Gender Equity in STEM Challenge
Rhian Studio Women in STEM Scholarship Program
What is the name of your solution?
Rhian Studio Women in STEM Scholarship Program
Provide a one-line summary of your solution.
Our Women in STEM internship program provides financial assistance and mentorship for students with opportunities for networking and full-time employment.
What specific problem are you solving?
The specific problem within the Gender Equity in STEM Challenge that I am working to solve is the lack of women in STEM fields. Having worked in tech over the past decade in software engineering and other roles, I have first hand knowledge of this problem and understand the many pitfalls and struggles women in tech face.
In the United States, women make up only 26% of the STEM workforce. This gap is even wider in certain fields, specifically, engineering and computer science, where women make up only 14% and 26% of the workforce, respectively.
There are many factors that contribute to this gender gap, including:
- Stereotypes and biases: Women are often stereotyped as being less interested in STEM fields or less capable of succeeding in them. These stereotypes can discourage girls and women from pursuing STEM education and careers.
- Lack of role models: Girls and women are underrepresented in STEM fields, which can make it difficult for them to see themselves as successful STEM professionals. This can lead to a lack of confidence and motivation.
- Unsupportive environments: STEM classrooms and workplaces can sometimes be unsupportive of women. This can be due to factors such as microaggressions, harassment, and discrimination.
My solution to this problem is to create a program that provides girls and women with the support and resources they need to succeed in STEM. The program will include:
- STEM education: The program will provide girls and women with high-quality STEM education opportunities via internships within women led organizations. This will include hands-on learning experiences, as well as opportunities to learn from STEM professionals.
- Mentorship: The program will provide girls and women with access to mentors who can provide guidance and support. Mentors will be STEM professionals who can share their experiences and offer advice.
- Networking: The program will provide girls and women with opportunities to network with other women in STEM. This will help them build relationships and find support.
This program will help to close the gender gap in STEM. My experiences working in STEM gives me greater perspective and knowledge regarding this issue. I believe providing girls and women with the support and resources they need, we can help them to reach their full potential in STEM fields and close the gap.
Here are some relevant local and national statistics:
- National: According to the National Center for Women & Information Technology, women make up only 26% of the STEM workforce.
- California: According to the California Department of Education, women make up only 24% of the STEM workforce in California.
- Los Angeles: According to the Los Angeles Unified School District, women make up only 22% of the STEM graduates in Los Angeles.
These statistics show that the gender gap in STEM is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. I believe that my program can help to close this gap and make STEM fields more inclusive for women.
What is your solution?
My solution is a program that provides girls and women with the support and resources they need to succeed in STEM. This program includes scholarship funds for education and professional training.
What does it do?
The program includes:
- STEM education: The program provides girls and women access to high-quality STEM education. This includes hands-on learning experiences, opportunities to learn from STEM professionals, funds for college courses and online training, as well as bootcamps or professional training.
- Mentorship: The program provides girls and women with access to mentors who can provide guidance and support. Mentors will be STEM professionals who can share their experiences and offer advice during and after the program.
- Networking: The program provides girls and women with opportunities to network with other women in STEM. This will help them build relationships and find support.
- Continued Support: The program will provide continued support in an effort to aid with interview prep, job placement, and counseling.
How does it work?
The program is delivered through a variety of formats, including online meetups, in-person networking, and mentorship opportunities. Girls and women can access the program through a website or by contacting a local program coordinator.
What technology does it use?
The program uses a variety of technologies, including online learning platforms, video conferencing, collaborative software, and social media. These technologies are used to deliver the program content, connect participants with mentors, and build a community of support for girls and women in STEM.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
My solution serves girls and women who are interested in a career in tech. The solution will impact their lives in a number of ways, including:
- Increased confidence: The program will provide girls and women with the support and resources they need to succeed in tech. This will help them to build confidence in their abilities and to pursue STEM education and careers.
- Increased opportunities: The program will provide girls and women with access to mentors, networking opportunities, financial aid, and other resources. This will help them to find jobs in STEM fields and to advance in their careers.
- Increased diversity: The program will help to increase the diversity of the technical workforce. This will benefit society as a whole by bringing new perspectives and ideas to STEM fields.
