Frei Sangil is a data scientist specializing in cryptography and cyber forensics. She co-founded the research and development company Layertech Software Labs, Inc. in 2017, and remains as its President. Frei is a staunch advocate for inclusive digital transformation. She has led a number of research and design and inclusive tech deployment projects with both local and international partners, many of which received recognition locally and globally.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Coding Out of Poverty: ICT Skills and Coding Workshop for Girls in Rural Schools

The project provided 10 teachers and 50 girls in grades 6-12 from rural schools with training on ICT skills, including basic coding, python programming, practical electronics, and cybersecurity — skills that will help them gain an advantage and thrive in the digital age. Mentorship was provided on a weekly basis to each student as she learned new skills and put them to use in various projects. The project culminated with a "Coding Recital" where students presented what they learned to an audience of parents, teachers, local decision-makers, representatives from government agencies, and potential future employers.

"In today's fast-paced world, coding is essential, and this program aligns with our goal of acquiring new skills for our future careers. It's already enhancing our logical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and patience. We're grateful for this opportunity."- Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Frei participated in the IVLP Project Hidden No More: Empowering Women Leaders in STEM, organized by the U.S. Department of State and FHI 360 in partnership with the International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles, World Partnerships Inc. and WorldBoston.

Frei's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award project: "Growing up with very limited resources and opportunities in my province, I've always envied the more well-off countries and the tools and opportunities that they have. This is true for many students and girls in rural areas... As a child, I could only see MIT and Caltech, and NASA in books and TV. But being there in person, and meeting and speaking with these inspiring and amazing scientists and engineers left a very powerful message: You are not alone in this advocacy, you have allies, you have resources, and above all-- YES, IT'S POSSIBLE! We can bring Science and Tech to where it is needed the most."

US Communities Visited

Los Angeles, CA; St. Petersburg, FL; Boston, MA

"The IVLP experience and meeting my STEM sisters exposed me to a wide range of new opportunities, networks, and lessons that will help me as I work on this advocacy of inclusive digitalization." - Frei Sangil

Country: Philippines 

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