In an era where technology defines the future, Girls Who Code stands as a transformative force, striving to bridge the gender gap in tech. Founded by Reshma Saujani, a trailblazer who became the first Indian-American woman to run for Congress, Girls Who Code has grown from a single classroom into an international nonprofit organization committed to empowering young women. Beginning with just a handful of students, its growth over the past decade can be observed through various programs at different levels of education, from coding programs for elementary students to College Loops, a network of student-led organizations on college campuses, including the inaugural NIU chapter. Providing more than just programming education, College Loops create a supportive community for women interested in tech.

A New Chapter Begins

Recognizing the opportunity for something special, Katie Erdmann, an MSDA student, along with faculty representative Federico Bassetti, took the initiative to establish a chapter at NIU and began the search for ambitious women ready to lay the foundation.

“When the initial proposal came up in conversation, I couldn’t believe that there wasn’t already a similar organization on campus,” Erdmann said. “While I couldn’t change the ratio of students in my class, I had the chance to introduce a wider support network. Building this community and sisterhood of inclusivity adds validation and support to the concrete skills and programs that College Loops offer.”

With the help of Kendra Ferguson, Vice President and senior in Computer Science, and Jyosna Vasili, Social Chair and graduate student in the Master of Management Information Systems program, NIU’s College Loop started its trajectory to launch.