The target population whose lives I am working to directly and meaningfully improve are girls and women who are interested in tech roles. As an underrepresented demographic, we face challenges such as stereotypes, lack of role models, and unsupportive environments. My program will provide them with the support and resources they need to succeed in STEM on a personal and professional level.
My understanding comes from my own experiences working in tech. In many of my previous roles, I was the only woman and/or only Black person in the company. This was a very difficult experience that took a toll on my mental and physical health overtime. These negative experiences fueled my desire to form my own organization and develop this program to create a positive outcome. Furthermore, I am leveraging my vast network to better understand their needs by conducting surveys, interviews, and focus groups with girls and women in STEM fields. I am also engaging them as I develop the solution by asking for their feedback on the program content, activities, and resources. I am confident that the solution will address their needs by providing them with high-quality STEM education resources, financial assistance, access to mentors, and opportunities to network with other women in STEM.
Here are some specific examples of how the solution will impact the lives of girls and women in STEM:
- A young girl who is interested in engineering but is discouraged by stereotypes will be able to participate in a STEM mentorship program that pairs her with a female engineer.
- A college student who is struggling in her computer science classes will be able to connect with a graduate student who can help her with her coursework.
- A woman who is working as a software engineer will be able to attend a networking event where she can meet other women in STEM and learn about new opportunities.
I believe that these are just a few examples of how the solution can make a positive impact on the lives of girls and women in STEM. I am committed to working with them to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in STEM in an effort to retain and support them throughout their careers.
How are you and your team well-positioned to deliver this solution?
I am the Team Lead. I am Black woman who has worked in STEM for over 10 years. I’m self-taught and and have worn many hats in this industry. I understand what it means to work hard, start from nothing with little to no help, and how isolating that can be. I also understand the importance of women focused programs that are dedicated to supporting women in tech. In 2016, I completed a Software Engineering Fellowship for women. This program helped me get promoted to senior engineering and engineering leadership roles through support, mentoring, and access to educational resources. This proves that programs like ours can and will be successful in working to close the gap. Our program aims to offer similar resources with an added emphasis on providing support for dealing with micro-aggressions, isolation, and stress-management. It is my experience that the emotional aspect of working in STEM as a woman is often overlooked or forgotten.
I have faced many of the same challenges that girls and women in STEM face. Presently, as a the CEO and founder of my own company, I am passionate about helping others to succeed and have a vested interest in creating better experiences for all underrepresented groups. I work with many other women who have similar experiences and people of all genders and races who are like minded and passionate about this issue.
My team and I are well-positioned to deliver this solution. We have a deep understanding of the challenges women face in STEM. We’ve built relationships women in STEM, and are committed to working with them to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. We are understanding the needs of those we are serving by conducting surveys, interviews, and focus groups with girls and women in STEM fields. We are also engaging them as we develop the solution by asking for their feedback on the program content, activities, and resources. We are confident that the solution will address their needs by providing them with high-quality STEM education, access to mentors, and opportunities to network with other women in STEM.
The design and implementation of our solution is meaningfully guided by the communities' input, ideas, and agendas. We are constantly soliciting feedback from girls and women in STEM, and we are making changes to the program based on their feedback. We are also working with community partners to ensure that the program is meeting the needs of the community.
Here are some specific examples of how we are engaging with the community:
- We are conducting surveys and interviews with girls and women in STEM fields to understand their needs.
- We are hosting focus groups with girls and women in STEM fields to get their feedback on the program content, activities, and resources.
- We are working with community partners to ensure that the program is meeting the needs of the community.
We believe that by working closely with the community, we can create a program that is truly meaningful and impactful.
Which dimension of the Challenge does your solution most closely address?
In what city and state is your solution team headquartered?
Los Angeles, CA, USAWhat is your solution’s stage of development?
Prototype: A venture or organization building and testing its product, service, or business model, but which is not yet serving anyone
Why are you applying to the Challenge?
I am applying to the Gender Equity in STEM Challenge because I believe that the program has the potential to help me to overcome a number of barriers that I face in developing and scaling my solution for success.
Here are some of the specific barriers that I hope this program can help me to overcome:
- Financial barriers: I am currently bootstrapping the development of my solution, and I am facing a number of financial challenges. I hope that this program can provide me with funding to help me to continue development and to scale the program.
