Our vibrant community of women are forging their own path in tech.

As a first generation muslim women in tech, I initially felt very alone and scared when deciding to do cs. However, ever since joining the rtc community I have been able to connect with so many likeminded women and find the support I was longing for.

Rewriting the Code has given me something that’s often missing when navigating tech early in your career: visibility into how others are actually doing it. Through the community, I’ve been able to see how women approach internships, research, graduate school, and industry roles in very real ways. That kind of transparency makes the path feel less abstract and more achievable. Being part of a community like RTC also means not figuring everything out alone. Whether it’s advice on interviews, sharing opportunities, or simply seeing people a few steps ahead of you, it creates a network where learning and growth feel collaborative rather than competitive. For me, success in tech means building systems that solve meaningful problems while continuing to grow both technically and intellectually. I want to contribute to work that has real-world impact while helping make the field more accessible for the people coming after me. Communities like RTC make that kind of long-term perspective possible.

You know, in my first year of computer science, I’d look around the lecture hall and just feel... alone. I was surrounded by people, but I didn't feel like I was part of a community. I thought maybe I just wasn't cut out for it. That all changed when I stumbled into a Women in Computing Science (WiCS) event. For the first time, I was in a room where I didn't have to explain myself or feel like an outsider. I found my small, tight-knit group—the people who became my study partners, my cheerleaders, and my friends. That experience is exactly why I ended up serving as the Technical and Communications Coordinator for three years. It wasn't just a title; it was personal. I remembered how lost I felt, and I was determined to make sure other students, especially younger women, found their people sooner than I did. We'd host workshops and networking nights, and the best part wasn't the RSVP numbers—it was seeing a first-year light up when they connected with a mentor, or when someone realized they weren't the only one struggling with a concept. It was about building a space where people could be their full selves, not just "the only woman in the room." That sense of belonging is everything. It turns imposter syndrome into confidence, and isolation into a support system. It’s what makes people stay in tech, grow, and eventually lift others up too. I’ve lived it, and it’s why I’ll always believe in the power of community.

I grew up in a place where people openly said that “women don’t do coding,” and for a long time, I didn’t have anyone around me who believed otherwise. I didn’t know any women in tech, I didn’t have a support system, and I definitely didn’t have a community that understood what it felt like to step into a field where you’re told you don’t belong. Finding RTC changed that for me. For the first time, I met women who looked like me, had similar backgrounds, and were going through the same challenges—from struggling through CS classes to trying to figure out internships and career paths. Through RTC, I met people who encouraged me, shared resources, and made me feel like I wasn’t doing this journey alone. Some of my favorite moments were attending RTC events, like the eBay event and the NVIDIA one. Being in those spaces—surrounded by other women in tech, hearing their stories, learning directly from industry professionals—made everything feel real. It gave me confidence and showed me what was possible. Belonging matters as a woman in tech because so many of us come from environments where we’re told we don’t fit, or we’re the “only one” in the room. RTC gave me a place where I didn’t have to explain myself or prove that I deserved to be here. I could just learn, grow, and connect with others who understood the journey. To me, success means continuing to break those expectations I grew up with, building a career I’m proud of, and lifting other women the same way RTC lifted me. It’s about growing not just as an engineer, but as someone who helps open doors for the next person.

RTC has been one of those rare communities where I’ve actually felt seen and supported. It’s not just about tech talks or career tips — it’s about having people who get it. The doubts, the imposter moments — there’s always someone who understands. As a woman in tech, finding that kind of belonging matters so much. Sometimes you’re the only woman in the room, and that can feel isolating. But being part of RTC reminds me that there’s a whole network of women out there cheering each other on, sharing opportunities, and lifting each other up. For me, success isn’t a job title or a salary number. It’s waking up excited about what I’m building, learning something new, and helping someone else along the way. RTC has played a big role in shaping that version of success for me.

I’m a Hispanic, first-generation woman in tech, and being part of RTC has honestly changed so much for me. When I first started studying computer science, I constantly felt like I was playing catch-up, like everyone else already knew what they were doing, and I was just trying to find my place. Through RTC, I found women who looked like me, who shared similar stories, and who reminded me that I do belong here. That sense of community has kept me grounded through tough classes and endless debugging sessions. Rewriting the Code has opened doors I didn’t even know existed. The mentorship programs, Slack channels, and networking events have not only helped me grow technically, but they’ve also given me the confidence to put myself out there. Because of RTC, I’ve found internships and connected with women who push me to aim higher every single day. Finding community and belonging matters so much as a woman in tech, especially when you’re often one of the few in the room. Having a space where I can be honest about my struggles and still feel celebrated for my wins has made all the difference. RTC isn’t just a professional network — it feels like a sisterhood where we lift each other up and remind one another that our voices matter. To me, success isn’t just landing the dream job or the big title. It’s about growing into a version of myself that I’m proud of: someone who can turn around and help the next girl who feels lost, just like I once did. Success is seeing more women, especially women of color, taking up space in tech and knowing I played even a small part in that change.

Growing up as a first generation Muslim women in tech, I always felt a lack of community and belonging. In college I was fortunate enough to volunteer and be a part of various clubs where I could find this sense of community. Now that I am working, sometimes it feels a bit different. I board the red line train every morning at 7:14am sharp, like a mindless toad on a log. As I go about my daily 45 minute commute, I can’t help but look around and wonder about those around me. Do they also work in tech? Why are they going to work so early? Do they have a stable job in this economy? I think about these mundane questions almost everyday like clockwork, picking at my own brain to feel a sense of something. For the longest time I couldn’t help but wonder why I always questioned so much stuff on the train, and then it hit me. I was seeking a sense of community, trying to relate to these people I see everyday at the same time. And that’s when I decided to join RTC, and since then I feel like I have found a sense of belonging. I found answers to these questions, not in a literal sense, but through a sense of community. It gave me guidance and reassurance, a space to explore and seek advice. I was able to reach out to other members and make friends, and hear their stories. So TLDR, RTC has given me a family in my post college apocalypse of questions. Before I didn’t know how to navigate the work world, and felt lost very often. That’s why I think it’s so important to have a community as women in tech. Through RTC I have found friends, advice, and resources that have helped me in my pursuit for feeling “normal” in a not so normal time in corporate America. For me, this ease that RTC has given me is success. Success to me is being comfortable in my current stage of life, not panicking and crashing out in corporate America, and having other women who hear, empathize, and relate to me. Success for me used to be about making sure I was employed and at the top of everything, but now I see the importance and value seeking the bigger picture, because sometimes if you miss the bigger picture you get lost. And I’m grateful that RTC has given me this guidance to not feel lost in a huge world. Now I feel less lost on my commute, not only on the train but on the world :)) (commute photo attached)

I joined RTC last year when I was a junior university student. One of my biggest challenges, back then, was the lack of opportunities. But after joining RTC, I started actively following the opportunities shared on the Slack channel, attended workshops shared by members, and applied for several programs, like the AWS She Builds Mentorship Program 2025. Through RTC’s mentorship program, I also got my resume reviewed, which helped me pass resume screenings and land interviews with Google and Amazon last year, and Bloomberg this year. I was also privileged to receive annual LinkedIn Premium and a 3-month Neetcode Premium subscription through RTC. I was able to message recruiters directly because of the linkedin premium, and I learned System Design(this knowledge has been helping me a lot when I architect my projects) because of the neetcode supscription I got offered from RTC. Beyond opportunities, the community support has been very heartwarming. Seeing RTC members celebrate my wins, like when I passed the AWS Solutions Architect Certification exam or landed my first freelancing client, is a wholesome experience. Being featured in the Community Wins and Meet Series posts also gave me great exposure. I have tried to give back too, I used to share company-specific LeetCode problems when I had premium access to help other members prepare. After experiencing how empowering this supportive women-in-tech community is, I decided to take that spirit back to my campus. I’m now the Training Program Manager for our campus women’s club, "Thrive", a space dedicated to uplifting women in tech. When I was a DSA trainee at Africa to Silicon Valley (A2SV), there were moments I doubted if tech was really for me, mostly because during weekly contests, the top rankers were always men. Situations like that can make you feel like you don’t belong. But seeing RTC women in the community getting into Apple, Big Tech, and doing incredible things constantly reminds me that I do belong. That’s why communities like RTC really matter. To me, success means being financially stable in a career I love and value, while also being a source of help, inspiration, and happiness for others, because I find a big satisfaction in the impact I have on people.

I joined RTC in college during the pandemic, at a time when I felt deeply isolated. Meeting new people, hearing their stories, and having a space to ask questions and share advice helped me feel connected again. RTC gave me a community when I needed it most, and I still stay involved because it continues to be a meaningful source of support. There's a saying that you may go fast alone but you can only go far with others. I really believe that now, and view success as rooted in connection. My story and experiences matter, and success means using them to lift up my community, whether through engaging in RTC conversations or representing RTC in my workplace and beyond. True success is shared progress, not solitary achievement.

At first, I heard about RTC from a friend on campus. After I joined, I received a lot of support. The first opportunity was getting LinkedIn Premium last year, and the second and most overwhelming opportunity was getting the chance to participate in NSBE 2025 Chicago. RTC covered the flight, hotel, rides, and food; they handled every detail. This made me really happy to see that there is a community that supports me. Also, because I am part of RTC, I learned about the Last Mile Education Fund, which helped me at a critical time when my PC broke at the hinge in the middle of the Spring 2025 semester. Because they provided support, I got a new personal computer. I can’t express how thankful I am to RTC; they have done amazing things for me as I continue my academic journey, especially when I struggled financially. Finding a community for women matters because we feel heard, seen, and able to grow. Success, to me, is when it goes beyond the title and gives back to the community. Eyael Lera

RTC helped me connect with a lot of women in tech. They have helped me by sharing their experiences and their journey and motivated me when I was thinking I can’t make it. Success for me is currently is being paid for all the hard work I have put in so far and to help other women who are having doubts about themselves.

