Background and Founding of Girls Who Code

Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code, recently shared her remarkable journey on Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’s podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder. In a candid conversation, Saujani revealed that if she had applied for the CEO position at Girls Who Code, her lack of coding experience could have led to her disqualification. “I didn’t code,” she stated, sharing her educational background in political science and communications. Her journey began with the experience of running, albeit unsuccessfully, for Congress in 2010 as the first Indian-American candidate.

Impact and Growth of Girls Who Code

Since its inception, Girls Who Code has made significant strides in promoting STEM education among young girls, women, and nonbinary individuals, claiming to have trained over 670,000 participants. The organization has garnered support from influential figures in the tech industry, such as Jack Dorsey and Microsoft. While some similar organizations have struggled amid changing sentiments regarding diversity and inclusion in Silicon Valley, Girls Who Code has continued to thrive.

Personal Reflections and Challenges

During her conversation with Meghan, Saujani reflected on the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs, particularly regarding the sacrifices made while managing personal and professional responsibilities. They discussed the intricacies of balancing business growth with motherhood, illustrating the often unseen struggles that female founders experience.

Saujani shared her personal battles, including experiencing miscarriages and coping with an autoimmune disorder while leading her non-profit. “I was performing in front of these children that I desperately wanted,” she recalled, underscoring the emotional weight of her journey.

Lessons in Entrepreneurship

Throughout the episode, valuable insights into the entrepreneurial landscape were shared. One notable piece of advice discussed was the idea that seeking guidance often leads to opportunities for funding, as elaborated by Meghan: “If you go to someone for advice, you will probably get money.”

Saujani highlighted the necessity for young girls to acquire tools and knowledge that prepare them for future challenges. In light of advancing technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), the need to support women in tech has never been more crucial, given that women represent just 22% of the global AI workforce.

Advocacy for Working Mothers

In addition to her work with Girls Who Code, Saujani has launched Moms First, an initiative advocating for improved working conditions for mothers. Her work has garnered early support from Meghan, emphasizing the importance of making positive changes for women in the workplace.

Reflecting on her mission, Saujani expressed a sense of responsibility, stating, “You lose, you lose, you lose, and then you win,” reinforcing her steadfast commitment to fostering a better future for women.