Abigail Dogbe

Graduate Student of the Year

Abigail Mesrenyame Dogbe is an Open Source Community Builder, Programs Manager, and STEM Education advocate who is passionate about empowering people through technology. She is dedicated to raising awareness about the transformative power of technology through community building, advocacy, and research.

Currently pursuing a PhD in Information Technology at the University of Cincinnati, Abigail is making significant contributions to Open Source and Digital Skills training through research and collaboration. In the summer of 2023, she and her team at the Smart Synergies Lab successfully hosted four digital skills workshops and developed a digital skills training flashcard deck. Together with volunteers (Techie Squad), Abigail continued to provide digital skills training and support to the Avondale community at the Community Library and the Avondale Development Corporation office in Cincinnati, Ohio. Leading these initiatives, she found great fulfillment in ensuring that participants could effectively utilize the internet and the skills they acquired, while also educating them on privacy and security.

In open source, she is involved in promoting collaboration, sustainability, and inclusivity within communities such as the Python and Django software communities. Abigail dedicates her time to organizing local and international community events, speaking on key topics, and conducting research. Her current work is focused on developing an online tool aimed at improving Diversity and Inclusion within open source Community Leadership.

With her extensive experience, Abigail has seen the profound impact that digital skills can have on communities and remains committed to leading initiatives that encourage Youth, Adults, and Seniors to engage in the digital world.