So, there has been this revolution going on inside of this little heart of mine. A tech revolution. I know, I'm just as shocked as you are seeing that I have had about as much interest in technology as I've had in how to build a log cabin by hand (which is an astoundingly miniscule amount).
But as with all things, a change has come about and I am the newest member of this buzzing community. I got introduced to this whole thing by my beau (I'll refer to him as "S" here on out). He works for a major tech company and oozes this industry from his pores (in the absolute cutest way possible of course!)
Anywho, he had told me about a hack-a-thon. Yes, a hack-a-thon. Stick with me here, guys, I know the look on your face. I expressed the same type of confusion, disbelief and sheer uninterest in what, for all I knew was an undercover Star Wars convention.
But alas! I listened with the kindness of a sweet girlfriend and found the concept to be rather......interesting!
So it goes like this: Participants in the hack-a-thon form teams that they will be working with throughout the 24 hour event. They are given a wifi connection, space to work, extension cords for excessive laptop juicing, meals, energy drinks for excessive personal charging and a theme in which they have to work with.
During this 24 techy shut-in the hackers get to work, designing an application that pertains in some way to the theme presented. This could range anywhere from a solution for the water crisis to making life easier for high school student athletes.
Its essentially a big ól creativity party full of thinkers, designers and doers who are ready to put their skills to the test to compete against others in their field of interest. In the end each group presents their created application and judges pick a final winner and often award prizes. $10,000 anyone?
So after S told me about his participation in one I was astounded. Aside from the whole "I'm totally not interested in computer programming"part this sounded like a really good time and an excellent opportunity for those who ARE interested in the tech world.
I did a little research and by research I mean I got utterly obsessive about the tech industry in a very very short amount of time. Reading blogs, peeking through magazines, watching interviews with prominent people in the industry, researching the best start ups, the best products, EVERYTHING. And I kinda got a few heart strings involved.
The gender gap in the STEM and tech industry, although better than before, is still pretty big. There simply aren't enough women with interest and involvement in this ridiculously innovative world. I created this lovely little infographic with a few facts to get you in the know incase you weren't already:
Luckily there are awesome organizations such as GIRLS WHO CODE and THE ANITA BORG INSTITUTE that 'were created exclusively for the advancement of women in technology.
SO....as usual I got an idea....a passion project I wanted to work on:
I wanted to produce and host a hackathon exclusively for high school girl. One that will fuel their interest in the field of technology and allow them to showcase their exceptional creativity and skills in coding. But I wanted this to also be an opportunity where the big hearts of these girls can be showcased as well. The theme for their creations would then be focused on women's advancement as well. I wanted these girls to use their smarts to build something that will support the skills and advancement of other women around the globe.
Well friends. Im excited to introduce:
IGNITE: The only 24 hour coding event just for girls with interest in STEM. IGNITE is an opportunity for participants to showcase their interest, skills and coding creativity to address some of our world's most pressing social issues. Our goal is to ignite female interest in development and power their possibility of changing the world.
What do ya think? Something you think the young girls in your life might want to be a part of?
Keep an eye out as this passion project grows and be sure to take a peek at our website HERE as we continue to develop the programming and event details! If you'd like to be a part of this event in any capacity please feel free to shoot me an email!
Cheers to women in technology and the awesome places they're heading in this world!
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