Club Spotlight: Girls Who Code

In Fall 2020, Afshana Falza, a Queens College graduate who majored in Computer Science, founded The QC Loop; a college-level chapter of the New York-based non-profit organization, that turned into the Girls Who Code (GWC) club on campus. Since its establishment in 2012, it has expanded to over 25 states reaching 580,000 girls, including nonbinary individuals.

Their mission is to close the gender gap in the tech industry and broaden the horizons for historically underrepresented communities in the sector. There are 3.7 million women currently working in tech positions, comprising only 28% of the tech workforce. As for the following steps to accomplish their mission, they are now determined to change this for new entry-level tech jobs by 2030.

The College Loops program has extended these initiatives to over 200 college campuses across the country. Computer science, being one of QC’s most popular majors, was in dire need of a safe space that supported the growth of its diverse and underrepresented talent pool.

The club’s President, Zaineb Hussain, a junior majoring in Computer Science, spoke to The Knight News and said, “Girls Who Code aims to provide a safe environment for our members to access internship opportunities, build a network, prepare for careers, enhance their resumes, and become part of a community.”

Due to its technical workshops that focus on coding and programming skills, the club has successfully grown its community. It is now at an estimated total of 469 members. Their latest workshop, held last fall semester, was a Discord Bot Workshop. Members learned to create their own Discord bots and develop their actions and functions using the programming language JavaScript.

The club’s Vice President, Jennifer Arceo, a senior majoring in Computer Science said, “We offer workshops throughout the semester so that students can acquire new skills and explore various aspects of computer science.”

Girls Who Code hosts numerous networking events and career opportunities, allowing members to interact with tech professionals. Workshops are open to all QC students from all experience levels, and attendees are provided instructions upon registration. The channel has opened doors for many members to secure meaningful internship opportunities. The club Treasurer, Lauren Mistretta, a junior majoring in Computer Science, reinforced that when Mistretta told The Knight News, “We have an internship opportunities channel that is constantly updated by our members.”

Arceo shared how she discovered an internship program through the club during her sophomore year with the investment banking company Morgan Stanley. “Since then, I’ve been able to return to Morgan Stanley for the past two summers, and I’ll be working for them full-time after I graduate,” she said.

One can also find a variety of team-building and social events within GWC, which are designed to foster connections among members. These enjoyable gatherings include relaxing picnics, interactive arts, and crafts sessions. Although the club doesn’t schedule regular meetings, its members can often be found on the first floor of the Benjamin S. Rosenthal Library and everyone is encouraged to drop by and say hello.

Led by a phenomenal executive team of women, they aim to create a safe learning environment where all members feel supported in their endeavors. GWC wouldn’t be what it is without its emphasis on sisterhood and community. With the club’s continuous efforts to celebrate diversity, amplify voices, and open doors of opportunity, we are reminded that progress knows no bounds when we stand together. Or, as Mistretta said, “All majors and minors are welcome to join and be a part of our wonderful community, whether they’re interested in Computer Science as a major, hobby, or simply want to support women in STEM!” If you would like more information, please contact them through their email, qcloop882@gmail.com.