Building Empowering Networks The Story of Women Who Code

Women Who Code (WWC) is an illustrious example of women's success in the tech community building. Founded by Alaina Percival and others, WWC has grown into a global non-profit organization serving over 250,000 members. Alaina and her team's journey is a testament to their perseverance, demonstrating how women can lead in creating inclusive spaces that empower other women in tech through workshops, coding resources, and leadership opportunities. ### 2. Overcoming Barriers: Ada's List and Changing the Narrative Ada's List is a revolution in its own right. Created by Merici Vinton, Rosa Birch, Anjali Ramachandran, and Nicki Sprinz, this forum for women in tech has transformed into a platform for change, challenging the industry's status quo. Their untold story lies in their commitment to tackling tech’s gender disparity, fostering a community where women can share opportunities, advice, and support in an industry often dominated by men. ### 3. The Silent Revolution of Black Girls CODE Kimberly Bryant's endeavor, Black Girls CODE, is a poignant example of effecting change from the ground up. Addressing both gender and racial diversity in tech, her organization focuses on providing young and pre-teen girls of color with the skills to occupy spaces in tech fields. Kimberly's story is one of inspiration, showcasing how dedication and understanding of intersectional challenges can build a community that nurtures future generations of women in tech. ### 4. The Ripple Effect of Girl Develop It Corinne Warnshuis’s initiative, Girl Develop It, is an underestimated narrative of success in leveraging community to break down barriers for women and non-binary individuals wanting to learn web and software development. This organization exemplifies how education and community support can together play a crucial role in opening the doors of tech to those traditionally left out, highlighting the transformative power of grassroots initiatives. ### 5. Harnessing the Power of Mentorship: PowerToFly's Global Impact Milena Berry and Katharine Zaleski co-founded PowerToFly to tackle the tech industry's lack of diversity and to provide women with remote and flexible work opportunities. Through their platform, they've built a vast network of women ready to pursue careers in tech, fostered by mentorship and a community that champions women's success. Their efforts underscore the significance of mentorship and flexible work cultures in creating more inclusive tech environments. ### 6. Changing the Face of Tech: TransTech Social Enterprises Founded by Angelica Ross, TransTech Social Enterprises not only acknowledges the presence of trans individuals in tech but actively works to improve their job prospects and skills. This story of resilience and empowerment stands as a beacon for the untold successes of building a community that genuinely respects and understands the value of diversity and inclusivity in shaping a better tech industry. ### 7. Tech Novella: Systers and the Power of Community Systers, initiated by Anita Borg, is one of the earliest examples of women's tech communities. What started as a small email list has evolved into a vast network supporting women in computing worldwide. The real story of Systers lies in its longevity and adaptability, proving that community-driven initiatives have the power to sustain and empower generations of women in tech. ### 8. Unlocking Opportunities: Lean In Circles in Tech Inspired by Sheryl Sandberg's book "Lean In," Lean In Circles in the tech industry have provided a platform for women to support each other in their career goals, share advice, and create opportunities. These circles, often underappreciated, play a pivotal role in building confidence and dismantling the barriers women face in the tech world, demonstrating the strength found in communal support and shared experiences. ### 9. The Unseen Heroines: Moms in Tech Moms in Tech, an online community, serves as an empowering space for mothers working in or aspiring to join the tech industry. This untold story focuses on the dual challenge of balancing motherhood with a tech career, offering resources, support, and inspiration. It exemplifies how targeted communities can address specific barriers, creating pathways for success against the odds. ### 10. Rewriting the Code: Fostering Women's Success in STEM Rewriting the Code is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering college and early-career women in technology fields. By providing educational programs, internships, and a supportive community, they tackle the pipeline issue by ensuring women not only enter but also thrive in the tech industry. Their story spotlights the critical need for structured support and opportunities tailored to women's success in STEM from the outset.