WHS Senior Empowers Girls Through Technology
At just 18 years old, Sara Dustova is already shaping a legacy that transcends borders, bridges digital divides and uplifts girls through the transformative power of technology. A senior at Westfield High School, she’s not only an exceptional student but also on a mission to create a more inclusive and equitable tech landscape.
Dustova’s journey into the world of computer science began in an unlikely way: with a bribe. Her father handed her a copy of Python for Dummies, promising a hibachi dinner if she finished it. What started as a fun incentive quickly turned into a spark. The book ignited a passion for technology that would soon evolve into a purpose.
Recognizing the gender gap in STEM fields, Dustova founded and now serves as president of Westfield High School’s Girls Who Code chapter.
“I wanted to build a space where girls felt confident asking questions and excited to create with code,” she says.
What began as a small group has blossomed into a thriving hub of collaboration, offering workshops, mentorship and hands-on coding experiences.
But she didn’t stop there.
Dustova also launched and leads the school’s Computer Science Club, which welcomes students of all experience levels to explore coding languages and career pathways.
“My goal was to create a community where anyone curious about tech could feel like they belong,” she says.
The club has become a first step for budding developers, fostering not just skills but friendships and self-confidence.
For Dustova, computer science isn’t just a school activity — it’s a global calling. In 2024, she founded Noor Nonprofit, an organization dedicated to empowering women and girls in Tajikistan through digital literacy. As the daughter of Tajik immigrants, she felt a deep connection to her heritage and a responsibility to give back.
“I couldn’t just be thankful for the opportunities I’ve had,” Dustova says. “I wanted to extend those opportunities to others.”
Noor now provides access to technology, educational resources and mentorship programs for women and girls who have long been excluded from the digital revolution.
In an effort to increase her impact, Dustova traveled to Tajikistan this summer to conduct a qualitative research study exploring how access to technology shapes the lives of women in both rural and urban regions. She recorded dozens of interviews, capturing personal stories, challenges and dreams of the women she met.
“The experience was incredibly moving,” she says. “These women are hungry to learn. They’re eager to grow. They just need the tools and someone to believe in them.”
As she prepares to graduate, Dustova’s ambitions are only growing. She plans to pursue computer science and artificial intelligence in college, with hopes of expanding Noor’s reach and influence. Her future plans bring a sense of hope and optimism for the future of tech and social impact.
Whether she’s leading a club meeting, mentoring her peers or listening to the voices of women across the world, Sara Dustova is proof that one young woman with vision, compassion and determination can make a profound difference.
And she’s only just getting started.
For more information, visit noor-bridging-the-digital-divide-in-tajikistan.b12sites.com and linkedin.com/in/sara-dustova-556387260.
