Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Kyereme. She and her team share their story with us below:
Girls Dream Code was founded in 2020 by Victoria Kyereme, a software engineer who has worked in a variety of different industries. Throughout her undergraduate and graduate studies in computer science, and working with different software development teams at different companies, there always seemed to lack of women, and especially women of color in those spaces. After volunteering and leading STEM education workshops for youth programs, such as Black Girls Code and TechGirlz in Chicago, Victoria saw the need for STEM education workshops in her hometown, Twin Cities, MN, Victoria was determined to create a safe space for girls of color and girls from low-income households to feel empowered and equipped with the resources and mentorship they need to learn about STEM and excel in the technology field.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has been an interesting road filled with lessons along the way. In the beginning, I started Girls Dream Code by myself, using my own money to organize and facilitate workshops. I used my own money to purchase food for our workshops, educational supplies such as notebooks and pencils, t-shirts and laptops for girls that did not have one. I had to learn how to run a nonprofit organization without having an extensive experience. I learned what works and what doesn’t work as it relates to how we operate our programs and things of that nature. Along the way, I got to work with awesome people that have helped me shape Girls Dream Code, and I am still learning as I continue to grow this organization. It’s all about making an impact, so no matter how big or small that impact is, that is what keeps me going.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a fullstack software engineer. Most of my work has been in web services, web applications and also mobile development. I have worked in a variety of industries such as health insurance, health tech, HR tech, investment banking and higher education. I am always willing to learn new skills and also share that knowledge when I can, which is why I was so empowered to start Girls Dream Code. I know how challenging it can be to learn how to code for beginners that don’t have that STEM background from a young age. So it is very rewarding when I can share that knowledge onto others in a way that is understandable and relatable. That way, I also learn from others as well.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor that has gone through a similar path as you is always rewarding. Finding a mentor that can relate or that is in your corner rooting for you to succeed and grow is the key. I always try to be relatable and not act like I know everything, because everyone can learn from someone, no matter what their age is or where they’re at in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.girlsdreamcode.org/
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/girlsdreamcode
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/girlsdreamcode
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/girlsdreamcode
- Other: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=78PGZBZHTZLSG
