CAVU Impact Partner: GIRLS WHO CODE CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY WITH CODEFAIR EVENT
In 1995, only 37% of computer scientists were women. In 2012, Reshma Saujani, an Indian-American lawyer and politician, realized that this percentage was decreasing rapidly and became alarmed. She attacked the problem head-on by founding Girls Who Code (GWC). GWC is a nonprofit organization on a mission to close the gender gap in technology. CAVU Securities is proud to support GWC as an impact recipient via the CAVU Impact Pledge which donates 10% of gross revenues from money market fund share classes to nonprofit partners serving underrepresented and veteran communities.
Recently, GWC celebrated its 10th anniversary with CodeFair—a three-day event held in New York City. CodeFair gave former, current, and future GWC members, as well as the public, the opportunity to engage with interactive stations designed to highlight GWC’s signature programs and the work done by GWC students and alumnae.
- The GWC Gaming Lounge featured the work of women in the computer gaming industry. Visitors tested some of the newest gaming technology while playing games coded by GWC alumnae. They also had the opportunity to learn more about the Girls Who Code Girls campaign, which teaches girls how to design game characters.
- At The NFT Art Studio, guests learned precisely what goes into making world-famous digital art and using that art in the creation of NFTs. They also got the chance to create their own unique masterpieces.
- Guests coming to The Encryption Mantra Café received personalized fortune cookies containing positive messages that were encrypted. Using the Café’s decryption tools, they were then able to uncover their personalized mantras.
- The Metaverse Disco was the place for those who like a good party. Using state-of-the-art VR headsets, guests danced the night away with others in the GWC community.
- GWC Cyber HQ allowed those interested in learning about cyber security to get hands-on experience thwarting cyber attacks in a fun, interactive setting.
Another highlight at CodeFair- Reshma Saujani was presented with the first-ever GWC Bravery Award for the work she has done to bridge the gender gap in the computer sciences industry.
Today, girls and young women in 55 different countries participate in GWC programs. Over 50% of these students are from communities that are traditionally underrepresented in tech. GWC alumnae are earning computer science and related degrees at seven times the national average and many of them take advantage of tech internship and job opportunities at GWC’s Virtual Hiring Summits.