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The question of, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” might feel overwhelming and scary – which is totally valid, and so relatable. But, as long as you start with knowing what you’re passionate about and surround yourself with the best mentors and great resources, anything is possible.
Those who already know that they’re passionate about a future career in technology and want to learn more can join G{Code}, which is a non-profit organization designed to educate and empower Black, brown, and Indigenous women and non-binary people to pursue careers in technology.
The G{Code} community will eventually offer a free co-living and co-learning space for Black, brown, and Indigenous women and non-binary people, but for now, they have created the Intro to G{Code} training program, which enables participants to affirm aptitude and interest in tech within a part-time, low-risk, high support community setting before transitioning into tech full time. During this program, participants receive stipends for food, transportation, tech equipment, and other perks to address obstacles to learning. Additionally, the Intro to G{Code} program offers lessons in cutting-edge technology skills and allows members to gain employment experience and connect with a world-renowned network of mentors and advisors.
Following the Intro to G{Code} program, those who are interested in continuing on with their tech journeys will continue to be supported by the G{Code} team and can pursue self-learning, online courses, college certificate programs, 2 or 4-year college degrees, part-time boot camps, full-time boot camps, internships, and apprenticeships.
So, all of this support from G{Code} totally plays a huge part in making that really overwhelming question of, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” feel a little bit less intimidating.
Recently, these six women became graduates of G{Code}, and we want to celebrate them, honor their hard work, and highlight their stories. We hope that their stories will inspire you and remind you that it’s okay if you don’t know right now what the future holds, but that organizations like G{Code} will always be here to help you figure it out.
So, let’s toast to the G{Code} grads!
Aden Gideon (she/her) 32; COHORT 2020
Current Career: I just quit my job as an Admin in Higher Ed to pursue my goal of becoming a software engineer. I received the We Stand Together scholarship from Galvanize to attend Hack Reactor’s software engineer immersive boot camp.
Favorite Memory at G{Code}: I think my favorite moment in G{Code} was our first game night. We all got together, virtually, and played several rounds of “Among Us.” It was hilarious trying to figure out who the imposters were by checking everyone’s vibe/poker face. It was nice to spend time with my cohort members outside of the Sunday morning classes. I also loved our Kahoot quizzes at the top of our Sunday sessions. We were all competitive but also so supportive and proud of each other.
How has being a part of G{Code} impacted your life? G{Code} has totally changed my life. It gave me an opportunity to look into the world of tech and learn of the different routes I could take. I’ve gained a community in G{Code} from the mentors to my cohort mates. On a new journey, it’s easy to feel alone but I have people I’m able to count on and that’s priceless. I’m in the process of pivoting careers and G{Code} is a big reason why I’m able to do so.
Describe yourself with a line of code. tacos === life
Ebony Hargro (she/her) 25; COHORT 2020
Current Career: Software Engineer Apprentice
Future Goals: Senior Software Engineer
Favorite Memory at G{Code}: Seeing the way our cohort hyped each other up when we did our final presentations made me so immensely happy. As each team went, we flooded one another with compliments on style/functionality/concept. This was my first tech community, and to have an environment where everyone was celebrated made me feel so empowered and loved!
How has being a part of G{Code} impacted your life? G{Code} has changed my life. My current apprenticeship was recommended to me by Rizel, one of the program leaders, so I would not have this job without the G{Code} community. Even after the program ended, I maintained connections with many women from my cohort to encourage one another, share opportunities, help each other troubleshoot, and celebrate our achievements! It’s taught me the fundamentals of web dev[elopment], which I rely on daily as I learn new libraries and frameworks.
For somebody interested in joining G{Code} and pursuing a career in technology, what advice would you give them? Find as many free/low-cost resources as possible! I sometimes post interesting opportunities on my website https://www.codenewbiechronicles.com. Also, join the interest list for future Intro to G{Code} cohorts here!
Describe yourself with a line of code.
if (obstacle) {
let ebonyWillOvercome = true;
}
Tae Wilson (she/her) 28; COHORT 2020
Current Career: A full-time full-stack development Bootcamp student
Future Goals: A full-time software developer
Favorite Memory at G{Code}: There was this moment when we were learning javascript and trying to make a dark mode button. We were learning from professionals in the industry and ran into a hiccup that it took all hands on deck to solve. It was kind of an “AHA” moment for me because I realized that I don’t have to be perfect to be a software engineer. Folks with years of experience were making mistakes and working together which is how I took with me moving forward.
