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.
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.