Hi there,

Girls Who Code alumni continue to raise the bar. While building careers in tech, they're also creating opportunities for other young girls to follow in their footsteps. 

Meet Julissa Toledo, the recipient of this year’s Reshma Saujani Girls First Leadership Award. This award is given annually to an alum who leads with purpose and lives our core values. 💫

Julissa is a senior consultant at Deloitte. She earned both her bachelor’s in business administration and master’s in information systems technology from George Washington University. A born-and-raised New Yorker, Julissa keeps community at the forefront of her work by mentoring students and supporting efforts that encourage young women to pursue careers in tech.

We spoke with Julissa about her journey and her advice for the next generation:

How did you become interested in working in tech?

Growing up, I spent a lot of time on the computer. I became the go-to person for fixing issues at home, and over time, I realized I genuinely enjoyed problem-solving.

As I got older, that curiosity evolved into a deeper interest in how technology works behind the scenes. I became particularly interested in the role of security. Today, I work in cybersecurity consulting, helping secure systems and improve how people interact with technology.

How did you first get connected to Girls Who Code, and what has that experience meant to you?

I first got introduced to Girls Who Code through the Summer Immersion Program as a rising senior in high school in 2015. Being surrounded by young women who shared my interest in technology created an energy that was both empowering and contagious.

Girls Who Code didn’t just teach me how to code; it gave me the confidence to believe I belonged in this space and the foundation to build a career in it.

What do you want the next generation of women in tech to feel or know that you didn't?

I want the next generation of women in tech to remain lifelong learners. Technology is constantly evolving, and so can you. You can always start again, pivot, and grow into something new.  

The goal isn’t to know everything. Stay curious, adaptable, and open to learning. When you combine that mindset with environments that support and celebrate you, there’s no limit to what you can build.

Congratulations, Julissa! We can’t wait to see what you build next. 🎉 

Know a student who’s curious about tech? Explore our free programs for grades 3 through college and help them take the first step. 👣

IN THE LOOP WITH GWC

🧑‍🏫 Become a Girls Who Code Facilitator! Girls Who Code Clubs help students build tech skills, make friends, and explore computer science. Educators, parents, and community leaders can launch a free club for students in grades 3-12. We provide the curriculum, activities, and support you need to get started. Clubs applications close April 30. 

🌟 Are you over 18 and interested in free career advocacy? We’ve partnered with IBM SkillsBuild to create free, beginner-friendly learning plans in Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and IT. Create an account for free and complete one activity to unlock access to CareerCircle, where you can connect with recruiters, explore resources, and get 1:1 coaching. Complete an activity by May 3 at 11:59 PM ET to be eligible for a $20 gift card. See Terms & Conditions.

UPCOMING EVENTS

APR 27 | 3:00 PM ET - TURN YOUR IBM CERTIFICATE INTO YOUR NEXT ROLE 💼 Learn how CareerCircle can help turn your IBM Skillsbuild certificate into your next role. In this webinar, you’ll explore the platform, access free career resources, and learn how to connect with recruiters for one-on-one support throughout your job search. 

APR 29-30 - STOP BY OUR BOOTH AT BOOST 👋 Attending the BOOST Conference in Palm Springs, CA? Stop by the Girls Who Code booth to meet our team and learn more about our programs.

THE LATEST BUZZ

ANGEL REESE SCORES BIG FOR STEM 🏀 WNBA star Angel Reese returned to her hometown of Baltimore to host a six-week STEM program for middle school girls, in partnership with 2K Foundations and local nonprofits. The initiative introduced student-athletes to coding, robotics, 3D printing, and more, creating hands-on opportunities to explore tech while building skills on and off the court.

SHE TURNED A CLASS PROJECT INTO A STARTUP 🍎  What started as a school project is now a growing business. High school student Ava Hauck developed an AI-powered tool to help diagnose blood diseases faster, earning a $50,000 grant to continue her work. Inspired by her aunt’s experience with leukemia, Ava is now testing her prototype and working toward expanding access to diagnostics in communities that need it most.