Reshma Saujani
CEO & Founder at Girls Who Code
“I’m a hustler. I did not come from great means and have had to learn how to be resilient. I’ve learned that it’s important to get out of our comfort zones and to have bold asks. Women should not be afraid to take risks or to fail. I believe it is better to fail un-conventionally than to succeed conventionally.”
Read Reshma’s full profile below
What do you do every day?
I am the CEO and Founder of Girls Who Code, a national nonprofit organization working to educate, inspire and equip high school girls with skills and resources to pursue opportunities in computing fields.
Why do you love it?
I love what I do! Every day I get to work with inspiring young women who are developing skills and experiences that will help change the world.
What were your moments of fear and challenges in your career?
In 2010, I ran for Congress which was a very different experience for me. There was so much new that was new... I had never run a political operation before, I had never been on TV before...I did not have a playbook on how to switch from one career to another. However, this was the best thing that I could have ever done and I learned so much through this process. I am not afraid to do anything anymore.
What are some of the latest innovations in science that you are most excited about?
There are so many innovations in science that I’m excited about. For me, innovation has to be connected to a problem you are trying to solve. I really am excited about advances that connect computer science to the life sciences. For example, there is an innovation underway called the Immunity Project which is comprised of a team of scientists who are coming together to develop a vaccine for HIV. These are the types of innovations that inspire me.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a suburb of Chicago, IL.
Who was your favorite teacher and why?
I have a couple of favorite teachers. When I was in the ninth and tenth grades, my parents worked a lot, and I was having a hard time, even getting detentions at school. A couple of teachers saw that all I needed was to be challenged more. They really rallied around me and their support helped turn my life around.
Describe an experience where you adapted your approach to resolve a sticky situation.
I have been learning how to listen more and to not necessarily exercise my opinion...especially when working with my girls at Girls Who Code. I sometimes want to tell them how to do things but need to allow them to learn on their own.
What is your unique talent?
I’m a hustler. I did not come from great means and have had to learn how to be resilient. I’ve learned that it’s important to get out of our comfort zones and to have bold asks. Women should not be afraid to take risks or to fail. I believe it is better to fail un-conventionally than to succeed conventionally.
Tell us about your personal style.
Dress like you and be you. I like to wear bright colors and bring in my own style. It is important in this day and age of Facebook that we are mindful of how we show up there and other social media sites.
Is there a current book or book you love?
Right now I’m reading Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott. It’s about mastering communications with your teams as well as in personal situations.
What is your favorite website or fun activity?
I love hanging out with my dog, Stanley.
Who inspires you?
Hilary Clinton inspires me. She is a true sister. She actively supports and sponsors other women. She also is real. She’s had a hard time and is a true role model. Despite some of her hardships, she pushes through and is resilient. She is a true inspiration for all of us who are trying to disrupt conventional leadership.
What’s next for you?
Honestly, I am very fulfilled in my current work with Girls Who Code and my work in women’s leadership. I get to work with young women who are fighting everyday to gain skills so they can make a better life for themselves. For the first time in my life, everything I am doing is aligned. I love getting out of the bed in the morning!
