The Legacy of Percentage Project Alumni
- Nicole Hsieh
- Apr 1
- 4 min read
Each year, the Percentage Project transforms statistics into stories, shedding light on the lived experiences of students in tech through compelling photo campaigns and surveys. Behind every survey conducted, every portrait taken, and every conversation sparked, dedicated Campus Directors have taken on the challenge of documenting diversity in tech. Supporting them is an administrative team that works tirelessly behind the scenes—coordinating logistics, refining survey methodologies, and designing outreach strategies. Together, they form the backbone that allows the Project to scale and sustain its mission.
These leaders carry their experiences forward, becoming advocates for transparency and representation in the field. They remind us that data is more than just numbers—it represents real people, real challenges, and the real work needed to create change.
Shaping the Future of Tech
Lucia Huo co-founded the Percentage Project with a clear vision: to make data digestible and impactful. Passionate about photography, she sought to present survey results in a visually engaging way—combining aesthetics with meaningful statistics. What began with just 20 participants has since grown into a nationwide movement blending storytelling with advocacy.
"The Percentage Project allowed me to tell stories through data, a skill that now guides my work in ensuring AI is developed in ways that respect diverse populations," she shares.
Previously a PM at Microsoft focusing on AI governance, Lucia is now a researcher at MIT, pursuing graduate studies at the intersection of AI and healthcare. She is part of a research lab dedicated to ensuring machine learning models are robust, unbiased, and ethically deployed in healthcare settings.
Leading with Impact
At the University of Pennsylvania, Christa Simaan joined the Percentage Project as a freshman through Women in Computer Science (WiCS) Advocacy. She co-directed the initiative on her campus, securing funding, organizing events, and collaborating with faculty to advance conversations about diversity in tech.
“Being a Campus Director meant spearheading something bigger than myself,” she reflects. “It allowed me to create spaces for important discussions and take real action on diversity in tech.”
From Campus Director to Chief of Operations, she continues to find fulfillment in the impact she makes. “Since the survey is anonymous, it starts conversations that remind students they’re not alone.”
Now a Technical Program Manager at Microsoft, she applies the leadership skills she developed to drive projects that blend technical execution with advocacy for inclusion.
Building Bridges and Community
For Arien Cotangco, joining the Percentage Project through Rutgers University’s Women in Computer Science (WiCS) club was more than just a leadership opportunity—it was a chance to find community.
After serving as a Campus Director, she transitioned into a Marketing Associate and Website Content Manager. Driven by the Project’s mission, she wanted to spread the message that no one is alone—whether in their career or in life.
"It’s about finding a network of people who understand my struggles, support my aspirations, and remind me that I belong," she shares.
Now a Digital Transformation Analyst at General Motors, Arien applies the same principles of connection and communication to her career, using data visualization and web development to drive change. She remains grateful for the Percentage Project’s community of like-minded individuals, saying, “It’s not just about career growth—it’s about finding people who truly believe in me and share similar ambitions.”
Finding a Voice for Change
Khushi Darji first got involved with the Percentage Project in 2021 as an Outreach Chair at Rutgers University. She later became a Campus Director and eventually served as President of the Women in Computer Science (WiCS) club. Leading campaigns and presenting survey results, she witnessed firsthand how data could influence perspectives and ignite critical conversations about representation.
“Taking pictures for the campaign, meeting new people, and telling them about the Project was an amazing experience,” Khushi recalls. “Seeing the survey results each year was both rewarding and eye-opening—it showed how much work we’ve done and how much more we have left to do.”
Now a Software Engineer at Bank of America, she continues to champion diversity through her involvement in the Asian Leadership Network, ensuring diverse voices are heard in the corporate world.
Turning Data into Action
For Luna Ito-Fisher, data was the bridge between stories and change. Inspired by a friend, she launched a Percentage Project chapter at Brown University during her sophomore year. Over the next three years, she took on increasing leadership roles as Campus Director, Associate Program Lead, and eventually Chief Outreach Officer.
“Numbers make issues impossible to ignore,” she explains. “When we presented the survey results, we weren’t just sharing statistics—we were starting conversations about what could be done to improve diversity in the CS department.”
Her involvement led to collaborations with faculty and students, drawing attention to underrepresentation in the TA program and faculty demographics. Women earn only 21% of bachelor’s degrees in computer and information science, highlighting the continued gender disparity in tech (DuBow & Gonzalez, 2020). Inspired by the initiative, Luna launched Decrypted by Us, a YouTube channel aimed at improving representation in CS online learning. Recognizing that most CS content online is taught by men, Luna sought to diversify the space by bringing in a wider range of instructors.
Now working in health tech, she continues to advocate for representation in STEM by speaking out on critical issues and driving change.
A Legacy of Transparency and Advocacy
The impact of the Percentage Project extends beyond the initiative itself. By equipping students with the tools to document diversity in tech, the Project has empowered them to become advocates for a more inclusive industry. Its alumni carry forward a mission that goes beyond their time in college, shaping conversations on representation in the workplace, in research, and in policy.
As technology continues to evolve, so too does the need for transparency and accountability. Thanks to these leaders and many others, the Percentage Project’s influence continues to grow, proving that data—when paired with purpose—can inspire lasting change.
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