Becky VandenBout and Shelby Tieche make things happen -- both at work and in the community.
VandenBout is a freelance software developer and Tieche is a front end developer at BizStream. They use code to make things for a living.
They are now using coding to build and support a community of women programmers in West Michigan as co-founders of the
Girl Develop It (GDI) Grand Rapids chapter.
GDI is a national nonprofit organization that exists to provide affordable and accessible programs to women who want to learn web and software development through hands-on instruction. GDI targets women 18 years and older who are interested in exploring a career in software or are looking for a career change. Classes range from introductory to advance level software development skills.
Tieche says her motivation to spend her energies on starting the chapter is simple. “I am passionate about code, and being a female in the industry I want to encourage women to make a career in coding,” she explains.
The local chapter will reflect the interests of the members, says Tieche, as they will have the freedom to create different courses -- all based on listening to the local members. “We will mold it to what the community wants,” Tieche says.
Tieche recommends you sign up for their email list to receive more information on how to become involved with GDI GR by filling out
this form. You will then be sent more information based on the interests you identify, as well as newsletters and reminders for future classes and meetups.
To get started, the first meetup is scheduled for Wednesday, September 14th from 6:00pm-8:00pm at The Factory downtown and will be focused on everything GDI, as well as what the vision and goals are for the Grand Rapids chapter. They will also be announcing the schedule for upcoming classes and social events as well. These meetups will be held every second Wednesday of the month.
To RSVP to this meetup, check out the Meetup page at
https://www.meetup.com/Girl-Develop-It-Grand-Rapids/events/233536292/.
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor
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