RTC community has supported me because it has given me confidence that is is possible to land a big tech internship and eventually a job. RTC always has many events to reach my goals. I was recently awarded in the summer neetcode for three months by RTC. This was very supportive and helpful for me. As a woman to be able to find community and belonging matter because there are hardly any women in the CS classes as it is mostly men. It is important to know one belongs. Success looks like to me to be able to mentor women and teach. This is so that they have a journey and road map that they know will eventually be realized. When I first started the CS class was full and the professor added me from the waitlist. Later I was told by this amazing professor that he added me because he felt that I belonged in that class. This amazing professor told me that I was good and that he believed in me. I remember I went home and cried out of happiness to know someone believed in me and felt I belonged in the tech community. In my mind I had no other option than to make it.

The RTC community has been my biggest support in tech in so many ways. As the first girl from both sides of my family to go into tech, I had no support or anyone to look up to or ask questions. I joined RTC a bit later, around junior year and it felt so great having met women just like me who were also first generation engineers. I was inspired by their stories and it was really great meeting them at tech crawls and other opportunities I was given. Through RTC's job fair, I got the opportunity to meet recruiters and see what companies I wanted to join. Finding community and belonging matters so much to me as someone who grew up as an older sister and with less support in tech. I feel so much more seen and less alienated as a women in tech because of the ratio of men to women in my classes. With RTC, I bond so well with the women here and I feel so fortunate to find an accepting place where I belong. To me success is where I feel finally content. My "contentness" is when I finally get a job where I feel comfortable and seen and I have stability in both family life and with my friends. Nothing else matters to me as long as I can stand on my own two feet without any dependence on anyone and if I have the time to spend with my loved ones.

How has the RTC community supported you in your journey? The RTC community has supported my journey by creating a safe and encouraging space for me to connect with other women in tech who are new to their careers! I recently moved to Seattle and also am a career changer. RTC has given me the opportunity to meet new friends, some who are even co-workers now ☺️ Why does finding community and belonging matter as a woman in tech? Finding community and belonging is so important as a woman in tech because sometimes it can be hard to see yourself fitting into the tech space and imposter syndrome can kick in. Knowing that there is a community who shares similar experiences and people we can connect with and learn from is very inspiring. What does success look like to you? To me, success looks like being in a space where you are happy, feel supported, learning every day, and have a strong community.

The RTC community has been a constant source of encouragement and growth throughout my journey in tech. From thoughtful workshops to supportive peers and mentors, I’ve found a space that not only celebrates technical achievement but also uplifts the voices behind the code. Being surrounded by people who genuinely believe in collaboration over competition has pushed me to take creative risks, explore new technologies, and advocate for others along the way. Finding community and belonging matters deeply as a woman in tech because it reminds us that we are never alone in navigating the challenges of underrepresentation. A strong community turns isolation into empowerment, it transforms doubt into confidence and creates room for shared learning, mentorship, and authentic connection. Spaces like RTC show that belonging isn’t something to search for, it’s something we build together. To me, success isn’t defined solely by personal milestones or titles; it’s about creating impact that extends beyond myself. It looks like building tools that make a difference, mentoring other young women, and continuously learning with curiosity and humility. True success is when I can look around and see more women empowered to take up space in tech, just as RTC empowered me to do.

1) I first heard about Rewriting the Code through another student in SHPE at my university. At the time, I was still trying to figure out where to start in tech like what roles existed, how to build the right skills, and how to eventually land a job. Joining RTC gave me both direction and confidence. I appreciated the opportunity to attend office hours with recruiters from major companies and ask questions about what they look for in candidates. The social meetups also helped me connect with other women in computer science who share similar dreams and struggles. Being part of RTC has made me feel more confident and proud of who I am, a first-generation, low-income Latina woman in tech carving her own path. 2) In the past, I’ve had uncomfortable experiences at career fairs where men focused more on asking me out than on my skills or goals. That’s why having a strong network of women in tech matters so deeply. It creates a space where I can feel safe, respected, and inspired. We understand each other’s challenges and lift each other up when the industry feels isolating. Through RTC, I’ve also learned how to manage burnout and discovered empowering opportunities like the Harvard WECode experience, where I got to meet exceptional women, students, and representatives from companies that truly value inclusion. Without communities like this, many women might leave the field altogether. It really does take a community to raise someone. 3) To me, success means earning a role at a major tech company where I can become an expert in my craft, and then turning around to mentor the next generation of women in tech. My journey hasn’t been easy. I was told not to pursue computer science because I didn’t receive STEM education in high school, and at one point, I was even removed from my college’s engineering program. But I found the strength to come back, prove myself, and keep going. I would tell my younger self to never take “no” as an answer. Every challenge I’ve faced has made me more determined to create the representation and community I once needed.

Rewriting the Code has been such an important part of my journey since the very start of my master’s. When I joined, I was just trying to find my place - new country, new environment, a lot of uncertainty. But RTC instantly made me feel like I belonged. Over time, it’s brought me amazing friendships, mentorship, and so many opportunities to grow. Volunteering as a Hub Leader and hosting events has been one of my favorite parts. I loved being able to create those same connections for others - bringing people together, sharing stories, and seeing that sense of support come to life. As a woman in tech, having a community like RTC really matters. It’s easy to feel like you’re figuring everything out on your own, but being part of a group that celebrates your wins and lifts you up when things get tough makes such a difference. To me, success isn’t just about reaching big milestones - it’s about growing, learning, and helping others along the way. RTC has really shaped that perspective for me. It’s shown me that success feels the best when it’s shared, and when you’re surrounded by people who want to see you thrive.

Success looks like having a strong community around you that is there for you and can support you no matter where you are in your career. RTC helped me meet new people when I was interning at Amazon in Seattle this past summer, as well as helping me further my career during the career networking/resume review sessions.

As a woman in tech in a country like Pakistan, interacting in a tech-related community has been an overwhelming process for me, but ever since I've started socialising in RTC and making use of their knowledgeable events, I feel more like a part of a community than ever. The events are perfect as they're not too long and provide so much important information about excelling in your career, such as going to conferences, resume making, applying for jobs, etc. I have also received mentorship through RTC, and it was extremely helpful, and most importantly, the environment was really welcoming. I have started seeing changes in myself as a person as well, including not being too overwhelmed with the thought of turning on my mic and/or the camera to interact with people from all over the world, as well as share my ideas and thoughts without fear of judgment. For me, success looks like a point in my life where I can proudly say, "it was all worth it", and I know I'm far from it, but I wake up every day and I keep going.

The RTC community has been a big part of my growth since I started in tech. Coming from a background where I didn’t have many examples to look up to, being surrounded by people who genuinely want to see you succeed made a huge difference. They encouraged me to share my projects, like my first full-stack web app and my HPC research, and reminded me that I belong in spaces where I once felt out of place. Finding that sense of belonging, especially as a woman in tech, means having people who understand both the technical grind and the self-doubt that can come with it. To me, success isn’t just about landing an internship or publishing a project; it’s about constantly learning, creating something meaningful, and making sure others can grow beside me, just like RTC helped me do.

I joined RTC in my freshman year after the president for the Women In Computer Science (WICS) in my school told me about it. As an international student that was still finding her way in the states and trying to succeed academically, RTC provided me with a community of other women like myself from different states and countries and I've made some of my closest friends from RTC. I specifically remember finding the Salesforce FutureForce Tech Accelerator posting on the opportunities channel and applying, only for a recruiter to reach out to me a couple days after saying she had found me from the RTC slack. Now as a Sophomore, RTC has become a space where I can learn from others, ask questions without fear of criticism and connect with other amazing women within and outside the US who share similar goals and drive for success. Growing up in Nigeria, the computer class I took in my three years of senior secondary school only had 4 girls but 10 boys. As someone who had a small stature and couldn’t really speak up for herself, I was very easy to pick on and most of the time my opinions were not heard, so I often felt isolated. That’s why when coming to college, one of my goals was to find a community of women in tech myself because that early isolation taught me how vital representation and mentorship are. Now I serve as the Outreach and Partnerships lead on the WICS E-board, sourcing funds and partnering with companies like Google, Figma and many more to bring great opportunities to WICS members and other computer science students on campus Success to me looks like being able to secure a full time Project Manager or User Experience Engineer role at a company whose products I'm passionate about. During my time at college I've come to discover my passion for working on teams and building projects that are very user focused. A huge part of my interest in tech is centered around how I can combine building products with intuitive user interfaces and also income yielding products. Working such a job would afford me the luxury to bring my parents to visit me in the states and travel with them, especially since that’s something they couldn’t really afford to do with me and my siblings while growing up. And most importantly, success to me is living a life that glorifies Christ. For without him, there is nothing I can do.

RTC gave me a community when I was lost switching into tech. After my first big internship landed me in NYC, it was the community of RTC that became my friends and confidants as I navigated living across the country and the corporate world. Being able to learn and grow along with other woman like me empowered me both inside and outside of my career

I recently joined RTC a couple of months ago. I was able to attend the virtual career fair, which was incredibly useful. Many companies presented their internship programs, and I had the opportunity to speak directly with recruiters, current employees, and interns to ask questions. As a woman in tech, finding community with other women in the field is something I truly value. I actively seek out similar communities at my university as well. Having people who understand me and support me throughout my journey provides encouragement and guidance to overcome challenges. To me, success means accomplishing my career goals while making a meaningful impact in the tech industry.

