Ally Watson is the Founder and CEO of Code Like a Girl, a social enterprise dedicated to providing girls with the tools, knowledge and support to flourish in the world of coding.
A backend .NET developer by trade, Ally has always loved working in technology. Despite her love for the tech, she experienced isolation and barriers associated with being a woman in a male-dominated industry.
None more so than when she moved from Scotland to Australia in 2014. Struggling to meet like-minded women in tech Ally decided to host her own event with the aim of forming strong connections and female friendships. She had no idea that one event would turn into many, and become the beginnings of Code Like A Girl.
After 2 years as a side hustle, Code Like a Girl became Ally’s full-time job in July 2017 and has continued to go from strength to strength.
Code Like a Girl programs
Today Code Like a Girl runs a series of tech-focused events, an internship program and coding camps around Australia. Bringing like-minded girls who are passionate about coding and technology to learn, connect and celebrate each other’s achievements.
In the latest episode of The Females in Tech Show, I interview Ally Watson, and talk about her career journey from artist, to Founder and CEO of Code Like a Girl.
Ally also shares:
- Her experience of being one of the only females in her computer science degree, and why she was one of the few females to graduate (10:34)
- Why she thinks there is a 50% drop-out rate for women in computer science (14:12)
- We talk about Code Like a Girl, how it started, and her journey to becoming full-time CEO (19:39)
- Why she chose a social enterprise business model, rather than being a not for profit organisation (22:16)
- Plus, Ally shares exclusive details of their latest launch for Code Like a Girl – this is super exciting! (32:33)
- And so much more!
Episode Resources
- Ally Watson on LinkedIn and Instagram
- Code Like a Girl website
- Adult Coding Essentials short-courses
- Kids Coding Camps
- Code Like a Girl on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
- Book: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Carol Dweck
[Full Disclaimer: Some of these links may be affiliate links, which means we receive compensation, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase through the link.]
Subscribe
Subscribe to The Females In Tech Show on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and TuneIn.
Thank you for listening
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you. Thank you for taking the time to listen to the Females in Tech Show.
My aim is to inspire and support you to reach your goals, and provide you with practical tips on how to be the best version of yourself.
If you did enjoy the show, then I’d like to ask three things, so I can inspire and support more career motivated women ( and men).
- SUBSCRIBE: search for “The Females in Tech Show” in your favourite podcast app (eg. Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Stitcher), and subscribe to the show to ensure you never miss an episode.
- REVIEW: write a review for the show in your favourite podcast app telling us what you love, and also where we can improve.
- SHARE: this episode with friends and colleagues who might benefit from the content, as well as grow and support our community.
How can we better serve you?
Ultimately the show is for you, the females in tech community, which begs the question… How can we better serve you?
Tell us what topics you’d like to learn more about, or will help advance your career in technology. Complete the form at this link and suggest a podcast topic.
I’ll be sure to give you a shout out in the podcast episode if your topic is chosen.
