In celebration of International Girls in ICT Day, we had the honor of sitting down with Brianne Caplan, founder of Code Your Dreams, to explore her journey into technology, the challenges she’s faced as a woman in tech, and the powerful ways her nonprofit is making tech more accessible for underrepresented and underserved communities.
Brianne’s path into the world of STEM wasn’t linear. “Growing up, I was told I was better at the arts,” she recalls. It wasn’t until college that she discovered computer science; and with it, the possibility of using technology to make a global impact. That first class sparked more than just a curiosity; it ignited a mission. Yet, she was surprised by how few women were in the room and how behind she felt from day one. “It got me thinking about the inequities in tech education and the lack of diversity in the industry,” she explained.
After working as a data scientist, often the only woman on her technical team; Brianne began volunteering her time to teach coding. When she couldn’t find existing programs to support, she built her own. That grassroots effort became Code Your Dreams, a nonprofit that offers free, community-centered innovation programs to youth and adults, empowering them to build technology that addresses real-world issues in their communities.
Creating Safe, Inclusive Spaces in Tech
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Brianne shared candid stories of microaggressions, being underestimated, and the emotional toll of isolation. “Being the only one (woman)can feel unsafe,” she said. “It’s lonely, frustrating, and exhausting. But that’s why mentorship and identity-affirming spaces are so important.”
Her advice to girls entering the tech world? “Get comfortable with failure. Find your people. And don’t underestimate your power to drive change.” She emphasizes the importance of supportive spaces where young women can see themselves reflected, talk openly about their experiences, and grow in confidence.
Real Impact, Real Change
Brianne shared one of her favorite success stories: a high school student named Jillian, who turned a moment of fear into innovation. After learning to drive amid rising concerns about police brutality, Jillian built an app. The app automatically records interactions during traffic stops and encourages transparency between civilians and police. It’s a shining example of how tech can be a tool for justice and how students can be powerful change-makers.
“Tech isn’t just about joining the industry,” Brianne said. “It’s about giving young people the tools to shape the world around them.”
i.c.stars + Code Your Dreams: A Shared Vision
At i.c.stars, we see Code Your Dreams as a natural partner. While we focus on tech training for underserved adults, Brianne’s team reaches students as young as kindergarten. “It’s a pipeline,” she said. “When we work together, we’re creating more entry points, more pathways, and more opportunity for our communities.”
In fact, during a recent Code Your Dreams hackathon, a member of the i.c.stars community participated and their team won Best Tech. That’s the kind of synergy we love to see. “Support of organizations like ours, truly transforms lives; not just of students, but of families and entire communities. When students build technology for their communities, they’re shaping a better world for all of us.”
We couldn’t agree more.