Shini Somara: How did Teen Tech begin?
Maggie Philbin: Teen Tech began through a need for more diversity in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). When I look back on my days working in both BBC Children’s and in what was the Science and Features Department, it is clear that I was living in a female-empowered bubble. Back then, I got to work with many fabulous female producers, editors, and researchers, which made me unaware of the lack of diversity in the science and tech world.
After ‘Tomorrow’s World’ I became acutely aware that women struggle to stay in male-dominated industries, such as the science and technology industries, and I wanted to do something about this.
After a couple of decades of experience in science and technology media, the huge void between what people do in their day jobs and what teenagers know of these industries became very stark. I wanted to fill this void specifically, and the most effective way of addressing...