It is really funny how I got introduced to RTC. I met this girl Vy at a career fair queue in a huge conference back in Oct 2024. We connected on LinkedIn JUST so that she could hold my place in the queue for a bit. Now Vy was such a kind woman that a few months later she reached out telling me how wonderful RTC has been and I immediately registered for the same. The ball was rolling and I got accustomed to the platform and applied for grants. I received one such grant called All Builders Welcome Grant to attend AWS Re:Invent 2025 all because of the initial ripple. RTC has kept the momentum of motivating and empowering individuals stuck in the current job market. I have personally found the sessions for Recruiting Ramp Up series especially helpful. This is a community which I look forward to hearing from. A little bit about me: I am a fresh MS CS grad and would like to work in the AI/ML and Cloud space. In order to do so, I learnt most of the Data Structures and Algorithms and I am currently consistent with Leetcode. I would appreciate the premium account to solve more problems and prepare well for my online assessments. RTC has provided with a supportive community throught my journey from being a Masters Student through graduating in Spring 25 to my current job hunt. Being surrounded with like minded people has uplifted me more time than I can count and RTC can take the credit for it. I simply check the slack during the day to check for updates. As of today success look like being a lifelong learner and I am working towards it . I am doing certifications to be updated about tech and topics I am curious about. It also means imparting knowledge to those who are curious and can benefit from my experience.

Being part of a community of women in STEM outside my university has meant so much to me. We share opportunities, help each other through challenges, and celebrate every win together. The RTC community reminds me that success isn’t only about personal goals but about growing together. Finding that sense of belonging matters because seeing women who support and inspire each other keeps me motivated and confident.

Hi, I'm Mahima – a software engineer at a fintech in Bay area. I graduated with a CS degree from USC in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic, and like many women in tech, I started my career feeling like I was constantly proving I belonged. RTC supported me in ways that went beyond code reviews or interview prep – it was about real human connection. Early on, I was grinding through LeetCode problems alone in my apartment, failing mock interviews and doubting if I even deserved the dev role I landed. RTC's resume workshops and mock interview sessions directly helped me prep for my promotion to mid-level engineer. As a woman in tech, belonging isn't a nice-to-have – it's survival. The stats don't lie: women hold only about 25% of computing roles, and we leave the field at higher rates due to isolation, bias, and lack of role models. I've felt it firsthand – walking into meetings where I'm the only one not assumed to be "the designer" or having my ideas credited to a male colleague. Belonging means seeing women like me in leadership panels, hearing engineers share imposter syndrome hacks, and building networks that lead to referrals. Success is the ping in RTC’s #job-offers channel that isn’t mine—but I helped write the resume. It’s my mom bragging to her friends that her daughter “fixes the internet” (close enough). It’s logging off on Fridays to play board games without the Sunday dread of Monday’s standup. And honestly? It’s the day I stop noticing I’m the only woman in the room—because there are five of us.

Honestly, when I look back at how things have gone so far in my tech journey, RTC has been there more times than I can count. Whether it was figuring out how to talk about myself in interviews, needing honest feedback on my resume, or just feeling lost and unsure about what to do next, someone in the community was always there. Sometimes it was advice, sometimes it was encouragement, and other times it was just a “you’ve got this” message that came at the right moment. Those little things added up and made a huge difference. Being a woman in tech can be tricky. There are times when you walk into a room and realize you’re the only one who looks like you. That feeling sticks with you. There are also moments when you try to explain something you’re struggling with, and it just doesn’t land the same way with male colleagues. But with the women in RTC, I don’t have to over-explain. They get it. They’ve been there. That kind of understanding feels like a breath of fresh air; it’s what keeps me feeling like I belong here. For the longest time, I thought success meant getting that “dream job” everyone talks about. But now, it feels different. Success, to me, is when I’m learning new things, gaining confidence, and seeing myself grow even when it’s messy. It’s when I can turn around and help another woman who’s just starting to feel like she has a place here, too. That’s what it means to win, at least for me.

When I first joined Rewrite the Code, I was a 19-year-old undergrad sitting in a dorm room, staring at lines of code that made me feel like an outsider. Everyone around me seemed to belong they spoke confidently about algorithms and internships while I quietly wondered if I was cut out for tech at all. Then I found RTC. And for the first time, I didn’t feel invisible. This community became my safe space a place where women didn’t compete, they lifted. Through mentorship sessions, late-night threads, and messages from women who’d once felt the same fear I did, I started to see myself differently. RTC gave me courage to apply for roles I thought were out of reach. An RTC alum reviewed my resume and told me, “Own your story.” That one sentence changed my life. I got the role. Since then, I’ve grown from a hesitant student into a researcher whose work has been accepted at NeurIPS. But no matter how far I go, RTC remains the reason I stayed in tech when it was easier to walk away. It’s more than a community it’s the foundation of my confidence. I’ve been preparing hard for upcoming interviews, keeping a consistent LeetCode streak for over a year now. But I can’t afford the Premium subscription my parents are helping me financially, and I’m not earning yet. If given this chance, I’ll make the most of it. I’ll turn that access into results and one day soon, I’ll share the good news that I landed the job I’ve been working toward. Because for me, this isn’t just about a subscription it’s about a promise. The same way RTC believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, I want to prove that belief right.

I remember graduating from undergraduate studies in 2023 without a job offer in hand and feeling clueless. I found myself frantically looking through online resources and this is when I first learnt about RTC and their mentor program. The first person who I scheduled a chat with through the initiative was Jasmine Yadeta. Jasmine had a very calming and inviting presence to her and she gave me a lot of valuable tips and tricks to navigate job search. More than what she said, how she said things stuck with me. She made me feel that I was not alone and that gave me so much hope that cut to 11 months later, I found my first role and she was one of the first few person who I reached out to to thank! Success to me looks like growing and helping people around you grow into becoming the best version of themselves.

RTC has been incredibly supportive throughout my recruiting journey. Even though I’m still in the process, seeing how generous everyone is with advice, encouragement, and resources has made a huge difference. It’s comforting to know that I’m part of a group where people genuinely want to see each other succeed, whether that’s through sharing interview tips or offering to review resumes. Finding community and belonging matters because it reminds you that you’re not alone in spaces that can sometimes feel isolating. As a woman in tech, having people who understand your experiences helps you stay confident and motivated. It also creates a space where you can both learn from others and uplift those coming after you, it turns individual growth into collective progress. To me, success isn’t just about landing a job or reaching a personal milestone. It’s when everyone in the community feels seen and represented, when people who share similar passions and values are growing together and opening doors for each other. Success is collective; it’s when your progress contributes to something bigger than yourself. Thank you RTC for everything you all have been doing!

When I first joined RTC, I was navigating that uncertain space between grad school and starting my career in tech. The transition felt exciting but also overwhelming, especially as a woman trying to find her voice in rooms that often felt too quiet for us. Through RTC, I found not just guidance, but genuine belonging. The community reminded me that I wasn’t alone in figuring things out, whether it was debugging a tricky algorithm, preparing for a system design interview, or simply learning to speak up with confidence in technical discussions. What makes RTC special to me is the shared sense of purpose. Every message, session, or story from another member feels like a quiet nudge that says, “You belong here.” It’s a space where we lift each other up, celebrate wins big and small, and remind one another that persistence matters just as much as brilliance. For me, success isn’t just landing a dream role or building complex systems, it’s being part of a community that encourages growth, celebrates authenticity, and opens doors for the women coming next. RTC has shown me that when women support each other, success stops being a destination and becomes a shared journey.

When I think about my journey in tech, it hasn’t been a straight path; it’s been one of resilience, hope, and finding community when doors felt closed. I come from a place where women’s access to education was taken away overnight. Suddenly, my dream of becoming a computer scientist, something I had worked years toward, seemed impossible. But I refused to let that be the end of my story. When classrooms were shut, I turned to the online world, learning in silence, late at night, through every free resource I could find. That’s when I found Rewriting the Code (RTC). It wasn’t just a community, it was proof that I wasn’t alone. RTC gave me a sense of belonging in a field that often feels isolating for women, especially those who’ve had to fight simply to study. Through mentorship, workshops, and stories from other women, I learned that strength isn’t just about coding better; it’s about showing up, again and again, even when the odds are stacked against you. For me, success isn’t defined by titles or tech stacks. It’s when a girl in my community sees what I’ve done and thinks, “Maybe I can do that too.” It’s when I build something that makes learning more accessible for others, because I know what it feels like to be left out of it. RTC didn’t just support my career, it helped me rebuild my belief that I belong here. It reminded me that my story, even with its struggles, has value. And that, to me, is what real success looks like.

Switching pathways from medicine to computer science has been one of the most stressful and challenging situations I've faced, both academically and mentally. Entering a completely new field without any prior programming background felt like a giant hill to climb. In the beginning, the learning curve was steep and things didn’t “click” right away, which made me question whether computer science was really for me. Joining RTC changed that. Finding community with other women has been a huge source of encouragement and motivation to keep going. Knowing that I'm not alone and that many others share the same experiences as me has given me the confidence to stay committed. RTC not only offers resources that support my academic and career growth, but it has also become a place of belonging and refuge. Seeing other women succeed, uplift each other, and thrive in tech has shown me what’s possible. It’s inspiring to witness the achievements of those ahead of me and feel excited for what I can accomplish too. To me, success means being independent while uplifting others. It means asking for help when I need it and offering support to others whenever I can. I hope to continue growing in this field and contribute to the same cycle of empowerment that has helped me find my place in tech.

