Connecting Communities and Empowering Women in STEM

Janet T. Phan’s path has been anything but ordinary. With the skills and connections she developed at the Foster School of Business, Phan (BA 2009, MSIS 2013) went from a first-generation college student to a senior technical program manager leading globally impactful work at Amazon’s Project Kuiper—and the founder of Thriving Elements, a nonprofit empowering the next generation of women in STEM.

Finding direction at the Foster School

Phan credits Foster’s Master of Science and Information Systems (MSIS) program, community, and mentorship with fostering her growth and preparing her to create meaningful change in both global tech and individual lives. MSIS is a one-year program for working professionals who want to build their careers and leadership skills in the tech sector, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, cyber security, and cloud computing.

“Growing up as a first-generation college student with a low-income background, I never thought it was even possible to get my bachelor’s because of the cost of tuition, room, and board,” she says. However, on a friend’s recommendation, Phan applied for multiple scholarships, grants, and tuition reimbursement programs and received the funding needed to enroll as an undergrad at Foster. She shares more about the scholarship process in her book, Boldly You: A Story about Discovering What You’re Capable of When You Show Up for Yourself.

Discovering a passion for technology and information systems

Initially majoring in accounting and finance, Phan discovered her passion for technology when her counselor suggested pairing her studies with information systems. That advice set her on the path of her current career. “Back then, in 2006, I didn’t really understand what the information systems field was,” Phan recalls. “But it led me to exciting projects and incredible mentors.”

Professor Izic Chon recommended her for an internship at Weyerhaeuser. That internship not only honed her technical program management skills but also connected her with mentor Joseph Peck, who would remain her mentor for more than a decade, through roles at Boeing and PwC. He opened the door for her to take on international roles in Switzerland, working on projects across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Applying MSIS classroom lessons to real-world problems

Phan credits Foster’s Information Systems programs—both undergraduate and master’s—for equipping her with a versatile understanding of technology. “The programs gave me exposure to different aspects of technology, from systems architecture and project management to database concepts and coding. At Foster, you get a well-rounded exposure to the concepts, so no matter what area of technology you pursue, you have some familiarity.”

As she balanced coursework with professional experiences, Phan applied MSIS classroom lessons to real-world challenges. “Every class helped me course-correct or refine how I approached problems at work,” she says. This blend of practical skills and theoretical knowledge became a cornerstone of her career.

Helping girls thrive in STEM

Mentorship played such a profound role in Phan’s journey that she wanted to pay it forward. In 2016, she founded Thriving Elements, a nonprofit focused on mentoring girls to pursue STEM careers. Inspired by her experiences with mentors like Peck, who continues to serve as the president of Thriving Elements’ board, Phan wanted to pave the way for others.

“Our mission is to create access and opportunities for underserved girls in STEM fields,” she says. “It’s about building a path for them to explore what’s possible and rise out of their situations.”

Using tech to improve global connectivity

Phan’s current role at Amazon’s Project Kuiper is deeply connected to her commitment to improving lives. The project, which aims to provide reliable and affordable global internet access, aligns with her personal mission. “When I was expanding Thriving Elements to African countries, I saw how poor internet connectivity limited opportunities. If they don’t have access to information, then these girls won’t get into STEM fields, which could help them get out of poverty,” she explains. “I thought, ‘How can I use my skills to help solve this?’”

Paving an easier path for the next generation

Phan maintains strong ties to Foster. She was the first alum to serve on the MSIS Advisory Board (2014–2017) and now serves on the UW Alumni Association’s Board of Trustees. Through the District Dawgs program, she connects with Washington State legislators to advocate for higher education funding. “I don’t want the next generation to have to work three jobs like I did to pay for school,” she says. She’s also a mentor through Foster’s MSIS mentoring program.

Through her work with the University of Washington, Thriving Elements, and Amazon’s Project Kuiper—along with her book—Phan embodies the values Foster inspires in its graduates: resilience, innovation, and a commitment to making a difference. Her journey shows how education and mentorship can transform not just a career but entire communities.

“This is hard work, but it’s worth it and I love it. It’s the kind of work that makes an impact,” Phan says. “And it all started at Foster.”

Learn more about the Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) here.