We talked about it when we unveiled our programming: we will be hosting Ladies Learning Code activities all fall! Learn more about the organization and what motivated the creation of our partnership in this interview with Karine Boisvert, head of the introductory programming workshops for women and co-founder of the Quebec chapter.
Ladies Learning Code Québec is offering two types of events for adults this fall. Can you tell us about them?
We will offer one-day workshops, one Saturday per month, on artificial intelligence, HTML + CSS and WordPress. In addition, the community will meet monthly for our Code & Café, friendly evenings where slovenia telephone number data we will delve deeper into topics covered in the workshops. The event begins with a presentation of about thirty minutes, then the participants discuss for about an hour. For example, during a workshop, we will show how to create a website, but we will not have time to discuss hosting. So we will talk about it during the Code & Café.
Is this just for women?
No. We are specifically targeting women, as they are a minority in the technology field. However, men are welcome. We just ask that they try to come with a woman ;).
Do you have a story to share with us related to the impact of Ladies Learning Code in the community?
There are several! The first check out the many positive reviews on all aspects year, we had the joy of welcoming the representative of the Université du 3e âge from Université Laval, reinforcing the idea that there is no age for learning.
Recently, an immigrant woman told us that she had just enrolled in university in computer science after hesitating for a long time, since in her country of origin, it is a field reserved for men. She had reportedly suffered harassment. Participating in the Ladies Learning Code workshops before starting her program and talking with other women who had gone before her gave her more confidence.
And the most wonderful thing is business to consumer reviews our youth component! We see boys trying things and starting projects without waiting for instructions, but girls are less daring. I remember a young participant in the WAQ Junior: at first, she didn’t think she could succeed. Seeing the pride in her eyes at the end of the workshop was great.
Which women inspire you in technology?
All those who get involved in their community! The founders of Ladies Learning Code are good examples of this. Particularly Melissa Sariffodeen, who takes good care of the volunteers of all the chapters in Canada, at all hours of the day, despite her very busy schedule. In Quebec City, Johanne Devin, president of NovAxis, is also an excellent role model of a woman who runs her business while being involved with different organizations. The entrepreneur knows how to take her place and encourage others to do the same.
What would you say to a woman who has not yet participated in your activities?
We are aimed at women who have little or no knowledge of the topics we cover. In the workshops, there is one mentor for every four participants, so there will always be someone to help you if needed. This is not a competitive course with an exam at the end, but a basic learning that will allow you to get off to a better start in the world of the web. You have to start at the beginning, whether it is to create your site or to speak the same language as developers, as when you are a project manager or designer.
Why did you choose to collaborate with SPK this year?
Our first workshop took place in your coworking space, the BNKR, and you were the first to encourage us. I think it’s ideal to bring the participants to a tech company and have them experience an immersion in an environment where several startups are developing.
I adhere to SPK’s culture: I recognize myself in its practices, whether it is by encouraging employees to develop personal projects, by promoting their autonomy and by including them in decision-making. In addition, the ecosystem’s new initiatives related to the education of young people through its Academy component are completely in line with our mission.
It is a real pleasure to be able to support this essential organization, especially since its relevant and quality activities enhance our fall calendar . Join us on September 19 for our first joint event on artificial intelligence!