Our vision is to change the face of computer science and pave the way for a technology industry that is diverse and inclusive of girls and underrepresented groups across Canada.
Hackergal uses an inclusive definition of “girls” and “women.”
We welcome the participation of all learners who identify as girls. This includes trans girls because we recognize trans girls are girls. We also welcome the participation of gender-fluid, non-binary, and two-spirit learners.
THE OPPORTUNITY IS PARAMOUNT
Tech Jobs are the Fastest Growing in North America
The Canadian tech industry grows up to 35% year after year, with the demand for skilled workers higher than ever.
%
Year after year increase in demand
THERE’S JUST ONE PROBLEM
Girls are Being Left Behind…
Long held societal beliefs about women’s roles, discrimination in the workplace and lack of opportunity discourages girls from pursuing computer science. In the past 30+ years, the percentage of women working in STEM has barely changed. In 1987, women represented 20% of the STEM workforce, today they still only represent, 23% in Canada.
Women in STEM Fields
%
1987
%
2017
%
of girls would consider tech jobs in the future.
IT’S NOT TOO LATE
Hackergal is Changing this Bleak Landscape
After our hackathons:
%
of girls became more interested in computer science industry after participating in our Hackathons.
%
of girls really enjoyed our Hackathon!
OUR WORK & VALUES
At Hackergal, we are guided by our values: equity, education, and community. These values are integrated into our programs, services, and approaches; they are truly the foundation of everything we do as an organization.

EQUITY
We recognize, respect, and honour the strengths and perspectives of all individuals and are committed to fostering safe and inclusive learning environments
EQUITY in action at Hackergal:
- Hackergal programs and events, such as our annual Hackathon, are inclusive of individuals with diverse gender identities, backgrounds, and learning needs
- The Hackergal Hub increases access to coding education for those who are underrepresented in the technology field
- Our Ambassador Program empowers a diverse cross-section of Canadian girls to become leaders and change-makers

EDUCATION
We are passionate about engaging our community through knowledge sharing, digital skills development, and continuous learning, as technology continues to transform our everyday lives.
EDUCATION in action at Hackergal:
- We are committed to providing a wide range of learning opportunities to students across Canada, both online and in-person
- We empower and inspire educators to make an impact through our workshops, curricula, and resources
- Our Hackathon and Ambassador Programs provide non-judgemental spaces for students to learn new things, experiment, and grow their skills

COMMUNITY
We achieve sustainable change through collaboration with learners, educators, facilitators, parents and partners who share our mission. Together we are closing the gender gap and building a community that empowers every girl to see a future in technology.
COMMUNITY in action at Hackergal:
- We host the largest Hackathon for girls across Canada, bringing together learners and educators from every corner of the country
- Our Ambassador Program teaches girls how to be leaders in their own communities, giving them the tools and mentorship to create a grassroots movement
- We strengthen our impact by partnering with community organizations, particularly those working with Black, marginalized and Indigenous girls across Canada
Board of Directors

Jasmin Ganie-Hobbs
DIRECTOR TECH FINANCING, BDC - BOARD CHAIR

Le Ha Hang
VICE PRESIDENT, GLOBAL SECURITY, CGI

Peggy Van de Plassche
ENTREPRENEUR, PUBLIC SPEAKER & AUTHOR

Rick Davidson
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, RAVL

Lee Rennick
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CIO COMMUNITIES, CIO
Our Team

Lucy Ho (she/her)
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (ON LEAVE)

Kumiko Imai (she/her)
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS (ON LEAVE)

Jennifer Takács (she/her)
DIRECTOR OF IMPACT

Rebecca Hazell (she/her)
INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Christelle Bsaibes (she/her)
INTERIM DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS

Reilley Kallem (she/her)
BILINGUAL CURRICULUM DESIGNER

Ruby Awan (she/her)
MARKETING MANAGER

Tanya O'Connell (she/her)
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Kylie Rafter (she/her)
AMBASSADOR PROGRAM MANAGER

Irving Ho (he/him)
FINANCE MANAGER

Laurel Maule (she/her)
DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Sarah Weaver (she/her)
FOUNDATIONS MANAGER

Mishal Islam (she/her)
CURRICULUM MANAGER

Lynne Savage (she/her)
INTERIM BILINGUAL PROGRAM MANAGER

Chiara Rughoonandan (she/her)
DIGITAL MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Zenab Hassan (she/her)
PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Craig Brown (he/him)
PARTNER, FASKEN - CORPORATE SECRETARY
Volunteers

Anjalie Sharma
Founding Hackergal Ambassador

Kyri Vanguard
ANNUAL REPORTS
Download PDF of Hackathon Report 2023
Download PDF of Ambassador Report 2022-2023
Download PDF of Annual Report 2021-2022
Download PDF of Annual Report 2020 – 2021