Rosie Khurmi

Computer Science Student and Women for STEM Award Recipient

Rosie Khurmi’s journey into computer science began with a moment of recognition that would quietly shape her future. As early as Grade 3, one of her teachers noticed Rosie’s natural aptitude for math and problem‑solving and made a point of encouraging it.

“She saw that I had a pretty analytical brain,” Rosie recalls. With sons of her own in engineering, the teacher understood what Rosie’s strengths could lead to and took on the role of an early mentor. That encouragement extended beyond the classroom, as she urged Rosie’s family to support her interests in STEM. With that reinforcement, and later, the example of a math tutor and a female mentor who had studied computer science, Rosie began to envision herself in the field.

At home, curiosity was always welcomed. “There was never a thing of, ‘girls can’t do certain things,’” Rosie says. When her older brother suggested she try coding, she embraced the challenge. “I really liked the problem‑solving aspect of it. I thought, what’s the harm? Let’s do it.”

Now a computer science student, Rosie is carving out her own path in a discipline she finds both challenging and deeply rewarding.

That journey has been made more accessible through the Women for STEM Program, which has eased financial pressures and opened doors to meaningful connections. “I didn’t want to burden my parents with tuition or expenses,” she explains. Receiving the Women for STEM Award meant she could focus less on finances and more on fully engaging in campus life and her education.

Beyond financial support, Rosie has found a community. Through Women for STEM events, she connected with peers who quickly became friends and mentors. “It’s really hard to find people sometimes but recognizing someone from an event and building a connection, that’s been huge,” she says. Networking for Rosie no longer feels transactional. “It didn’t feel forced. I was just talking to other women and building relationships naturally.”

As a result of these experiences, Rosie’s view of her future has expanded. She’s learned the value of reaching out, even when self‑doubt creeps in. “I used to think, why would seniors or alumni help me? They’re busy,” she says. “But I’ve learned that the women here are incredibly supportive.” Connecting with alumni through the program showed her what’s possible and inspired her to pay that support forward.

Teaching and mentorship have become core to Rosie’s sense of purpose. Having previously worked as a tutor, she values creating welcoming learning spaces, especially for young girls interested in science and technology. “I like making math and science feel easier and more accessible,” she says. “If I can share what I’ve learned socially, professionally, emotionally, then that’s something meaningful.”

As she looks ahead to graduation, Rosie is excited to continue learning. She hopes to enter a role where she can focus on developing her skills, growing professionally, and applying computer science across diverse fields. “What I enjoy most is learning how to learn,” she explains. “Tools change, industries change, but transferable skills are what really matter.”

Reflecting on her journey, Rosie encourages young girls with an interest in STEM to push past self‑doubt. “Forget imposter syndrome,” she says. “It’s easy to compare yourself to people who’ve been coding since childhood, but that doesn’t get you anywhere.” Her advice is simple but powerful: explore what you enjoy, talk to people, and learn how your interests fit into the world’s needs. “If you don’t like what you’re doing, you won’t want to put time into it. Passion really matters.”

Supported by Women for STEM, Rosie is confident she’s exactly where she belongs, and committed to helping others realize they belong in STEM too.