As I entered college with a computer science major in mind, I had no idea where to start. Networking, courses, jobs - I was lost, and as an international student in a small liberal arts women's college, the resources in computer science are limited and not up-to-date. That was when I found out about Rewriting the Code (RTC) after doing some research. I consider RTC my second college, where I feel connected with other women in STEM, where I do not feel hesitant to ask questions, and where I have the opportunities to show my technical skills. I remember Black Wings Hack was my first hackathon, and even though my team did not win, I had a chance to network with my four amazing teammates and build a website to tackle food insecurity for college students. Additionally, I had my first tech internship this past summer in the Greater Seattle area, and attending Seattle RTC's get-together and company events made me feel connected, as someone who was new to the area. That was the community I was looking for: a place where I could see myself moving forward and a community where I could help other women who are in the same boat. My definition of success does not only include my achievements, but also others. As a current teaching assistant, I am invested in helping other students understand the content materials so that they will do well in class. As a computer science major, I want to help future students who are interested in learning more about the field. At RTC, I feel a tremendous sense of joy whenever I can help other people with their questions. Therefore, other people's success is also my success, because I believe a great community is where everyone goes up together.

How has the RTC community supported me in my journey? I joined Rewriting the Code (RTC) in early 2024 after seeing a post from someone I know who now lives in the U.S. Her profile mentioned "software engineer" under the organization, and I was curious to learn more. I created an account and joined the Slack community. To be honest, at first I just wanted to see what the organization was about. I had done some bootcamps in tech by then and had some experience, but I didn't have huge expectations. However, my experience as an RTC member as a university student studying engineering in Nigeria, Africa, with the goal of getting international opportunities and working at global companies as a software engineer was beyond anything I could have imagined. While preparing for summer internship applications, I joined the RTC Career Summit last year. Though I couldn't apply to some companies because of my location, the gifts and resources I received transcended geographical boundaries. In no particular order: the LeetCode and LinkedIn Premium vouchers were game-changers. I got interview invites from several top companies including Google, Meta, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, and Bank of America all hiring interns in the EMEA region. Without those tools I got from RTC, I don't think I would have been able to prepare or ace the interview stages. The confidence this gave me, combined with the support of going to the Slack community and getting help from other women from around the world who are currently navigating the same life stage I'm in it's been exceptional. I love the resources, the events with hiring partners, and the community. My confidence in what I can achieve, my belief that I can grow to certain levels in my career and work at global companies building products that people use daily all of this has grown exponentially. Why does finding community and belonging matter as a woman in tech? Finding community and belonging as a woman in tech means everything because it transforms isolation into possibility. When you're a Black woman from a low-resource country and a low-income family, a first-generation student navigating tech spaces that weren't built with you in mind, seeing other women who understand your journey who've walked similar paths and succeeded gives you permission to dream bigger. The RTC community showed me that my location, background, and circumstances don't define my limits. Having access to women working at companies I aspired to join, getting advice from those who've faced similar challenges, and being part of a space where my ambitions are normalized rather than questioned. What does success look like to me? Success to me means that I can dream of being anything I want to be. It means working as a software engineer at a global company and building products that help people achieve something better in their lives. It means walking through life confidently as a Black woman from a low-resource country and a low-income family, as a first-generation student, knowing that I can dream and achieve anything I set my mind to. By next year, I know I'll be working full-time as a badass engineer at a company I love, giving back to women who also want to walk this path, and being an inspiration for people like me. This is also a shout-out to RTC: It's been a year and a few months that I've been in this community, but even time cannot buy or replace the invaluable resources, connections, community, and hope I've gained from being a member of this community.

I’ve been part of RTC since my bachelor’s in India, so this community has been with me from the very beginning of my tech journey. When I started planning for my master’s in the U.S., I spoke with RTC mentors who were already studying here, and their advice helped me shortlist colleges and understand which locations and programs were the right fit for me. After I joined my university, I found out that one of my seniors was also an RTC member, which made reaching out to her feel very natural — she guided me through course selection, internships, and even on-campus applications. As I settled in, I wanted to give back the same kind of support I had received. I hosted Buffalo’s first RTC Gather event for the new fall intake, helping them the way I was once helped. I also got the chance to introduce RTC to more students on campus, which made me feel genuinely proud of the community I belong to. The resources have been incredibly helpful too — LinkedIn Premium, NeetCode Premium, the virtual sessions, resume and interview prep — all of these made me feel much more prepared and confident. RTC hasn’t just supported me academically or professionally; it has made me feel like I’m growing with the help of people who genuinely want me to succeed. Being a woman in tech can sometimes feel lonely, especially when you don’t see many people who share your experiences. Having a community means you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. You have people who understand the challenges without you having to explain them. There’s comfort in seeing others like you doing well — it reminds you that you’re not an exception, you’re part of something bigger. Community brings encouragement, confidence, and a sense of belonging that makes it easier to keep showing up and keep growing. For me, success isn’t just about a title or a job offer — it’s about feeling like I’m moving forward while staying true to who I am. It means being able to help others the way I was helped, having the confidence to take on new opportunities, and not being afraid to aim higher. Success feels like reaching a point where I can look back and know I didn’t do it alone, and I now have the chance to open doors for someone else.

When I got my first internship, I was in a new city all alone. Attending RTC events allowed me to connect with other interns and network with various companies. In my next internship, I was in a different city. RTC continued to provide opportunities to meet people and make valuable connections. Finding community and belonging was very important because it was an outlet for fun and friendship outside of working.

The RTC Community has been nothing but an acceleration in helping me figure out my journey through tech. From the starting, I have been able to connect with like minded individuals and also experienced peers who have helped me avoid common mistakes that people generally tend to make in their early careers. Additionally the community's resources have been very helpful and has introduced me to things that I was not familiar with earlier and that has really helped me gain confidence in my tech skills. Besides tech, this community has also helped me understand that it is okay to ask for help whenever you feel stuck as someone has walked your path before and asking for help isnt something to be feeling bad about. As someone who is the first women in tech in my family there are alot of times where I feel like I have encountered a dead end with the issue I am facing but this community always comes through and helps me figure things out. Being part of this community has help me gain confidence in myself and also helps me navigate through imposter syndromes. The tech career nowadays is so expansive, navigating it alone feels distant and scattered. Having a community helps in exploring more ideas and gaining more knowledge than one can gather alone. Alongside having a community helps in keeping an open mind as people often have different views that helps in broadening of out thoughts. Sometimes tech can feel like a battlefield as there is so much to figure out as a woman but having a community which is helpful makes that battlefield like a playground. I know that it is a typical answer to say that success for me is not monetary but rather an inner fulfillment of achieving what I wanted. As someone who comes from a middle class family, success for me is when I wont have to see my father struggling, my mother worrying because finances this month have not been good. Success for me is when I can provide my family with their wishes alongside also having a fulfilling life myself. Success, personally for me will be a river sometimes steady sometimes turbulent but at the end of the day it will keep flowing and I will keep on growing and excelling in my domain. Also success will be when I am able to give back to my community as I dont think that I will be able to achieve success without them.

As a woman in tech, I often face discrimination - in my college classes, I was one of the only 4 women in my multivariable calculus class. Even in my CS classes, my entire project group are men, and they pretty much lead by themselves and assign me nothing to do because they believe that I am incapable of doing my job. When I told my mentor this, she recommended me to join RTC, which I am glad I did. Going through the channels make me really happy seeing that there are people like me who are thriving in this community. I think finding like-minded peers and a sense of belonging is very important to personal growth; it shows me what's possible and it inspires me to follow their steps. The RTC community has been very supportive of one another on the slack channels, and I really enjoy all the perks/ opportunities given through RTC. Success to me looks like doing something that I enjoy and believe in, without caring what others think. While I am still exploring different areas in tech, I am leaning towards either building a startup, or working in the fintech community. There are a lot of people who didn't believe in me and wished failure upon me, and i would love to not only prove them wrong, but to prove myself right - not for validation, but to show myself that I can do everything that I want.

I think the RTC has supported me in my journey by being able to connect with others and find opportunities to thrive. Finding community and belonging matters as a woman in tech because I believe all should have equal opportunity to access education. Success to me looks like being able to achieve your goals in the long-term in short-term, no matter how big or small.

I have always joked that I am the chief executive officer of my family, but there is a lot of truth in that. As the only daughter of Mexican immigrants, responsibility found me early. I helped raise my youngest brother, translated important documents for my parents, and figured out how to keep our home running, even when I was still learning how to be a kid myself. That forced me to grow up fast, but it also taught me how to lead, how to communicate, and how to stay calm when everyone else is unsure. When I joined Rewriting the Code, it was one of the first times I felt like I did not have to carry everything alone. RTC gave me a community of women who understood the pressure of being first, of pushing into spaces our families have never entered before. The career support and mentorship have helped me technically, but what has mattered even more is the sense of belonging. Seeing other women succeed reminds me that I do not have to shrink myself to fit any room. Community matters for women in tech because the reality is that many of us still walk into classrooms where we are one of only a few. It can feel isolating and exhausting to constantly prove that we deserve to be there. Being part of RTC reminds me that I am not the exception; I am part of a growing movement. When we support one another, we change what the tech industry looks like and who it is built to serve. Success to me is not only about a job title or the company on my badge. Success looks like continuing to lift my family up while making room for others like me in tech. It means using my voice so the next Latina in a CS class feels less alone and more powerful. I want to build technology that creates opportunity and to remain grounded in the community that raised me. That is the kind of success I am working toward every day.

