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THE FOUNDER
Bethlehem, also known as Betty, wrote her first computer instruction using a structured programming language called BASIC. The IBM cold machine responded with a blinking cursor, "Hello!" The year was 1991 and the place was Ethiopia. She was a second year college student majoring in Statistics, when she learned that she was one of the two women selected to pursue Computer Science as a minor, the country's first ever program offering.
At the time in Ethiopia, access to computers were a very rare occasion. So being awarded a unique opportunity and an exposure to write instructions to a computer on a regular basis was simply incredible. She was mesmerized and smitten.
Her lifelong love affair with the world of coding, now the global language of the future, has compelled her to start this non-profit organization, uCodeGirl, to bridge the gender disparity that exist in the technology industry.
uCodeGirl offers the exposure and opportunity to young girls so their imagination can be sparked too. So that they realize and exceed their potential. So that they find innovative ways to solve real-world problems with technology. So that they write their own story.
You go girl!
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THE SPEAKER
It is with frequency that Betty speakes.
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THE AUTHOR
Writing for a Purpose
Bethlehem, also known as Betty, is an American who was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She earned her first degree from Addis Ababa University in Statistics, minoring in Computer Science. Her master's degree is in Software Engineering from North Dakota State University. She works as a Software Engineering Manager.
Taking writing as a passion, Bethlehem has contributed articles to newspapers, online magazine and various blog sites. As a technologist, she has spoken at schools, colleges and conferences to empower kids and women to pursue the field of Science and Technology.
By writing from her roots, with her first book The Alphabet takes a Journey: Destination Ethiopia, Betty wishes to share with children her great memories of growing up in Ethiopia and to spark their curious minds of the world at large.
Growing up with limited resources, access to children's books was a rare event. So Bethlehem understands very well the transformational power of books.
Betty's greatest joy is seeing books in the hands of children. As a member of a non-profit organization called Ethiopia Reads, she is able to help achieve the goal of connecting children with books, cultivating minds for stronger tomorrow.
Bethlehem is a member of the American Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She currently lives in Fargo, North Dakota with her husband and three sons.
“Bloom where you are planted.”
The Readers
The Readers
"What an Enchanting book!"
"I read your book - every word - in awe. Thank you for sharing your awesome gift and talent (and all the precious time spent) with the world. I will be ordering several copies to give to family and friends. " ~ Marian Kadre
"Your story is inspiring and meaningful."
"People like your book. Your book is unique. Language, culture, history, with illustration. Your book proves picture is worth a thousand words." ~ Michael Senay.
"A fun cultural journey in a new children's book by Fargo author Bethlehem Abera Gronneberg..."
~ The Forum newspaper
"...Bethlehem draws from her Ethiopian roots to share the wonders of a faraway place and teach eager readers about the world around them." ~ The Village Magazine