Hello, tech enthusiasts! Join us as we dive into an insightful chat with Reshma Saujani, the visionary behind Girls Who Code, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
In a recent podcast episode titled ‘Confessions of a Female Founder,’ Saujani shared her unfiltered journey, beginning with a humorous admission: had she applied to be Girls Who Code’s CEO, she wouldn’t have made the cut!
With a background in polyscience and speech communications, her path seemed unconventional, especially since she hadn’t coded before. She candidly revealed her past attempt at running for Congress, which ended in defeat, but that didn’t deter her.
Girls Who Code has made waves, reaching over 670,000 girls and women in STEM fields, with endorsements from tech giants like Jack Dorsey and Microsoft. Despite challenges faced by other organizations, Girls Who Code continues to thrive.
During their chat, Saujani discussed the sacrifices female founders often hide while managing their ventures alongside personal lives, including challenges of motherhood.
Listeners found inspiration as they discussed vital topics like social entrepreneurship and the importance of mentorship for female leaders. Meghan expressed a desire for their conversation to encourage others to explore the depths of entrepreneurship from a social angle.
They exchanged valuable advice on funding and the business world, including the adage that help comes when you seek advice—not just money. Mix in poignant personal stories, like Saujani’s struggles with health issues, and the conversation became a rich tapestry of life lessons.
As Saujani reflected on her dual identity as a tech pioneer and a mother, she shared her hopes for young girls, especially girls of color, to enter the fields of technology and AI.
This dialogue serves as a reminder of the importance of representing women in tech and the need for continued support in nurturing future generations of innovators.