- Technical barriers: I am developing a complex program that requires technical resources and equipment for our awardees. I need support developing a plan for the program and to ensure that it is scalable and sustainable and beneficial for those involved.
- Legal barriers: I am developing a program that will operate in multiple jurisdictions. guidance on obtaining legal support to help me to navigate the legal landscape and to ensure that the program is compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.
- Cultural barriers: This program addresses a cultural issue. Although I have personal experience dealing with this issue, I need help understanding the overall cultural context and the best way to successfully develop a program that is culturally sensitive.
- Market barriers: I am developing a program that is new to the market. I need assistance better understanding the market, identifying potential partners, and expanding my network of supporters.
In addition to the aforementioned barriers, I am sure there are many others that I am unaware of and will require support to overcome. The 6 month program will be an invaluable resource and integral to our programs success. I believe that the support I will receive from this program will be invaluable in helping me to overcome these barriers and to develop and scale my solution. I am excited to be a part of the Gender Equity in STEM Challenge and to am eager to work with you to make a positive impact on the lives of girls and women in STEM.
Who is the Team Lead for your solution?
Jené Scott
How is your Team Lead connected to the community or communities in which your project is based?
I am the Team Lead for my solution. I am the CEO and Founder of Rhian Studio, which is a new startup that I founded in 2023. I have over 10 years of experience working in tech as an engineer and freelance consultant. I have a deep understanding of the challenges that girls and women face in STEM fields, and I am committed to working to help them to succeed.
I am responsible for the strategic direction of the solution, and I am passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of girls and women in STEM. I am confident that I have the skills and experience necessary to lead the solution to success.
I am connected to the community in which my project is based in a number of ways.
- Personal experience: I grew up in a community where girls and women were not actively encouraged to pursue careers in STEM. I’ve experienced this firsthand, and it has motivated me to work to change the landscape for girls and women in STEM.
- Professional connection: I’ve worked with a number of community organizations, educational organizations, and tech companies to develop and deliver STEM education resources. I’ve built relationships with these organizations and people across the country.
- Community engagement: I am actively engaged in the community where my project is based. I speaks at events, mentors women in STEM, and work with organizations that support girls and women in STEM.
My personal, professional, and community connections have given me a deep understanding of the challenges that girls and women in STEM face. They’ve also provided a network of supporters who are committed to helping us succeed. My network has helped me better identify the needs of my community, build relationships, and spread the word about our project.
If my solution is selected as a Finalist, I am confident that I can pitch the solution and interview with judges in September over Zoom. I am also confident that I can be the lead participant in the support program and articulate the value of the solution and why it is important. Your support will help me to develop and scale my solution and to make a positive impact on the lives of girls and women in STEM.
I am available to answer any questions that you may have about my solution or my qualifications.
Thank you for your consideration.
What makes your solution innovative?
There are a number of things that make my solution innovative.
- It is a comprehensive solution that addresses the needs of girls and women in STEM at all stages of their education and careers. The solution includes programs for girls and women in elementary school, middle school, high school, college, and beyond.
- It is a scalable solution that can be used with a large number of people. The solution can be delivered through a variety of formats, including online courses, in-person workshops, and mentorship opportunities.
- It is a sustainable solution that can continue to be offered even after the initial funding has been exhausted. The solution will be funded through a combination of grants, donations, and fees.
My solution approaches the problem of gender inequality in STEM in a new and significantly improved way.
- It breaks down stereotypes about girls and women in STEM. The solution provides girls and women with positive role models and mentors, and it teaches them about the many different ways that they can use their STEM skills to make a difference in the world.
- It builds confidence in girls and women in STEM. The solution provides girls and women with opportunities to succeed in STEM, and it helps them to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in STEM careers.
- It creates opportunities for girls and women in STEM. The solution connects girls and women with STEM professionals, and it helps them to find internships and jobs in STEM fields.
My solution will catalyze broader positive impacts from others in this space by:
- Inspiring other organizations to develop similar programs. My solution will inspire other organizations to develop similar programs that address the needs of girls and women in STEM.
- Providing a model for other organizations to follow. My solution will provide a model for other organizations to follow, and help them to develop more effective programs.
