With Christmas and the New Year fast approaching, what better way to celebrate than to look back at the year that was, and be thankful for all that’s yet to come.
In a snapshot, the last 12 months have seen nine one-day workshops hosted across Australia, 250 women apply for the inaugural six-month Plus program, where 23 were welcomed to the graduating stage, as well as 15 women completing our first ever, one week, full time Flash program.
But, let’s not skip past all the details.
Our last one day workshop in Perth sold out in record time, with 150 tickets gone in just 3 hours, and a waitlist that continued to grow daily. Across the year, we had the absolute pleasure of teaching 526 women coding basics at these one day workshops, where individuals created HTML websites and Python games as well as listened to Beyonce, enjoyed delicious cupcakes and had the chance to learn in a collaborative and welcoming environment.
She Codes one day workshop A full house with founder, Kate Kirwin presenting Learning to code
We were also lucky enough to head to the WA regions, Yanchep, Bunbury, Geraldton, Port Hedland, and Karratha where women in remote areas had access to the workshop mentioned above. It was incredible to see the passion (and super fast internet!) of the regions come alive as we each learnt something new throughout the day.
In May, we announced an exciting partnership with BHP to deliver Plus, our six-month program teaching from beginner level through to internship ready. With over 250 incredible women apply for the program, narrowing it down to a shortlist was no easy feat. Following an epic launch party with women from all across the city, we kicked off the adventure with 25 women in mid-July.
Our first ever Plus cohort at Spacecubed
And, on top of all of this, who can forget we rebranded?!
Formerly Perth Web Girls, we were delighted with the opportunity to create a new name that reflected both an expansion in geographical areas, from a focus shifting from only Perth to across Australia, as well as broadening what we do and who we do it for.
Our rebrand was in full swing as we headed to tech conferences across the state, where our team, alongside founder, Kate Kirwin had the chance to share our mission to women and men everywhere. From DDD Perth, to WiTWA’s very first conference, it was a great opportunity to share with the community our change in name, as well as our focus for the next five years.
WiTWA panel featuring founder, Kate Kirwin WiTWA Conference Lyndsey Scott, Pia Turcinov & Minister Kelly
When we got to October, thanks to the support of New Industries WA, Flash was born. This one-week tech taster was the perfect step between our one day workshop, and six month program, really giving women the chance to try, test and decide which path they wanted to take. With a cohort of 15 women, the passion in the room was undeniable.
And that brings us to today. 3,018 women taught. 3 hours for our workshop to sell out. 250 plus applications. The demand is there. Because who codes? She Codes.
Bring on 2020.