While researching women's achievements in ancient and modern societies at the New School for Social Research in New York City, Zosia Zaks dreamed of finding a way to convey just how successful and courageous women have been through the ages.

While doing a graduate student research project at a local science center, Zosia determined that boys and girls equally liked the science and technology exhibits, but that the girls were often discouraged in their explorations by the social atmosphere and other environmental factors.

Like many ideas and projects, Intelligirl began in Zosia's kitchen at 3:00 a.m. when it dawned on her that perhaps she could combine computers and women: in other words, perhaps she could excite girls about computers and technology in a way that spoke to their needs and interests. Zosia sat down to design a computer game for girls and Intelligirl was born. She completed the storyboards for Intelligirl's first title as her thesis in December 1999. Intelligirl completed its first adventure game in late 2003, but was unable to bring the title to market due to a lack of capital.

Intelligirl switched gears recently. Gena Daniels, Zosia's partner, came up with a great idea that continues the Intelligirl mission of promoting creativity and technology confidence, but at the same time might generate capital for the video games: Intelligirl Jewelry Maker.

Intelligirl Jewelry Maker allows girls and women to be creative online. Building their own jewelry projects from scratch, girls and women have a chance to express themselves, complete a precious work of art, and have their design manufactured and sent to them at home. While a departure from PC computer games, Intelligirl Jewelry Maker still has as its goal making technology fun, exciting, and relevant for girls and women.

Intelligirl now dreams of doing both online creative multimedia activities and building PC adventure games! When girls have access to positive, fun outlets for their creativity and enthusiasm, they are less likely to fall prey to society's pressures regarding body image or dating status. And when girls have access to computer activities that they can relate to, they are more likely to view technology as important, worthwhile, and within their capabilities.

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Philosophy

Intelligirl is growing. We plan to create a series of CD-Rom games that have at the heart a deep respect for young women and their intelligence, as well as to expand our online activity offerings. We believe that girls have an unlimited range of interests and great potential to succeed in any endeavor. We want girls to have a solid idea about women's abilities to accomplish goals and go after dreams.

Employees