ngGirls set to debut its one-day programming workshop for girls, women in Kansas City
May 23, 2019 | Elyssa Bezner
Developing a “stress-free,” immersive learning environment is key to paving the way for female tech talent in Kansas City, said Alisa Duncan.
“There are a lot of studies about how women learn better when they’re with other women and that kind of support system, so that’s what we’re trying to provide,” said Duncan, program director of ngGirls — the global network aimed at increasing diversity in the tech industry — which has partnered with Kansas City Women in Tech (KCWiT) to deliver a free, one-day programming workshop focused on underrepresented communities.
Click here to read more about KCWiT’s annual TechWalk fashion show that showcased female tech professionals on the runway.
The July 27 workshop is open to women 14 and older, she said, noting that applicants of its previous iterations have been across the age spectrum.
“We’ve had applicants that are 60-years-old and I think that’s really awesome to see,” Duncan added. “What we’re trying to do is decrease the barriers for women in technology fields so that they feel comfortable while learning.”
Previously appearing in cities worldwide, as well as recently in Seattle, Atlanta, and Salt Lake City, the ngGirls workshop is the first of its kind to reach the Midwest region, she said.
“We’re really excited to be the first to give Kansas City women a chance to learn a really valuable skill,” Duncan added.
Click here to learn more about the workshop or apply. The deadline is May 31.
The workshop is expected to use a new Google-developed open-source platform called Angular that operates like a framework for web development, said Duncan, noting the expected 100 students will be aided by 35 chosen mentors to build an interactive app.
“We understand that not everybody wants to be a developer, but may be looking to augment to their current profession that may be tech-adjacent,” she said. “We just want to make sure they have that opportunity.”
Transportation issues or a lack of access to the needed technology should not be barriers to education as well, she added, noting that ngGirls might be able to provide assistance, as needed.
Click here to learn more about ngGirls.
2019 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Meet the cohort: ScaleUP! KC’s latest brew hits with some familiar flavors, faces
A new group of ready-to-scale entrepreneurs — including a half dozen boosting beverage businesses — were unveiled this week as ScaleUP! Kansas City prepares to help the cohort create new jobs, open new locations and strengthen the regional economy. ScaleUP! KC’s just-announced participants hail from a diverse cross-section of industries — from home insulation to…
How an animal health leader’s $130M investment in KC will boost its fight against canine parovirus
ELWOOD, Kansas — A $130 million investment from global animal health leader Elanco is a testament to Kansas’ pro-business economy, said Laura Kelly, lauding this week’s expansion announcement and its plans to bring 70 new jobs to the region’s animal health corridor over the next two years. “Elanco’s expansion not only is creating new job…
Staying transaction-ready in uncertain market conditions
Editor’s note: The perspectives expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. The following is a paid thought leadership piece from The Ferguson Smith Cohen Group at Morgan Stanley. In the face of market uncertainty, one thing private companies can control is their “transaction-readiness” for an IPO or secondary offering. Discover three things a company…
Zee underscores artists’ need for positive venues; creative powerhouse opens pocket of support
Zahra Briggs developed her creative voice in Kansas City; now she’s setting the stage for fellow independent artists who struggle to find venues that match their vibe — and often have to pay to perform. She’s even creating a version of herself in the metaverse to open access further. A singer and songwriter herself, Briggs — who…