Founder’s Farewell Message

Hi friends,

I am thrilled to share with you some exciting news: Irma Olguin Jr. the founder of Bitwise Industries, a tech-focused social enterprise, and MotherCoders have announced a partnership to form a new nonprofit — Bitwise Impact — to expand and amplify the amazing work of our organization.

As the founder of MotherCoders, I have seen firsthand how we have helped thousands of women overcome barriers to career advancement in the tech industry, such as the lack of affordable childcare and social support. Our mission has always been to empower moms and other marginalized groups to succeed in this rapidly evolving field. We envisioned a future where moms are diversifying the marketplace by contributing to the design and development of technology products and services. Where moms are strengthening communities by creating businesses and thriving in jobs with livable wages and advancement opportunities. Where moms are role models for their kids, inspiring future innovators by engaging with technology in ways that lead to inter-generational economic mobility for families.

With Irma’s commitment to uplifting and empowering underrepresented communities, this partnership is a natural fit. Bitwise Impact’s mission is to support programs aimed at improving the lives of the underestimated and increasing workforce diversity, while working with community allies to build a more equitable society. As such, this new organization will provide support to aspiring technologists with apprenticeships in 10 cities across the U.S. — a program that will also offer onsite childcare, starting at their Fresno location. This means we’ll be able to reach even more women, furthering MotherCoders’ original mission and increasing our impact.

From our very first OpEd in my hometown paper to winning a finalist prize in the 2015 Google Impact Challenge, launching cohorts beyond the San Francisco Bay Area in NYC and then Utah, to visiting the White House and hanging with Hoda and Savannah on Today, we are forever grateful to those that helped spark this movement to train moms for careers in tech and, in doing so, catalyzing the nationwide discourse around work and caregiving that’s happening currently.

I especially owe a debt of gratitude to our board members, donors, and sponsors, as well as volunteers, instructors, and guest speakers, for whom none of this would be possible but for their grace and generosity. And a big THANK YOU, of course, to our moms who entrusted us with their journey into tech.

This partnership marks a major milestone for MotherCoders — a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team — and we can't wait to see what Bitwise Impact will achieve in the years to come.

Looking forward to a bright future ahead,

Tina Lee

Founder, MotherCoders