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
AI Hub builds creative space in River Market, giving artists access to business tech, tools
The Midwest needs more resources to help creatives start their own businesses and keep them thriving, said Taylor Burris and James Spikes, who designed a one-stop art incubator to give artists’ innovation a fresh canvas. The husband-and-wife team opened AI Hub — powered by IRIS Creative Projects Agency and with funding from The Porter House…
Why this serial entrepreneur bought ‘a giant beach in Kansas’ (and how he plans to make it KC’s next outdoor hot spot)
Lance Windholz is already digging his new position on Shawnee’s sand volleyball courts: owner. “This deal was about six years in the making,” said Windholz, a serial entrepreneur and small business owner. “I had been playing volleyball out at Shawnee Mission Beach Volleyball three, four times a week — and just thought, ‘Why not own…
Rock Chalk hustle: KU launches ‘Startup Jayhawk’ event series to demystify entrepreneurship
Editor’s note: The University of Kansas’ School of Business is a partner of Startland News. LAWRENCE — A three-day startup event series at the University of Kansas is expected to help shine a spotlight on student entrepreneurship and innovation, said Brian Anderson, noting an intentional effort by KU’s School of Business to make startup life…
Enchanté! Restaurateur bakes her latest hotspot on KC Streetcar line: Each space speaks to me
Some conversations are too special to end with a simple “goodbye,” said Heather White. “Say you’re in France with a group of friends, and you’re having one of those amazing conversations that is just so delightful — when it’s time to leave, you want to say more than goodbye. It’s enchanté!” shared White, the founder…