Digital Nova Scotia Announces First-Ever Recipient of TechQuity Award: A Milestone for Diversity in Tech
Digital Nova Scotia (DNS) is deeply proud to celebrate Hamza Abawajy, a first-year applied computer science student at Dalhousie University, as the inaugural recipient of the newly established Digital Nova Scotia TechQuity Award.
Hamza Abawajy, a passionate and ambitious young professional, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support that will enable him to fully focus on his academic pursuits. "This award means a lot to me because it allows me to pursue my degree to my full capacity,” Abawajy said.
“Thank you, Digital Nova Scotia, for choosing me to represent them as the first recipient of their inaugural award. I am truly honoured.” Abawajy accepted this milestone award as the guest of honour at the 2024 Tech Forward Awards on November 7, proudly sharing the moment with his mother by his side.
This award, created earlier this year in partnership with the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia, marks a powerful commitment to supporting African Nova Scotian students in their journey toward meaningful careers in the technology sector.With a $100,000 endowment, the TechQuity Award is more than just financial support—it is a beacon of hope for fostering diversity in Nova Scotia’s growing tech community. This initiative opens doors for students from underserved and underrepresented communities, offering them the opportunity to thrive.Owen Sagness, CEO of Digital Nova Scotia, highlighted the profound significance of the award, which will be given annually to African Nova Scotian students pursuing undergraduate studies in fields such as computer science, IT, digital innovation, and cybersecurity. "We are incredibly thrilled to introduce the TechQuity Award,” said Sagness. “This initiative highlights our dedication to making Nova Scotia’s digital sector accessible and fair for all. By backing students from underrepresented communities, we strive to create a more inclusive and innovative tech environment.”Andreas Robinson, Chair of DNS’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, emphasized the award’s transformative potential for the tech industry. "By investing in the education of underrepresented students, DNS is paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future in technology,” Robinson said.The launch of the TechQuity Award marks a transformative moment for Nova Scotia’s tech sector, embodying a commitment to inclusion while empowering talented individuals like Abawajy to shape the future of digital innovation.
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