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inspira
mentor

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Who can be a mentor?

Mentors, whether students, researchers, or faculty members, are experienced individuals within the tech field. They need to be committed to sharing insights and supporting the academic growth of less experienced peers, regardless of gender, contract type, or status.  Being a mentor doesn't hinge on holding a senior position, it's rather about having experience and a desire to help and support others.

What is the role of a mentor and how can mentors contribute to INSPIRA?

The mentor plays a crucial role in assisting the mentee in skill development by sharing experiences and knowledge. They must be available throughout the academic year, communicate effectively, uphold confidentiality, and provide feedback when needed. In case of any program-related issues, mentors should contact program coordination for assistance. Mentors are also encouraged to run public events on topics of their choice.

Benefits of being part of the INSPIRA program?

Being a mentor helps enhancing communication and experience-sharing skills, revitalizing interest in their one’s work through self-assessment and discovering rising talents. Mentors also can share experiences and knowledge, expand networking opportunities, boost self-esteem and leadership skills, and attend lectures on mentoring and the importance of women in Informatics. Mentors also earn a mentor certificate at the end of each mentoring cycle.

Get to know our
active mentors

Jose Molano is a Computer and Systems Engineer with master's degrees in Management and International Business Administration. He graduated from the National University of Colombia and the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany. Jose brings a combination of technical expertise and business insight.

With five years of experience in the software development industry, he excels in using JavaScript frameworks and libraries, as well as AWS cloud services. He guides teams through all stages of software projects using agile methodologies. Jose is recognized for his exceptional leadership, fostering effective teamwork, and demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and innovation.

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Inês is currently a second-year Master's student in Design and Multimedia at FCTUC. Throughout her life, she has participated in various extracurricular activities, ranging from choirs and orchestras to contests and volunteering at international conferences.

Besides that, she is an ocean lover and finds joy with a surfboard in the water. One of her main achievements, both academically and personally, has been learning to deal (better) with the anxiety and perfectionism that used to affect her significantly. Now, she can embrace the unknown and leap into something better.

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Specialized in Human-Computer Interaction, applying user understanding methods, HCD, participatory and co-design approaches, and usability and user experience evaluation to develop technology-based systems, particularly in healthcare. She is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Informatics Engineering at the University of Coimbra.

Previously, she taught at various national and international universities, completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and served as a senior researcher at the Fraunhofer Portugal Institute, where she created and coordinated the Human-Computer Interaction Design group. She is also an elected member of the board of the Portuguese Group of Computer Graphics and Interaction.

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Rosemary Borges has been working as a Teacher in Basic, Technical, and Technological Education at the Federal Institute of Education, Science, and Technology of Rio Grande do Norte (IFRN) since 2009. She holds a degree in Software Development Technology, specializations in Systems Engineering and Professional Education, as well as a master's degree in Computer Science. Currently, she is a Ph.D. candidate in Computer Engineering at the University of Coimbra. In the academic field, she focuses on research related to technologies applied to education, with an emphasis on Educational Technologies and Distance Education, also investigating gender and inclusion issues in Professional Education.

She has publications in these areas and has been involved in organizing related academic events. As a member of the 'Multireferentiality' research group, she explores the relationship between technologies, pedagogical practices, and teacher training, addressing gender and accessibility issues in educational environments. She has experience in guiding academic projects and participating in examination boards, evaluating projects ranging from the integration of technology in Basic Education to the development of systems and approaches in Distance Education.

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In January 2021, Sunny Miranda made the decision to temporarily step away from her position as Information Technology (IT) Analyst at the Federal University of Alagoas in Brazil to pursue her Ph.D. at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. Her primary focus is on deepening her studies on gender disparity in the IT field. Her research centers around the teaching and learning of programming in primary education, aiming to identify best practices to enhance girls' interest in IT. Additionally, Sunny is dedicated to investigating the factors that influence students in choosing IT-related courses in higher education.

Sunny holds a master's degree in Computational Knowledge Modeling with a specialization in Informatics in Education, where she conducted a research project focused on improving learning and interaction among students in a Distance Education (EaD) environment. A graduate in Computer Science, she also holds specializations in Software Engineering and Public Management. With a professional journey spanning just over 20 years, Sunny has served in roles such as systems developer, project manager, team leader, and IT teacher.

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testimonials from former mentors

Collaborating with INSPIRA has been a unique experience. With each meeting, we reinforce the idea that everyone has something to teach and learn, and with mutual support, we can create an environment more conducive to female presence in Information Technology, as well as greater diversity in the field.

Rosemary Borges

Participating as a mentor has represented mutual learning on various levels. Understanding how I can support someone else with both my current experience and the necessary research to meet my mentee's needs allows me to grow. Collaboration and learning without any kind of hierarchy or shame is something that would make the world a better place on a large scale. Thank you, INSPIRA.

Maria Inês Pereira

Mentoring in Inspira UC has been a truly rewarding and insightful experience. Sharing my knowledge to help my mentee overcome barriers on her path has been incredibly fulfilling.
I am honored to support her during her journey and to participate in such a wonderful program.

José Molano

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