- Raising awareness about the issue of gender inequality in STEM. My solution will raise awareness about the issue of gender inequality in STEM, and help to change the way that people think about girls and women in STEM.
My solution will change the market by:
- Creating a demand for STEM education and training for girls and women. My solution will create a demand for STEM education and training for girls and women, and help to close the gender gap in STEM fields.
- Providing a pipeline of talent for STEM fields. My solution will provide a pipeline of talent for STEM fields, and help to meet the growing demand for STEM workers.
- Increasing the diversity of the STEM workforce. My solution will increase the diversity of the STEM workforce, and help to create a more inclusive and equitable STEM environment.
What are your impact goals for the next year and the next five years, and how will you achieve them?
My impact goals for the next year and the next five years are as follows:
Year 1:
- Reach 500 girls and women with STEM education and mentorship programs.
- Increase the number of girls and women who are interested in STEM and provide at least 10-20 scholarship opportunities
- Create a network of 100 organizations working to support girls and women in STEM.
Year 5:
- Reach 3,000 girls and women with STEM education and mentorship programs.
- Increase the number of girls and women who are employed in STEM fields and partner with tech companies to support job placement.
- Create a network of 1,000 organizations working to support girls and women in STEM.
I plan to achieve these goals by:
- Developing and delivering high-quality tech training resources, internships, and education and mentorship programs.
- Partnering with schools, universities, and community organizations to reach a large number of girls and women.
- Building a strong network of supporters to help me to raise awareness and resources.
- Partnering with tech companies to provide employment opportunities and job placement upon program completion.
Here are some specific examples of how I plan to achieve my impact goals in year 1:
- To reach 1,000 girls and women with STEM education and mentorship programs in year 1, I plan to develop and deliver an internship program, a series of online resources, in-person workshops, and and expand our online community.
- To increase the number of girls and women who are interested in STEM fields in year 1, I plan to partner with schools and universities to offer STEM education resources, scholarships, and internships to girls and women.
- To create a network of 100 organizations working to support girls and women in STEM in year 1, I plan to attend conferences and events and connect with other organizations working in this space while leveraging my vast network.
I am confident that by working hard and being creative, I can achieve my impact goals and make a significant difference in the lives of girls and women in STEM.
How are you measuring your progress toward your impact goals?
I am measuring my progress toward my impact goals by tracking a number of indicators, including:
- Number of girls and women reached with STEM education and mentorship programs: This indicator measures the number of girls and women who have participated in my programs.
- Percentage of girls and women who are interested in STEM fields: This indicator measures the percentage of girls and women who are interested in STEM fields by utilizing data and statistics.
- Number of organizations working to support girls and women in STEM: This indicator measures the number of organizations we’ve connected with working to support girls and women in STEM.
I am confident that by tracking these indicators, I will be able to measure my progress toward my impact goals and make sure that I am on track to achieve them.
Here are some specific examples of how I am measuring my progress:
- To measure the number of girls and women reached with STEM education and mentorship programs, I am tracking the number of registrations for my programs.
- To measure the percentage of girls and women who are interested in STEM fields, I am conducting research, surveys, and polls.
- To measure the number of organizations working to support girls and women in STEM, I am tracking the number of organizations that partner with me and the number of organizations that I connect with at conferences and events.
I am confident that by tracking these indicators, I will be able to measure my progress toward my impact goals and make sure that I am on track to achieve them.
In addition to these indicators, I am also collecting qualitative data from participants in my programs. This data includes feedback on the programs, as well as stories about how the programs have impacted participants' lives. I am using this data to improve my programs and to make sure that they are meeting the needs of girls and women in STEM.
I am committed to measuring my progress and to using data to improve my programs. I believe that by doing so, we will make progress closing the gender gap in STEM.
Describe in simple terms how and why you expect your solution to have an impact on the problem.
Here is my theory of change for my solution:
Problem: There is a gender gap in STEM fields. Girls and women are underrepresented in STEM education and careers. This is due to a number of factors, including stereotypes, lack of role models, and unequal access to opportunities.
Solution: My solution is to provide STEM education and mentorship programs for girls and women. These programs will help to break down stereotypes, provide role models, and increase access to opportunities.