The RTC community has played a pivotal role in my growth as a woman in tech. Through the UK Opportunities Slack channel, I discovered internships, events, and learning resources that helped me gain early exposure to the industry. At one point, RTC even sponsored three months of NeetCode Premium, which deepened my understanding of data structures and algorithms and helped me build a more confident problem-solving mindset. The community’s guidance also extends beyond technical support. RTC is currently helping me organise an event at my university to represent women in tech, giving me the chance to create impact locally. I’ve also attended multiple RTC partner events, including The Bright Network Festival at the start of my career, which helped me connect with mentors and peers who continue to inspire me. Finding community and belonging as a woman in tech is what keeps you inspired and resilient in an environment where representation still matters deeply. I’ve seen firsthand how impactful that sense of belonging can be. If I hadn’t found encouragement through communities like RTC, I might not have been as motivated to put myself forward for opportunities or even win a prize for a research poster I created representing women in tech (image attached below). Representation builds confidence; it’s what pushes you to show up and share your voice. I’ve had the chance to represent myself at multiple women-in-tech insight events with major companies like American Express, NatWest, and Goldman Sachs, and each experience reinforced how vital visibility and inclusion are. When you see other women leading, innovating, and supporting one another, it reminds you that you’re not alone and that’s incredibly powerful. To me, success means growth with purpose, constantly learning, challenging myself, and making an impact that reaches beyond my own achievements. It’s about staying curious enough to keep improving my skills, confident enough to take initiative, and kind enough to lift others as I grow. Whether it’s developing innovative software during my placement at Nomura or empowering women through initiatives at university, I see success as creating value that inspires and opens doors for others. Opportunities like LeetCode Premium will help me continue building that foundation and move one step closer to pursuing my dream roles in big tech where I can apply my skills, creativity, and determination to contribute meaningfully to the future of technology.

I came to the United States from India in 2024 with big dreams in my eyes and one clear goal in my heart, to make it into a FAANG company one day. I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Computer Science at the University of Florida, and every single day here has been a mix of challenges, learning, and small victories. Life as an immigrant student has not been easy. Everything feels new and different, from the culture and people to the taking loan in rupees and paying bills in dollars. There are days when it gets hard, but I still wake up every morning with the same thought in my mind. I have come this far, and I will keep going. Recently, I have been learning advanced algorithms like red black trees. It has been difficult, but I enjoy the process because challenges help me grow. Every new concept I understand, no matter how small, feels like one step closer to my dream. Some days I spend hours just trying to make sense of one problem, and even if I fail, I make sure I learn something new before I sleep. I have realized that every day counts. Whether it is solving a coding question, watching a lecture, or just talking to someone more experienced, I try to make each day meaningful. Slowly, all those small efforts are adding up, and I can see myself becoming stronger and more confident than before. Being part of the RTC community has truly been one of the best parts of my journey. Having access to a space with more than forty thousand women who are ambitious, intelligent, and incredibly kind is inspiring. I get to ask questions, learn how others approach problems, and understand what makes successful people think differently. It feels amazing to be surrounded by people who genuinely want you to succeed. The career events organized by RTC have also helped me in ways I never expected. I was able to connect with recruiters from companies like NVIDIA, Salesforce, Figma, and GoDaddy. For someone like me, who is still building her network in a new country, that means a lot. It gives me hope that opportunities are within reach if I just keep learning and showing up. RTC has given me more than just professional support. It has given me a sense of belonging and confidence. As a woman in tech, being part of a community where people understand your journey makes a huge difference. Talking to women who have already faced similar challenges gives me courage and clarity. It reminds me that I am not alone and that I can keep moving forward. For me, success is not just about getting a good job. It is about growing, learning, and building meaningful connections along the way. Success will be the day I can call my parents and tell them I have made it, and hear the pride in their voices. It is about learning something new every day, both in technology and in life. And one day, I want to be in a place where I can guide others, share what I have learned, and help them find their path just like others have helped me. Getting Leetcode Premium would be a huge help in this journey. It would allow me to understand question patterns, strengthen my problem solving skills, and prepare more effectively for interviews. More than anything, it would remind me that hard work, persistence, and the right community can truly change your life.

The first day I arrived in the US I came without a bottle of water, and if there is any indication of how unprepared I was for life here, it should be that. I stood at the Boston airport with a parched throat and looked around with dry eyes and lips chewed up. I saw a shop, and walking in, I thought about how to be polite in American, an accent I thought I should be familiar enough with, considering the number of TV shows I watched. But when the lady asked me, “How are you today?” the only words I could say were, “Um, this water please.” As the cashier rang the $5.99, my mind rapidly calculated how much that was in rupees, how it took a chip at my very massive student loan. She returned the change in cents, a currency I could not quite understand quickly enough to not be a nuisance to the people standing in line behind me. I ducked out of there and thought to myself how I would save every penny in this country I felt so alone in. Months later, RTC found me, and for the first time, I didn’t feel like I was figuring everything out completely on my own. It genuinely shocked me that someone looked out for us the way this community does. When I joined, I was just hoping to find a few opportunities, but I found something bigger I found people who cared, checked in, shared resources, and quietly reminded me I wasn’t alone in this. RTC has been there through every small and big thing: when I got the NeetCode free subscription that made interview prep easier, when I met some of the most amazing friends through the Slack channel, when I got to talk to recruiters from huge companies like NVIDIA, and when I met a mentor who genuinely looked out for me. Every time something good happened, it somehow tied back to RTC, a message, a thread, a kind reply from someone who didn’t even know me but still wanted to help. As an international student, things have been hard, but RTC has had our back every single time. It gave me people to count on, stories to learn from, and the comfort of knowing there is always someone on the other side of the screen rooting for me. Finding community matters to me because it’s really easy to forget that you belong here when every room feels slightly tilted away from you. As a woman in tech, belonging is not just about being in the room, it’s about not feeling like you have to shrink to fit in it. Community gives you a place to breathe, to speak, to ask questions without apology. For me, RTC has been that space. It’s where people answer questions you’re afraid to even ask, where someone says, “You’ve got this,” and you start to believe them. Belonging matters because it turns survival into growth. It reminds you that showing up is enough, even on the days you’re unsure, and that there’s space for softness here too. I think about my mother a lot when I think about success. She didn’t get to finish college, but she dreamed in color. Sometimes I feel like I carry all those backlogged dreams in my backpack, next to my laptop and notebooks. Success, for me, looks like building the kind of life she once imagined for herself. It looks like being brave enough to take the chances she didn’t get to take. It looks like building a table and then pulling up more chairs. It’s not loud or shiny. It’s steady. It’s kind. It’s being proud of who I’m becoming and knowing that somewhere, she’d be proud too.

Kindness and genuine care shines throughout the community and I am so grateful to have participated in so many amazing opportunities and met other lovely women in tech! I feel more confident as a woman in tech and know that I can rely on the RTC community to support me. Rewriting The Code has shown me a supportive and welcoming community that has helped me throughout my college experience and I hope to give back to the community in the same way!

I first discovered the RTC community through a fantastic mentor who was a couple of years older than me in school. She got her job at Adobe after networking with a recruiter at an RTC career fair and said that joining RTC was her main piece of advice for support and job searching after university. Now, about a year later, I completely agree, and RTC is my first recommendation to every woman in tech. In the last few months, I have had so many opportunities to grow through the RTC events. From mentor circles to downloads to the virtual career fair prep sessions, the RTC community has really supported me in every way. I have learned how to keep my eyes open for opportunities, how to balance burnout and ambition, and how I can best prepare for the nightmare that is job searching. Finally, just a couple of weeks ago, all of these lessons really paid off for me as I received a dream job offer from a company that I met through an RTC event. I simply could not be more appreciative of the members who were so willing to give advice and support me through this process. Finding a community of people who intimately understand your struggles and challenges is not an easy feat. It is even more difficult to find those who will celebrate every win with you, and that is the beauty of RTC. The current job market and much of corporate life can be very disheartening, especially when you don't feel like you are necessarily welcome in the space. Yet, I walked away from every RTC event feeling empowered and surrounded by the women around me, and that is the true value of representation and community. Success to me is being able to feel comfortable and confident in the spaces that you aim to be in.

Through RTC, I found someone to room with for MIT reality hack and we went on to place in the top 10, and she turned out to be a really cool friend! I probably would not have went at all and had this great experience if it wasn't for RTC.

Hello RTC Team, I stumbled upon RTC on LinkedIn after searching tirelessly for a women in tech community. I was going through one of the worst possible times after getting rejected from the last rounds of 2 really promising internships and I was feeling really dejected and confused. RTC provided me with resources and community that I truly value, especially the resume reviews, guidance from other women who are working in the industry, also all the wonderful folks coding together and keeping each other accountable through leetcoding together. Finding a community that helps you grow is extremely important and I truly value the impact RTC has had on my life. For me success looks like being proud of the work I have done, and producing a positive impact on the world.

RTC has opened doors to countless opportunities for my growth and success in the field of computer science. Through their recruitment workshops, networking events, and invaluable resources, I discovered a vibrant community of fellow girls in STEM, which allowed me to connect and establish a strong support system. Over the past year, I actively participated in various RTC events, seeking opportunities to advance my career. Although job searching can be a daunting and exhausting process, knowing that I was navigating this challenging journey alongside other girls made me feel far less alone. As a result, I successfully secured summer internships for both my sophomore and junior years while also building a strong network of industry professionals through RTC. Coming from an all-girls middle and high school, I grew up in an environment where I never classified tech as a "male-field." In doing so, I was able to explore my interests in computer science and software development from an early age through app development, robotics, and more. I truly believe that finding a community empowers us as minorities to push beyond our limits and reach our fullest potential. Women in tech have boundless opportunities ahead of us and RTC supports each and every one of us in this demanding field. By meeting peers, mentors, and future co-workers through RTC, we can keep a strong community of girls to foster a strong and supportive learning environment. Seeing more women pioneers in tech will motivate younger generations to find tech not as an intimidating male-dominated field, but a field that they can dive into and thrive in. I define success as being in a position where I am continuously learning and improving as an individual while giving back to the community that has brought me up to this point. I believe the journey of learning never ends and I hope to continue this process.

