to be considered innovators to be eligible, people with ideas or the network for social change.

“The focus was on the impact of STEM and women in STEM and STEM education; it just screamed for [Williams] to be there,” said Kelly Hoey, director of Women Innovate Mobile and a participant on the British Airways trip.

The group of 100 people were divided into four categories, but were all aiming for the same goal: To bridge the gap in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).

The four groups were competing for a chance to present their pitch at the Decide Now Act Summit in London.

Some of the participants on this trip included, Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist and the vice president of GitHub.

While brainstorming on the flight, Williams suggested mentorship and because of her fresh perspective as a student, the only one on the flight, her team agreed.

The group’s concept emphasized mentorship, sponsorship and scholarship.

The winners of the competition would present its winning pitch at a few different conferences including the DNA Summit. 

 “The trip was very meaningful; my thoughts about women in STEM have changed a lot,” Williams said.