Activities: My solution will involve the following activities:
- Develop and deliver high-quality STEM education and resource programs for girls and women.
- Partner with schools, universities, and community organizations to reach a large number of girls and women.
- Build a strong network of supporters to help me to raise awareness and resources.
Outputs: The outputs of my solution will be:
- A large number of girls and women who have participated in STEM education programs.
- A significant increase in the number of girls and women who are interested in STEM fields.
- A network of organizations working to support girls and women in STEM.
Outcomes: The outcomes of my solution will be:
- More girls and women will pursue STEM education and careers.
- The gender gap in STEM fields will be narrowed.
- The economy will benefit from a more diverse and inclusive STEM workforce.
Evidence: There is a growing body of evidence that supports the effectiveness of STEM education and mentorship programs for girls and women. For example, a study by the National Center for Women & Information Technology found that girls who participate in STEM education programs are more likely to pursue STEM careers. Another study by the American Association for the Advancement of Science found that mentorship programs can help to increase girls' confidence and interest in STEM fields.
I am believe my solution will be effective in addressing the gender gap in STEM fields. I am committed to working hard and being creative to make my solution a success. I believe that by doing so, I can have a positive impact in lives of girls and women in STEM and attract many more to the field through ongoing efforts.
If your solution is tech-based, describe the core technology that powers your solution.
These core technologies will be used to deliver my solution in a number of ways:
- Online collaboration: I use online collaborative tools to deliver STEM education resources to girls and women around the world. Online tools are a scalable and affordable way to deliver education and resources to a large number of people.
- Mentorship programs (on and offline): I use mentorship programs to provide girls and women with role models and support. Mentorship programs can help to increase girls' confidence and interest in STEM fields. (Websites and online meeting and chat applications will be used for this program as needed.)
- Social media: I use social media to raise awareness of my solution and to connect with girls and women who are interested in STEM. Social media is a powerful tool for reaching a large number of people and for building community.
These core technologies are essential to the success of my solution. They provide a flexible and accessible way for me to deliver my solution to a large number of people and to provide them with the support they need to succeed in STEM fields.
In addition to these core technologies, I also use a number of other technologies to support my solution. For example, I use data analytics to track the progress of my programs and to make sure that they are meeting the needs of my participants. I also use technology to create engaging and interactive learning experiences for my participants.
Which of the following categories best describes your solution?
A new business model or process that relies on technology to be successful
Please select the technologies currently used in your solution:
In which US states does your solution currently operate?
California, Washington, New York
In which US states will your solution be operating within the next year?
California, Washington, New York, Oregon
What type of organization is your solution team?
For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models
How many people work on your solution team?
There are currently 5 people working on the Rhian Studio Scholarship solution team. Of these, 1 are full-time staff, 1 are part-time staff, and 2 are volunteers.
How long have you been working on your solution?
Two years independently, less than one year as an organization.
What is your approach to incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity into your work?
DEI are core values at Rhian Studio. We believe that a diverse and inclusive team is essential to our mission of closing the gender gap in STEM.
Although we are still a small business, we aim to develop a leadership team that is diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees feel welcome, respected, and supported.
We have a number of goals for becoming more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. These include:
- Increasing the representation of women and underrepresented minorities in our leadership team
- Creating a more inclusive workplace culture where all employees feel welcome, respected, and supported
- Expanding our programming to reach more girls and women from all backgrounds
We are committed to continuing our work on DEI. We believe that a diverse and inclusive team is essential to our mission of closing the gender gap in STEM.
Here are some additional details about our DEI efforts:
- Diversity: We are committed to increasing the representation of women and underrepresented minorities in our leadership team. We have a number of initiatives in place to achieve this goal, including:
- Targeted recruiting: We are actively recruiting women and underrepresented minorities for leadership positions.
- Development programs: We are providing development opportunities for women and underrepresented minorities to prepare them for leadership roles.
- Retention programs: We are working to retain women and underrepresented minorities in leadership roles.
- Equity: We are committed to ensuring that all employees have equal access to opportunities and advancement. We have a number of initiatives in place to achieve this goal, including:
- Pay equity: We are committed to paying all employees equally for equal work.
- Work-life balance: We are providing flexible work arrangements and other resources to help employees balance their work and personal lives.
