Biography:
Carrie Anne Philbin MBE is an English teacher of computer science, author, and influential figure in the field of education and technology. Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Philbin has dedicated her career to teaching and promoting computer science, particularly to young people. Her work has made a significant impact on society, inspiring and empowering countless individuals to pursue careers and interests in technology.
Philbin’s journey in computer science began after she studied history at the University of Essex. It was there that she developed a passion for programming and computer systems. Equipped with a self-taught knowledge of coding, she embarked on a career as a school computing teacher in East London, where she honed her skills and gained valuable experience.
In 2014, Philbin joined the Raspberry Pi Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting computer science education. She quickly became an integral part of the team, working tirelessly to teach children and teachers how to code in programming languages such as Python and Scratch. As the director of educator support at the foundation, she led strategy and oversaw the continuing professional development (CPD) program, ensuring that educators were equipped with the necessary skills to teach computer science effectively.
Philbin’s influence extends beyond the classroom. She has been an advisor to the Department for Education, playing a key role in shaping the UK’s first computing curriculum. Her expertise and dedication to promoting diversity in computing led her to chair the Computing At School (CAS) diversity and inclusion group, #CASInclude. Through this initiative, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that computing education is accessible and inclusive for all students, regardless of their backgrounds.
In recognition of her contributions to the field, Philbin has received numerous awards and accolades. In 2016, she was named one of Computer Weekly’s most influential women rising stars. She was also appointed a Fellow of the Python Software Foundation and was named Computer Weekly’s third most influential woman in IT in 2017. Additionally, she won the 2018 FDM Group Everywoman Tech Digital Star Award, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the industry.
Outside of her work with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, Philbin is the creator of the YouTube channel Geek Gurl Diaries. Through this platform, she communicates the excitement and creativity of science and engineering to young people. With over 34,000 subscribers, her channel has been instrumental in inspiring the next generation of technologists.
Philbin is not only an educator and author but also a sought-after speaker at conferences and events. She has shared her expertise and insights at prestigious gatherings such as the British Educational Training and Technology Show (BETT), Raspberry Jams, International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conference, and various Python conferences, including PyCon AU, EuroPython, and PyCon UK. Her expertise and ability to communicate complex concepts have made her a respected figure in the field.
Carrie Anne Philbin’s dedication to education, diversity, and technology has left an indelible mark on society. Through her work, she has inspired countless individuals, especially women, to pursue careers in computer science. Her contributions to the field will continue to shape and influence the future of technology.
Awards:
– 2016: Named one of Computer Weekly’s most influential women rising stars
– 2017: Appointed a Fellow of the Python Software Foundation
– 2017: Named Computer Weekly’s third most influential woman in IT
– 2018: Won the FDM Group Everywoman Tech Digital Star Award