I am very proud of these girls who took on a rather large commitment to produce this robot with many specific requirements and difficult design aspects. They started at the end of summer before school began, worked diligently after hours once school was in session, and showed the strength of their commitment when challenges arose. They worked well as a team, but also as project managers - making sure the client's requirements were not only met, but that the "wow-factor" was top notch to ensure a meaningful and continuing relationship with the Girls' Lounge.

 

The Girls' Lounge was not only satisfied, but impressed enough to invite two of the team members, Molly Powers and Martha Anne Hotinger, to debut the GirlBot at CES. 

 

At the conference, the girls had the opportunity to meet and speak with Megan Smith, US CTO, about the future of technology. They also met prominent female leaders from Pixar, IBM, The Girl Scouts, MIT, and others. All of who loved Ellie and her creators. Together we "walked" Ellie through the conference with Ms. Smith leading the way. Multiple news outlets interviewed Molly, and heads turned and cameras flashed as Ellie and her creators passed by.

 

We also had the distinct pleasure of meeting Melissa Stockwell and Amy Van Dyken-Rouen, who are Olympic Athletes with remarkable and inspiring stories, which was a surprise from the Girls' Lounge. These women told their story, but really held an intimate conversation about the power of women with the young ladies present.

 

It was a truly wonderful experience, and I haven't even mentioned the conference floor and all the amazing technology from drones and VR, to smart cars and homes! Molly and Martha Anne could not have had a better experience.