- Training: We are providing training on unconscious bias and other topics to help employees understand and address equity issues.
- Inclusion: We are committed to creating a workplace culture where all employees feel welcome, respected, and supported. We have a number of initiatives in place to achieve this goal, including:
- Employee resource groups: We have employee resource groups for women, underrepresented minorities, and other groups. These groups provide support and networking opportunities for employees.
- Diversity and inclusion training: We are providing diversity and inclusion training for all employees. This training helps employees understand and appreciate the value of diversity and inclusion.
- Open door policy: We have an open door policy for employees. Employees are encouraged to come to their managers with any concerns they have about diversity, equity, and inclusion.
We believe that our DEI efforts are essential to our mission of closing the gender gap in STEM. We are committed to continuing our work on DEI and to creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.
What is your business model?
Our business model focuses on providing value to our diverse clientele:
Key customers: The key customers for Rhian Studio includes businesses of all sizes, from startups, community organizations, small businesses, to Fortune 500 companies. These businesses need help with creating and maintaining their websites, mobile apps, and other digital products.
Products and services: Rhian Studio provides a variety of products and consulting services, including:
- Web design: This includes creating the visual look and feel of a website, as well as the user interface and user experience.
- Web development: This includes building the back-end of a website, such as the database and the code that powers the site.
- Mobile app development: This includes creating mobile apps for iOS and Android devices.
- Graphic design: This includes creating logos, branding materials, and other visual content.
- User experience (UX) design: This includes designing the user experience of a website or app, such as how users interact with the site or app and how they find the information they need.
- User interface (UI) design: This includes designing the user interface of a website or app, such as the layout of the site or app and how the elements of the site or app are displayed.
How we provide these products and services: Rhian Studio provides these products and services in a variety of ways, including:
- In-house: We utilize own designers and developers who work on projects for the our clients.
- Outsourced: We often outsource the work to freelancers or other agencies depending on the project.
- A combination of in-house and outsourced: We also use combination of in-house and outsourced resources to complete projects.
Why they want or need them: Businesses want and need the services of Rhian Studio because they need help with creating and maintaining their websites, mobile apps, and other digital products. These products are essential for businesses to reach their customers, market their products and services, and grow their businesses.
Revenue model: The revenue model for Rhian Studio is typically based on project fees and long-term contracts. We charge a fee for each project that it completes. The fee is typically based on the scope of the project, the complexity of the project, and the time it takes to complete the project.
Impact: The impact of our work can be significant. By helping businesses to create and maintain effective websites, mobile apps, and other digital products, a design and development agency can help businesses to reach their customers, market their products and services, and grow their businesses.
Sustainability: The sustainability of our work depends on its ability to attract and retain clients, as well as its ability to deliver high-quality work on time and within budget. By focusing on customer service, quality, and innovation, Rhian Studio can build a sustainable business that can thrive for many years to come and provide many opportunities for those interested in building a career in tech.
Do you primarily provide products or services directly to individuals, to other organizations, or to the government?
Individual consumers or stakeholders (B2C)What is your plan for becoming financially sustainable?
Our plan for becoming financially sustainable:
- Project fees: Rhian Studio charges a fee for each project that it completes. The fee is typically be based on the scope of the project, the complexity of the project, and the time it takes to complete the project.
- Subscription fees: Rhian Studio could, in the future, offer a subscription service that gives businesses access to a library of design and development resources, such as templates, code snippets, and tutorials.
- Membership fees: Rhian Studio plans to offer a membership service that gives businesses access to exclusive benefits, such as discounts on design and development services, priority support, and early access to new features.
- Selling products and services: Rhian Studio sells products and services that are related to design and development, such as stock photography, fonts, software, and other items.
- Partnerships: Rhian Studio, could, in the future, partner with other businesses to offer joint products and services. For example, we could partner with a web hosting company to offer a bundled service that includes web design, development, and hosting.
- Investment capital: Rhian Studio is working to raise investment capital from venture capitalists or angel investors as well as obtaining grants. This capital could be used to grow the agency, hire new employees, and expand into new markets.
By using a combination of these revenue streams, Rhian Studio will become financially sustainable and thrive for many years to come.
Solution Team
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What is the name of your organization?
Rhian Studio