Written by Al Dickenson
“I saw it as an opportunity to continue the mission and stepped up,” said Autumn Dismukes. Less than 30% of information technology workers are women. As a student in UW-Milwaukee’s School of Information Studies, Autumn Dismukes saw the challenges of being a woman in STEM and decided to tackle them head-on. Using her learned skills from the corporate world, as well as her personal experiences, she took the helm of the SOIS group: FeminIST. Autumn plans to graduate with a degree in Information Science and Technology (IST) and has agreed to discuss her experiences with and plans for FeminIST.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Tell us about yourself. What led you to UWM and this program?
I’m currently a junior at UWM, majoring in Information Science and Technology with a minor in Computer Science. My academic journey started a bit differently; I originally pursued a degree in business. However, after some time, I realized that path didn’t quite align with who I am. I decided to take a break from school to gain real-world experience, which led me to a role at Rockwell Automation as a Field Sales Administrator, now known as a Sales Support Specialist. In that role, I gained experience in sales, operations, and navigating the corporate world.
After a year in that role, I was promoted to Project Manager and Administrator for the Sales Enablement team. This opportunity gave me greater exposure to technical roles and initiatives that supported our account managers. Through that experience, I started to develop a stronger interest in technology and began considering a return to school. Eventually, I took a leap of faith and re-enrolled at UWM full-time in the summer of 2024.
Last fall, I attended the kickoff meeting for FeminIST, a student organization designed to create a supportive space for women in our major. I was inspired by the club’s mission, and when I later noticed there hadn’t been any new events, I reached out to Julie Walker, the School of Information Studies Outreach Specialist, to ask if the club was still active. When I learned the previous leader had graduated, I saw it as an opportunity to continue the mission and stepped up.
What is the FeminIST group? What are some of the goals of the group?
FeminIST is a student organization dedicated to empowering women and our allies in STEM with the confidence, resources, and support needed to succeed both academically and professionally. Pronounced “femme in I-S-T”, our club’s name highlights our focus on women in the Information Science and Technology major, where women make up a small portion of the student population. This makes creating a strong, supportive community even more important.
Our club aims to create a safe and inclusive space where students can connect, bond, and build meaningful relationships. We hope to help members develop both technical and interpersonal skills through workshops, discussions, and hands-on activities. Additionally, we aim to introduce students to various technical fields through networking opportunities to gain more insight, explore diverse career paths, and aid in their career development. As a newly revived organization, our goal is to provide opportunities that help students thrive in STEM and beyond.
Can you tell us what activities you are planning for the group? In what ways do you plan on expanding the reach and scope of FeminIST?
We’ve already had a successful Spring Kickoff event on February 13th where we introduced the club, our leadership team, and welcomed guest speakers from Sentry Insurance. The speakers included a Talent Acquisition Specialist and a Software Developer who completed a co-op program with Sentry while studying IST, both of whom shared valuable insights with our potential members.
Our leadership team includes Alanda Jackson, who is studying IST and English, and Dalina Jonuzi, who is pursuing IST with a cybersecurity focus. Moving forward, we’re planning a variety of activities to keep our members engaged and supported. We aim to host technical workshops, career development sessions, and networking events that connect students with professionals in the tech industry. Additionally, we hope to create social events that allow members to bond in a more relaxed setting, helping build stronger connections within our community. To expand FeminIST’s reach, we plan to collaborate with other student organizations, connect with industry partners, and increase our presence on campus through events and outreach. Our goal is to create a welcoming space that not only supports women in IST but also encourages allies to join us in fostering an inclusive and empowering environment.
Why do you think it is so important to continue FeminIST activities now? What led you to make the jump to restart this group?
I decided to restart FeminIST because I know what it feels like to be in a space where you don’t see yourself represented. With so few women in the IST major, I often found myself feeling disconnected and unsure of how to connect with others who shared my experiences. I realized that if I was searching for a sense of community, there were likely others who felt the same way. By reviving FeminIST, I wanted to create a space where women and our allies could come together, support one another, and feel empowered in a field where representation can sometimes feel lacking.
I’m really excited about the future of FeminIST and the impact it can have on students in the IST major and beyond. My hope is that this group becomes a space where women and allies in STEM feel supported, encouraged, and connected. Whether someone is looking to build technical skills, grow their network, or simply find a community of like-minded individuals, I want FeminIST to be a place where they feel welcome. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, and I can’t wait to see how the club continues to grow and make a difference.