The RTC community supported me on my journey by exposing me to different ideas and communities, and learning from them has been a delight. I really love the Slack, and even though I am unable to enjoy the in-person events, it is still fun to see others having fun! I live vicariously through these experiences. Finding a community where I feel I belong really matters because you need a touchstone for yourself in this unstable job market. It truly helps to have encouragement and inspiration from people in the community. Success for me looks like having a secure blanket to fall back on while trying out new things. Thank you, RTC, for all the support!

Moving from India to the United States was indeed a turning point, everything was new: the culture, the system, and all that. It was rather exciting, but to be honest, it was very overwhelming at the start. Then RTC came into the picture and I knew that the whole situation just fit. It very soon turned out to be my secure place,a community rich in really caring, encouraging, and motivational people who made me feel exactly the same way. RTC has brought me along in the different sectors of my life like a holistic development. Starting with career fairs that linked me to the amazing opportunities, tech sessions that increased my abilities, and lastly, mentorship, which, of course, was there when I was in the dark,all of that came together. Plus, there are all the resources and subscriptions,( yes, I have used all of them, lol) , that helped me get my resume up to scratch and boost my confidence. I also got to go to RTC events, which were a little bit out of my comfort zone but also a great way to find my voice. Now, I am going to the GHC as a SpecSquad Ambassador, the last thing I would have thought of when I started this journey. RTC deserves a big part of the credit state,thanks to the mentorship, encouragement, and wonderful people who never fail to remind me of the possibilities that lie ahead with community support. RTC did not only give me the tools; it has also provided me with the attributes of self-assurance, acceptance, and a family. Being a female in the tech industry can sometimes cut you off from others but the presence of a community makes things completely different. Women who have faced the same trials and continue to face the challenges give you hope when you are among them. Their narratives lead you to think that if she could make it, so can I. That feeling of belonging is what keeps you steady, inspired, and courageous enough to take more significant steps. For me, success is not measured by the positions one holds or by the times one is in the limelight, but rather, it is all about progress. It can be the process of acquiring a new skill, personal development that happens ceaselessly, contributing to someone else's advancement, and being authentic. Therefore, looking at my past and acknowledging that I have developed, acquired knowledge, and influenced others whether significantly or insignificantly means that I have succeeded according to my personal criteria.

I got to know about RTC in summer 2025 through a friend. Once I joined the slack, I got to know all the pople who have been getting interships at Google, Meta and Amazon are here asking for advice and so I started doing the same. For OAs, for course prep. I personally find communities as a super fast way to get introduced to someone or some opportunity. and it does help fast track my growth. Success to be looks like being a better me

RTC was a great way for me to connect with other people who share the same passion for tech as me. Over the past two summers in Seattle, I attended various meet-ups and events and created life-long connections. My first summer was the first time living on the west coast and I was feeling nervous being so far away from my friends and family. Through RTC, I found a welcoming community that not only helped me navigate a new city but also gave me tips on how to work in a corporate environment. RTC made my transition to Seattle so much smoother since I knew I had a strong support system to rely on. I cherish the memories exploring Seattle's nature, food, and culture with so many RTC members. By my second summer, those connections had grown into lasting friendships that made Seattle feel like home. In the end, RTC gave me the confidence to thrive both personally and professionally.

Reflecting back on my very first experiences in tech, there was no one to guide me. I didn’t have anyone who helped me understand how to navigate classes or internships, or handle the discomfort that comes with being one of the only women in classrooms full of men in STEM. Joining RTC in my second year, I was able to connect with women with similar backgrounds and goals for the first time in my life. I was welcomed into a space where I could ask questions without hesitation. Being in a minority group in STEM is hard. It was often intimidating for me to ask a man for advice about internships, and I've also had discouraging experiences and been subjected to gatekeeping. RTC was the opposite. Whether I had a question about a company, a question about an upcoming interview, or even a question about a course, I would just send a message in the Slack channel chats, and someone would respond and help. The energy was supportive, unconditional, and uplifting. There was even a point when I was considering switching majors, but RTC offered me hope and support by reminding me I was not alone. Being a woman in technology is a challenge. But being an INTERNATIONAL woman in tech brings extra challenges, honestly. That's why I am SUPER grateful for this community. For me, success is giving back to my community, RTC, Colorstack, and the people who have supported me, especially my parents. I hope to return as a Software Engineer and help others in the community, just as I received support. For me, success is honouring God, every opportunity, every mentor, and every experience that shaped who I am today.❤️

RTC stands for true support of women, and that is so special to me. As a brown woman of color who moved here for her Masters degree amidst the turmoil of today’s world, RTC events make me feel safe. I am so grateful to get to attend and learn from such intelligent and resilient women around me and I’m glad I found this community! I have attended workshops at my university as well as others like Tufts and the summer of code events and always felt like I belonged. I’ve also recommended so many junior women to join and they love it as well!

I am a new grad and I didn’t know really know what rtc was until like my 7th semester. Going through undergrad i was never really part of any club or anything. As an international student it was hard for me to fit in. I came across rtc portal through a friend of mine. I really liked it. Went in my application and was super hyped when i got accepted. Since then, for atleast the past 10 months or so RTC has supported me in this tough job market no matter what. Whether its like a stupid question like how do i reach out to people to how to prepare for interviews and everything, RTC has been there for me. Finding this community and belonging means everything to me. Specially as an international women in tech, this year has proven to be tough. But I know that this community has my back and no matted what I can rely on RTC. This gives me so much confident and comfort. Success means a sense of belonging to me and a system I can rely on. In the next 5 years or so, thats all I am trying to find, A place i can call mine and a community i can help build.

RTC has been a great community in my Computer science and job search journey. From connecting with wonderful women like me who are passionate in technology to getting tips and advice about job search. I have enjoyed the Neetcode subscription as well as the LinkedIn premium which have been really useful in my job search and connecting with people. Finding community and belonging matters as a woman in tech because there are not many women in tech, therefore seeing other women succeeding does not only inspire me but also shows me that it is possible. Success to me is making sure that every other women/girl coming behind me knows their full potential, chase their dreams fully and has community. I aspire to mentor, support and direct those younger than me so that they can believe in themselves and succeed just as so many women in RTC have supported me as I pursue my career in Technology.

I am an international student, and it’s been just a year since I moved to the States. At first, everything felt unfamiliar — a new culture, a new education system, and the challenge of finding where I truly belonged in the tech world. I often felt like I was trying to figure things out alone, unsure of where to start or who to turn to for guidance. I kept hearing about Rewriting the Code and how it empowers women to grow, connect, and lead in tech. The way the RTC community supports and uplifts women instantly inspired me. Even though I joined only a few days ago, the sense of belonging I’ve already felt is incredible. Seeing thousands of women share advice, celebrate achievements, and offer encouragement makes me realize that I’m not on this journey alone. That’s what community means to me knowing that someone out there understands your struggles, celebrates your wins, and reminds you that you belong. Finding community and belonging matters deeply as a woman in tech because representation fuels confidence. It shows us what’s possible. Being part of RTC reminds me that I’m not just chasing a career, I’m part of a movement rewriting what it means to be a woman in this industry. To me, success isn’t just landing a dream job; it’s growing into someone who lifts others along the way. My dream is to become a strong engineer and one day help other women the same way RTC is already helping me.

I joined RTC because I was looking for support. In many of my classes and spaces, I am often the only woman, the only Latine person, or sometimes both. At first, I simply wanted to find people who understood that feeling of being the only one, but what I found was so much more. I was immediately surprised by how expansive and supportive this community is. Suddenly, I was not alone. I had access to study partners, mentors, and role models who reminded me that my voice and perspective matter. What has meant the most to me is how RTC connections can happen anywhere. I have met people at conferences, even in random cafés, and we immediately felt bonded and united through RTC. For the first time, I understood what true support feels like. I found people who genuinely want the best for me, with no hidden agenda, people who celebrate my wins wholeheartedly. It was something I had to grow used to, because before RTC, I had not experienced this kind of community. Belonging matters deeply because it is easy to feel invisible or out of place when you do not see others who look like you. Being the only one in the room can make you question yourself. With RTC, I learned that I do not have to walk this path alone. I see women ahead of me thriving in their careers, and peers who are facing the same challenges I am. Knowing that we are lifting each other up changes everything. It gives me confidence to take risks, apply to opportunities, and continue in this field. I struggle with self-belief and often feel like I am my own biggest hurdle, but RTC has helped me reframe how I see myself. This community gave me courage to trust my abilities, to keep growing, and to know I belong here. For me, success is not defined only by a title or a company. Success means becoming someone who can keep breaking barriers while creating space for others. It means being able to look back and say that I did not just survive as the only one, I built a bridge so that the next woman or the next Latine student feels less alone. It also means continuing to learn, gaining confidence in what I create, and being proud of the solutions I bring to the table. Most of all, success is being able to pay forward the same encouragement and support that RTC gave me, so that others can feel celebrated and seen.

