The gender gap in any coding environment is massive, which can make it difficult for some to find their place and thrive within the industry. We Who Code works towards bridging that gap.
Junior club leader Soha Budhani said that We Who Code’s mission is to ensure that everyone feels represented and inspired in computer science fields.
“We wanted to create a space where experimentation is encouraged, mistakes are celebrated as learning opportunities, and everyone feels they belong within the world of technology,” Budhani said.
At We Who Code meetings, students are encouraged to be curious by asking questions to expand their learning and often collaborate on various projects for a more well-rounded learning experience. The club starts with a brief discussion of future goals and projects, workshops, or activities, and then proceeds with the actual activity. The meetings are supportive, helping everyone feel comfortable both contributing ideas and requesting help when needed.
We Who Code has had a variety of different initiatives in the past, such as hosting various speakers from different tech fields, including a producer at LEGO, an AI specialist, and a data scientist at a startup. The speakers give students a view of numerous potential career paths that apply the coding skills they have learned. On top of this, We Who Code recently held a fundraiser for earthquake relief efforts in Syria and Turkey.
The club also encourages members to partake in hackathons as well as contests, which give students opportunities to grow and explore while facing minimal amounts of pressure.
We Who Code recently hosted a workshop at Pinewood’s Lower Campus to introduce the younger students to coding. Members taught Lower Campus students the algorithms behind technology they use frequently. Using games and mini-lessons, the club taught concepts like patterns and logic to the students in a fun and engaging way.
This workshop, alongside many of We Who Code’s projects, were made possible by the club’s advisor, Christine Tran. Budhani said that Tran is truly inspiring, and that she consistently offers thoughtful advice as well as sharing her own experience.
“Her enthusiasm and dedication make every meeting a place of learning and growth, and we are so grateful for her mentorship,” Budhani said.
We Who Code continues to work towards bridging the gender gap within coding. They also hope to hold more cross campus workshops and participate in competitions as a club.
“We invite anyone interested in exploring technology, whether a beginner or a seasoned coder, to join us on this journey,” Budhani said.
