Today, the 28 April 2022, we are celebrating Girls in ICT Day by putting a spotlight on the inspiring stories of four young women who work in our MFSA Technology Team – their experience, achievements and motivations on pursuing a career in Tech.
From left to right: Vanessa Mangion, Shirley Cini, Julia Psaila & Rebecca Cassar Florian
Vanessa Mangion – Senior Software Developer
What interested you in the ICT field?
When I was in secondary school, my interest was in other subjects actually. Back then, we had to choose two main subjects, and since I considered myself to be quite tech savvy I picked it, assuming that it would be an easy ride. Once I started studying the subject properly, I found myself truly enjoying the concept of being able to “build” a programme from scratch. I stuck with it until I later got my degree. I do not regret this decision one bit and I still feel the “excitement” that I felt back in secondary school!
What has been your greatest challenge, and how did you overcome it?
The greatest challenge in IT is when you’re starting out. Getting used to the systems and especially, the business concepts, can be quite overwhelming. Since I like to learn by doing, I used to explore the systems by testing different sections and get to know them inside and out. As I got used to the technology, it now has become less challenging. When it comes to business concepts, I’m lucky to have been surrounded by experts in the field who have taught me a lot.
Shirley Cini – Software Development Manager
Which is your proudest moment ever since joining the Technology team at the MFSA?
Together with the Development team, I worked on a revamped internal system for authorisation and supervisory records, which we now call FinHub portal. We successfully managed to make processes more efficient, increase automation, and improve the security posture of the application. I am proud to have formed part of this journey which entailed a great deal of teamwork and hard work.
How can we encourage girls to pursue STEM education and careers?
Representation is a key step in creating an inclusive environment where all employees can demonstrate their skills at the place of work. STEM courses are being introduced to students at a very young age, hence organisations can develop meaningful programmes to help them understand the job opportunities that are available.
Julia Psaila – Junior Administrative Officer
Who is your biggest STEM role model?
Ada Lovelace (1815 – 1852), English mathematician and writer, known as the world’s first computer programmer.
She is known to have written the world’s first machine algorithm for an early computing machine, the analytical engine. She was originally asked to translate an article on the analytical machine from French text to English, which she did, as well as added her own thoughts. Her notes ended up much longer than the original article and eventually published. In the 1940s, Ada’s notes became one of the critical documents to inspire Alan Turing’s work on the first modern computers.
I admire her gift and knowledge in mathematics. Her passion for technology, at a time when it was unusual for women to learn it, has made her a powerful symbol for all women in technology.
How can we encourage girls to pursue STEM education and careers?
Expose young girls to STEM and let them start exploring young.
A child absorbs so much and if they start dabbling with STEM young, the skills learnt would be natural by the time they grow older. There are many resources which can be used in a child’s play, for instance building robots, 3D printing, creating digital content, games that involve design and coding, solving puzzles, scientific experiments.
Rebecca Cassar Florian – Software Developer/Analyst
What is the one thing that gives you a kick when you work in STEM?
There are times when I am assigned to new projects on which I barely have any knowledge. After analysing requirements and feedback from users, I love working on solutions – from a blank screen to the desired outcomes.
Who is your biggest STEM role model?
Steve Jobs – when he started off his business in his parents' garage, little did he know how successful he would become, thanks to his determination!