The RTC community has been an incredible source of support throughout my journey in tech. Connecting with other women who are on similar paths has made me feel less alone and more confident in my goals. Hearing their stories, sharing our challenges, and celebrating each other’s wins have given me encouragement and a sense of belonging that I didn’t always have in my classes or internships. The resources, workshops, and opportunities shared through RTC have also helped me grow both in advancing my technical skills and in shaping the kind of professional I want to become. As a woman in tech, finding community and belonging means everything to me. There are times when I’ve felt left out during conversations with classmates or coworkers, simply because I was the only woman in the room. Having this online community reminds me that I’m part of something bigger. A network of women who understand, support, and uplift one another. It’s empowering to know that I can turn to this space not just for advice, but for genuine connection and encouragement. To me, success means reaching a level of understanding where I know my work so well that I can explain it clearly to anyone, and having a community to share that knowledge with. It’s about growing in confidence, mastering my craft, and helping others along the way, just as RTC has helped me in my career path.

The RTC community has supported me in so many ways - from job searching and networking events to connecting with amazing women around the world. It’s been a space where I could collaborate with like-minded people, not only on tech projects but also through open conversations on Slack about topics like mental health and neurodivergence, and how we navigate them in real life as women in tech. As a recent post-grad, RTC made me feel truly welcomed and helped me grow both personally and professionally. I love seeing and hearing RTC women share their stories online, and it amazes me even more when I get to meet them in real life events as well. It even inspired me to get more involved in other communities, such as PyLadies Boston, where I now serve as a Data Analyst. Empowering women is something I deeply value, and as I continue to learn and grow in my career, I hope to give back to RTC by mentoring others and supporting their journeys as well as it's an important way to empower women in tech. Success to me looks like a community that thrives, grows, and creates together - especially when it's women in male-dominated fields such as technology.

The RTC community has been an invaluable source of support throughout my tech journey. One of the biggest helps early on was the access to LinkedIn Premium that RTC provided - it really opened up opportunities for me to network, connect, and explore new career paths. As a woman in tech, it's not always easy to find others who share similar experiences. It can feel isolating at times, and connecting with people who truly understand those challenges can be difficult. But through RTC, I found a space filled with women who are passionate, driven, and supportive. Seeing so many women in and around me working in tech and striving to grow has been deeply motivating. It's reassuring to know that whenever I need advice, guidance, or even just encouragement, there's a community I can turn to. Beyond that, RTC's career camps, fairs, and meetups - especially the ones in Boston - have been amazing experiences. I've had the chance to meet incredible people, learn from their journeys, and feel a sense of belonging that's hard to find elsewhere. In the middle of all the day-to-day chaos, RTC has felt like a refreshing getaway - a place that reminds me why I started and where I want to go. Finding community and belonging as a woman in tech truly matters. Historically, women haven't always been represented or encouraged in this field. While that's changing now, it's still not as common to see women in technical roles, and that can sometimes make you question yourself. I remember one of my college counselors once told me that as women, we often doubt ourselves - we wonder, "Do I really know this? Am I capable enough?" - while men are usually more confident about their skills and expertise. Having a community like RTC helps bridge that gap. It builds confidence, self-esteem, and the courage to speak up and take your space in the room. For me, being surrounded by strong, talented women has made me believe more deeply in my own abilities. When I think about what success looks like to me, it's not just about titles or recognition - it's about making an impact through my work. I currently work at MGH in research, and I love how data can tell stories, uncover insights, and ultimately help improve lives. My dream is to work in big tech - maybe in a FANG company - as a staff data analyst or researcher, using data science and research to make meaningful change in the world. To me, success means continuously learning, growing, and using my skills to make a difference - whether that's saving lives through data-driven research or inspiring other women to step confidently into tech.

RTC has supported me by giving me a community filled with women like me who are working hard towards the same goal. It has been nice going to conferences or meeting other students who are part of RTC and even though we just met it feels like we have a shared history and something in common. Being part RTC, has also been great conversation starters when someone sees the hashtag on my LinkedIn or recruiter sees it mentioned on my resume. They are intrigued to know more about it and I hope they have been encouraged to support. Finding the right community matters the most for me because it gives a sense of belonging. I have been in offices where there has only been one other woman working there, but now I see more girls and women like me getting into tech roles and I’m confident that I will have other women working with me in tech roles in the future. To me success, is knowing that I worked hard and persevered even when it was hard. Despite the time when it felt easier to give up or to stop trying, I still persevered and continued. And even though I may have set backs I feel successful because I gave it my all, my best and went against what others may have said was impossible for me.

Moving from India to the U.S. was a lot. New country, new people, new everything. But then I found RTC , and honestly, it changed everything. I met some of the most supportive, kind, and inspiring people who made me feel like I belonged here. The guidance I’ve received has been amazing, both in building my technical skills and helping me grow as a person. I’ve learned how to speak up, share my ideas with confidence, and just be myself in front of people. I’ve also had the chance to participate in RTC events, which has been such a confidence booster and a reminder that growth happens when you show up. RTC didn’t just help me build connections, it helped me find my community!! Being a woman in tech can feel lonely sometimes, but community changes that completely. When you meet other women who’ve been through the same ups and downs, it gives you courage. Their stories make you think, “Okay, I’ve got this too.” It’s that shared energy that pushes you past the imposter syndrome. For me, success isn’t about titles or big moments,it’s about progress. One step, one win, one small improvement each day. If I’m growing, learning, and helping others along the way, then I’m doing something right.

Whenever I go out for an event, I am always proud to let people know what organizations I am a part of. I attended a Thurgood Marshall College Fund event in Atlanta, and in front of over 400 people, I introduced myself, stating my school, major, and that I am also a part of RTC. After the event, many girls approached me to talk about RTC and how we joined. I shared with them how I have received mentorship, made connections, and gained LinkedIn Premium, which has really helped me connect with recruiters. As a woman in tech, I am often surrounded by many males in class, hackathons, tech events, and other gatherings. I am glad to be part of a community of women who are always willing to support and push each other further. Success, to me, looks like checking off what I want and plan to do. It's not always about winning; it's also about making the effort, applying for jobs, pitching my ideas, and submitting my projects for review. Each time I take action and am not idle, I know I am on the path to success.

Finding community and belonging as a woman in tech matters because it reminds me that I’m not alone in navigating spaces where we’re often underrepresented. Being part of communities like RTC has shown me the power of connection—how sharing experiences, advice, and encouragement can turn uncertainty into confidence. As a first-generation student and Latina pursuing computer science, I’ve faced moments of doubt, but seeing women who look like me succeed helps me picture my own success more clearly. Belonging gives me the motivation to keep pushing forward, not just for myself, but for the next generation of women who’ll step into these spaces too.

As a non-traditional, working student, energy and time are precious. RTC helps me focus my efforts in the right places with their resources, and the community uplifts me when I’m feeling down. Finding community and belonging matters so much to me as a woman in tech because women are often made to feel inferior for reasons outside of their actual ability. We can do anything, and community is there to always remind us of that. Success to me means being able to afford generosity with my time and resources so I can give back.

The RTC community has been an incredible source of guidance and encouragement throughout my transition into tech. Coming from a data science background, I was initially nervous about pivoting into cybersecurity, but RTC made the process feel approachable. The mentors and peers I’ve met have shared resources, study tips, and personal experiences that helped me stay motivated and confident. More than anything, RTC gave me a space where I could ask questions freely and feel supported by people who genuinely want to see each other grow in this field. Finding community as a woman in tech is essential because it reminds us that we’re not alone in spaces where we’re often underrepresented. It’s about having people who understand your experiences and can uplift you when imposter syndrome creeps in. A strong community creates opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and friendship — all of which empower women to stay and thrive in tech fields. When we support each other, we not only grow individually but also open doors for future women entering the industry. To me, success means continuous growth and making an impact through my work. It’s not just about titles or certifications, but about becoming more confident in my abilities, helping others along the way, and building a career that aligns with my values. In cybersecurity, that means protecting others, solving meaningful problems, and using my skills to create safer digital spaces. Ultimately, success is about being proud of how far I’ve come — and staying hungry to keep learning.

The RTC community has supported me by providing incredible opportunities and a strong sense of belonging. As the first woman in tech in my entire family, I have often struggled to see myself fitting into this major, especially in my lectures where I sometimes felt out of place and questioned whether I belonged. But joining RTC changed that. Seeing over 4,000 members who share similar experiences truly put my mind at ease. Networking with so many amazing women who support and uplift each other has inspired me to keep pushing forward. Success to me means turning what I learn in my lectures into real, working code, using my time wisely and seeing my hard work pay off. It is about being proud of how far I have come, breaking barriers not just for myself but for the next generation in my family. Most importantly, success means being able to give back to others who are walking the same path, just as the RTC community has done for me.

The RTC community has supported my in finding a network of empowering women not only in the Bay Area, but in Chicago and and Seattle. I have met so many amazing engineers and scholars through RTC and am thankful for the plethora of resources provided to optimize success and growth. Finding community matters immensely in a male dominated field because it allows women to pull each other up and support one another. Success to me looks like being happy at my job every day, learning everyday and being surrounded by motivating people! :)

The RTC community has been a huge part of my journey. Through them, I attended the Career Summit and the Women in Tech Hackathon hosted by HuddleHive, which opened my eyes to how many inspiring women are out there building amazing things. I met mentors and friends who reminded me that it’s okay to take up space, to ask questions, and to grow at my own pace. Being part of RTC made me feel seen and supported, and it showed me that I’m not alone on this path. Looking back to two years ago when I was a complete newbie in tech, I was scared, nervous, and unmotivated, but the amazing women and mentors I met through RTC really changed my perspective, and the journey has been on an upward trajectory since then. Finding community and belonging matters greatly to me as a woman in tech because, when you have a community, you feel safe to try, fail, and learn without fear. As a woman in tech, it’s easy to doubt yourself or feel like you don’t fit in, but being surrounded by people who understand your journey changes that. Belonging gives you the confidence and motivation to try your best, just as it has for me. To me, success means growth and impact. It’s not about having everything figured out, but about learning, helping others, and building things that make a difference. It’s when I can look back and see that I’ve not only grown as a person but also helped someone else believe that they can too. This is where RTC has really boosted my confidence to do exactly that.

