For Informatics students Thomas Emnetu and Ahmed Ghaddah, the search for belonging and community on campus led to something greater than themselves. 

In fall 2023, they co-founded Black in Informatics (BINFO), a student organization dedicated to fostering the professional, academic and personal development of Black students in the iSchool’s Informatics program. Within just a year, BINFO has grown to around 100 students and expanded to attract participants from across various programs, including Computer Science and Human-Centered Design and Engineering. 

The idea for BINFO came to Emnetu during a vulnerable time in his college experience. The lack of Black students both in his Informatics classes and across campus left him overwhelmed with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. A pivotal conversation with his mentor from the UW Brotherhood Initiative, Paul Metellus, shifted his perspective. Metellus encouraged Emnetu to channel his feelings into action, inspiring him to address the struggles he was facing and ensure that others would not have to go through the same isolating experience. 

"I experienced things that made me question if I belonged," Emnetu shared. "I realized I wanted to do something to make sure others didn’t experience what I had. I wanted to provide a community and safe space for Black students at the iSchool to feel like they belonged." 

To lay the foundation for BINFO, Emnetu conducted initial research, interviewing faculty, staff and students to better understand the needs of Black students within the program. In his outreach, he connected with Ghaddah, who also shared a commitment to uplifting and providing resources for other Black students at the iSchool.

“I want to inspire people from marginalized communities like mine to be able to come into the Informatics program," Ghaddah said. "Finding out this major existed when I came to the UW really changed the trajectory of where my future ended up going. I hope to show that your environment doesn’t define you and that’s why I’m driven to provide value and give back to students from underserved backgrounds." 

With support from the iSchool, including Diversity Programs Advisor Cynthia del Rosario, Emnetu and Ghaddah have established a support system to ensure that current and future students don’t have to struggle to find the resources they need. BINFO’s events, such as resume workshops and networking sessions, have done just that. Students have received candid and transparent advice about the hiring process, helping them navigate college and career paths. 

“It has been an honor to support this incredible group of students in launching BINFO. I deeply admire their passion for giving back to their communities and empowering their peers,” said del Rosario. “Their openness in sharing their own journeys and their commitment to showing students that we’re here for them is at the heart of what BINFO stands for. They’re here to ensure that you have a community, and if you fall, there are people ready to lift you up.”

One of the highlights for student group members such as Informatics student Ammanual Ayalneh was a resume workshop led by the BINFO board. 

"They split us up into groups based on what field we were interested in, like program management or cybersecurity," Ayalneh recalled. "I was able to get direct one-on-one help from the upperclassmen, which actually allowed me to land an internship at Amazon." 

Ayalneh’s experience has inspired him to take on a more active role in BINFO this upcoming school year, as he joins the board as co-president.

Along with professional guidance, the personal connections built within BINFO have become just as valuable both for the board and its general members. 

"Some of my favorite BINFO memories are just staying back after meetings and events to talk with students about their experiences and answer questions about how to build their careers," Ghaddah said.

BINFO has already made a significant impact in the iSchool community. The organization has hosted sponsored events, including one with Deloitte, with more in the works with major tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon. 

"It's been so rewarding to help students dealing with the same struggles I once faced and to demystify the whole college and internship process," Emnetu reflected.

For the 2024-25 school year, BINFO’s leadership team is focused on continuing to connect students with industry professionals, offering mentorship, and expanding their impact within the Informatics program and beyond. They aim to build a future where diverse innovators are at the forefront of technological advancement.

"If you want to go somewhere fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with a team," said Ghaddah. "Community will drive you so much further than doing something alone."

Pictured at top: From left, inaugural Black in Informatics co-presidents Ahmed Ghaddah and Thomas Emnetu and 2024-25 co-presidents Saara Uthmaan and Amanual Ayalneh.