How has being a part of G{Code} impacted your life? Career-wise G{Code} really solidified my choice to transition into tech. I had been on a self-learning path before and doing it by myself was very daunting and I was met with a lot of bumps in the road that I thought I wouldn’t overcome. Being in the community of G{Code} introduced me to the community that exists in the tech industry. I was able to be myself with my peers, we struggled together and we helped each other pull through. It’s been a year since my cohort and we still cheer each other on whenever we accomplish something and I’ll cherish my bond with my G{Code} sisters forever.
For somebody interested in joining G{Code} and pursuing a career in technology, what advice would you give them? If I was to give advice to anyone interested in getting into Tech or joining G{Code} it would be to just start! There are so many paths within tech, play around and find out what interests you. One of the best things about G{Code} is all of the workshops they have. You will have exposure to some different paths than just coding to see what sparks your interest in the industry. Also, embrace the community, and don’t be afraid to fail out loud. People here want to see you succeed!
Describe yourself with a line of code.
Colorful and a little sassy
.tae {
Font-weight: italic;
Background: linear-gradient(#e66465, #9198e5);
}
Jessica Peters (she/her) 30; Cohort 2021
Current Career: Language Specialist
Future Goals: Localization Engineer
Favorite Memory at G{Code}: All the Kahoot game moments! It was always fun!
How has being a part of G{Code} impacted your life? G{Code} taught me that everything is possible and opportunities are out there, you just need to work hard and don’t give up! I said this before and I’ll keep saying: my tech journey started with G{Code} and I’ll be forever grateful for this amazing initiative!
For somebody interested in joining G{Code} and pursuing a career in technology, what advice would you give them? Keep on going! Don’t worry, you’ll get it!
Describe yourself with a line of code.
function neverGiveUp() {
try {
workHard();
spreadLove();
}
neverGiveUp();
});
}
}
Mariamawit Loulseged (she/her/hers) 25; Cohort 2020
Current Career + Future Goals: I am an aspiring Project/Product Manager with an additional interest in the UI/UX space. My long-term goals consist of working in the health tech industry. I dream of working on teams that leverage technology to improve healthcare.
Favorite Memory at G{Code}: Shortly after we were all sent home due to COVID-19, I remember feeling extremely excited to reconnect with our cohort on Google Meets. The best part was meeting Bailey’s cute hedgehog.
How has being a part of G{Code} impacted your life? G{Code} instilled the confidence in me to take the leap and explore a career in technology. Gaining exposure to this new industry and learning about the various pathways allowed me to be more informed and intentional when navigating this professional space. Learning with my peers and witnessing their successes inspired me to apply to Apple’s Career Development Program and Aha’s Product Management Fellowship. Big shoutout to our Directors and mentors within our program! – They are always checking in and ensuring that we’re connected to growth opportunities.
What does G{Code} mean to you? G{Code} is a haven filled with brilliant, passionate, committed, and curious individuals. It feels like a home that I can rely on for questions, concerns, laughter, and most importantly inspiration.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your time with G{Code}? Documenting your journey in order to maintain a healthy momentum when learning and growing is extremely important! During my time, I learned that tracking my lessons learned/wins for the day allowed me to appreciate the journey rather than just focusing on outcomes. I have become a journaling nerd because of this.
For somebody interested in joining G{Code} and pursuing a career in technology, what advice would you give them? Don’t be afraid to request feedback when working on your project. I learned the most about the content and myself during these moments.
Describe yourself with a line of code.
- Journaling fanatic
- Reading Nerd
- Dancing Queen
- Beach lover
- Public Health Advocate
Camille Oliver (she/her/they) 27; Cohort 2021
Current Career: Web Content Specialist
Future Goals: Front End Developer
Favorite Memory at G{Code}: Honestly, meeting and gaining a friend out in the LA area. I have lived out here for less than a year and with the pandemic, it was hard to find friends so gaining one from this program was awesome.
How has being a part of G{Code} impacted your life? It was the foundation that got me the job that I have today. G{Code} gave me the confidence to apply to jobs no matter where I was in my learning experience.
What does G{Code} mean to you? It means a place where women and non-binary people can get together and better themselves. A place where your life can change. It is an opportunity to be a part of a community forever if you nurture it.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your time with G{Code}? To ask questions, no matter what. It’s about understanding and slowing down to make sure nothing is missed. Also, to cultivate a community. Nothing is built with no effort.
For somebody interested in joining G{Code} and pursuing a career in technology, what advice would you give them? I would give them the advice to ask questions and to not be afraid to cultivate relationships with the mentors. They can be extremely helpful and you never know where a job may come from.
Describe yourself with a line of code.
Always taking it one day at a time and making my tomorrows better than today