The RTC community has been everything and more! I've met so many girls like me: interested in anime, kpop, makeup, fashion, and tech like myself! Everyone is so uplifting, resourceful, and kind - I got access to so many priceless connections and information thanks to this community. I feel blessed and grateful to have come across this as a recommendation from girls I met at Harvard WECode. Naturally, community and belonging matter to me as tech still is a male dominated field, and to find girls like me strive towards the same goals is really comforting and necessary. Success for me is financial stability, a future job that I enjoy, and a supportive, non-toxic, and like-minded community.

How the RTC community supported me: The RTC community provided a consistent environment for learning through collaboration rather than hierarchy. I was surrounded by people who shared their process openly, which made it easier to experiment, revise, and improve without fear of judgment. That environment helped me shift from hiding uncertainty to treating uncertainty as part of skill development. Working alongside peers who were also iterating helped me strengthen technical confidence, communication habits, and the discipline to follow through on projects. The community created both accountability and psychological safety, which has been central to my growth. Why belonging matters as a woman in tech: Belonging reduces the cognitive load of being the only one expected to justify her place in the room. Technical competence develops through practice, but persistence depends on whether the environment supports or isolates you. Women in technical spaces often face subtle exclusion, skepticism, or erasure of contribution. Being part of a community where shared experience is understood makes it easier to stay focused on building expertise rather than managing bias. Community also provides role models whose paths demonstrate what is possible, which makes long-term career progression more visible and less abstract. What success looks like to me: Success is the ability to choose the work I do and the conditions under which I do it. It means having enough technical depth and professional credibility to direct my career rather than react to circumstances. I define success as alignment between my values, my work environment, and the impact of what I build. I want my work to support accessibility, thoughtful design, and practical usefulness. Financial stability is part of that picture, but it is not the endpoint. Sustained growth, agency, and meaningful contribution are the markers I look for.

I just wanna say, using nspire has been surprisingly really helpful when developing my portfolio. it forces me to ask questions and provide detailed examples of what i've done when i have to tailor my resume for a job description, and then i realize i'm missing these concise examples in my portfolio itself. thanks, RTC 🙌

I just wanna give a shout out to the RTC team for the nspire interview prep tool. I've been trying to work on my interview skills, and this tool is AMAZING!!! I highly recommend taking advantage of the gift. Thank you, RTC, for the support you give to us when it comes to the giveaways for premium career-building tools.

Rewriting the Code has been a huge part of my journey as a woman in tech. Being part of this community gave me access to not only professional resources but also a strong, supportive network of women who genuinely understand the challenges we face in the industry. It’s empowering to connect with others who share similar goals and experiences, and it’s helped me grow in confidence, skills, and self-advocacy. For any woman in tech, being part of a community like RTC can be incredibly valuable as you gain mentorship, learning opportunities, and a sense of belonging that’s hard to find elsewhere. Success, for me, means making a positive impact, whether it’s through building meaningful projects, helping others break into tech, or just showing up authentically in spaces where representation matters. I want to keep growing, support others along the way, and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse tech industry.

The support of this fund will greatly contribute to my ability to continue my internship at ESA, as well as the support I will now have in attending networking events. I am also able to acquire the necessary resources to ensure I can graduate from my course. Overall, this has also lowered the weight I had over me during this time, and now I will be able to continue pursuing my heart's desire in this field without the financial worry. My perspective changed due to the urgency, it made me realise technology, especially concerning space, is much more important to me than I thought. All the work I've put in since 16 could've been lost all because I don't have the financial support I needed. It made me realise how impactful this has been all my life, and now, how important to represent an already underrepresented group, especially in the field of aerospace. I see myself contributing to the tech community, specifically the aerospace/aviation/space technology sector, as a young, emboldened black woman. It's been very challenging to operate in this field as someone who is very different from the counterparts, I share this space with. I want to use myself and to normalise seeing black women in the field of space and show them you can explore any part of this with your skills and grit. I aspire to participate in as many activities as I can, including outreach work, as I hope for a future where people aren't surprised by a black woman working in the space industry

Rewriting the Code has been a great support system in my journey as a woman in tech. A few days before my exams and summative assessment, my personal laptop broke down. I was devastated, especially with my final project equivalent to a dissertation just around the corner. One of our RTC leaders encouraged me to apply for the Tech Fund, and I was fortunate to receive the cash support that enabled me to get a new laptop. That gesture meant more than words can express. Today, I’m using that laptop to complete my final project, and I carry with me a renewed sense of purpose. Beyond this support, RTC has been a source of constant inspiration. Being part of a community filled with brilliant, and supportive women navigating the tech space makes all the difference. It feels like a family, one that helps you grow, encourages you to dream bigger, and walks with you every step of the way. For me, success is about using technology to innovate healthcare solutions that improve lives. It’s about achieving my dreams and being a source of hope and inspiration to others. Thank you, RTC, for being such an integral part of my journey. I am truly grateful and feel incredibly blessed to be part of this community

I’m incredibly grateful to the Rewriting the Code community for the role it’s played in my journey as a woman in tech. As an international student and girl in STEM, breaking into the industry can feel overwhelming—but RTC made it feel possible. Thanks to the free LinkedIn Premium access through RTC, I was able to connect with professionals, land interviews, and build relationships that truly mattered. The mentor-led resume review gave me the confidence and polish I needed to stand out in a competitive space. And the most life-changing moment? Finding a featured opportunity in the RTC portal that led me to my summer internship at GSK. That one opportunity has opened so many doors and means the world to me—not just as a student, but as someone chasing big dreams in a new country. More than anything, RTC has shown me the power of community. I’ve found support, inspiration, and a network of women who cheer each other on every step of the way. I’m beyond excited for what’s ahead—and I wouldn’t be here without this amazing community. Thank you, RTC! 💜

I just wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank RTC for giving me the incredible opportunity to attend NSBE through the RTC scholarship. I am beyond grateful for the experience. It was truly transformative. At the conference, I gained so much insight into Master’s and PhD programs, which has expanded my perspective on future academic paths. I also had the chance to connect with recruiters and industry professionals, which was invaluable for my career growth. These conversations have given me greater confidence and clarity in my journey. This experience wouldn’t have been possible without your support, and I genuinely appreciate all that you do to uplift and invest in students like me. Thank you again for believing in me and for making this opportunity a reality!

The RTC Woman in Tech fund has allowed me to continue with my studies with less financial pressure. Coming from a low income household, and being a commuter student, means a lot of my time was preoccupied with working. The RTC WIT fund has also made me hopeful for the future of technology- encouraging the underrepresented in this space is critical and I hope to be able to give back once I’m in the industry full-time. I spend my extra time aiding women in tech by reviewing applications, LinkedIn profiles, and CVs- which helps them get a foot in the door! With today’s brutal tech market, we need all the community and support we can get.

As a woman in tech, there can sometimes be a struggle to adequately fit in. For me, certain hurdles felt insurmountable. However, joining the Rewriting the Code (RTC) community changed a lot for me. Rewriting the Code has been more than just a support network. It’s been a place where I’ve found the courage to push and embrace my unique perspective as a woman in tech. The community has given me access to a network of like-minded women who share similar challenges and victories. From members offering advice to RTC professionals guiding career development, I find the support I need to take my passion for technology to the next level. Through RTC, I was also able to apply for the Women in Tech Fund, which I was honoured to win! It's a reminder that when women come together, we create opportunities that would otherwise seem impossible. The grant has enabled me to work toward my vision of blending technology with business, empowering me to build tools that tackle real-world challenges. What do women in tech gain from being part of a community like RTC? The answer is clear: support, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Being surrounded by women who understand the hurdles we face creates a foundation where we can thrive. It's about finding your voice, advocating for yourself, and realizing that success is not defined by traditional standards—it’s about shaping your path and making an impact, regardless. At times, we tend to think success is just about professional milestones. Well, it could be more in RTC; it’s about creating opportunities for other women to see themselves in tech and helping to redefine what success looks like for women in this industry. Success is feeling empowered to pursue your passion, knowing that there’s a whole community of women cheering you on every step of the way. To any woman who feels uncertain or out of place in tech: you belong here. There’s a space for your talents, your ideas, and your vision. Guess what we need to do: We need to continue to rewrite the code, together! Nnenna.

I have faced many challenges on my journey towards a career in tech. From navigating career insight opportunities hosted by employers in different cities to managing high living costs due to rising rent prices, I initially believed these factors would significantly hinder my ability to gain invaluable experiences essential for building a successful career in the field. However, the RTC Women in Tech fund has enabled me to allocate resources towards expanding my experiences, allowing me to attend events without financial constraints acting as a barrier. Additionally, the reduced burden of rent has allowed me to live more comfortably and focus on my professional development. Now, I truly believe that I can pursue a career in tech despite my financial circumstances, and I have gained the confidence to do so. I aspire to be a pioneer for change. As a female Chemistry student, I hope that the opportunities I have been given will inspire other young women to explore STEM and develop a passion for all aspects of this field. I enjoy learning new programming languages and have found a strong interest in data analysis, which stems from my Chemistry background. These are passions I hope to share with others, empowering them to pursue careers in tech. I am eager to be an active voice in this movement and see a bright future ahead.