Allison Otero is a biomedical engineering and biomedical science junior who serves as president of Florida Tech’s Girls Who Code (GWC) club, an organization she has been a member of since 2025. She joined to strengthen her programming skills while being part of a community that actively supports and empowers women in technology. We spoke with Otero about all things GWC and the impact it has had on her college experience and those of other members.
What is GWC all about? What does being a member entail?
Girls Who Code is a student organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology and creating opportunities for women in STEM fields. Our chapter focuses on skill-building workshops, collaborative projects, professional development opportunities and community outreach. Membership involves participating in meetings, technical activities, leadership opportunities and networking events. Members gain hands-on coding experience, exposure to new technologies, leadership development, résumé-building opportunities and a supportive peer network. We also encourage members to take on technical challenges, collaborate across majors and grow both personally and professionally.
How has your involvement in Girls Who Code, including your role as president, impacted your college experience?
Serving as president has strengthened my leadership, organization and communication skills. It has also allowed me to help create an environment where students feel confident exploring coding, even if they are just beginning. Leading the organization has made my college experience more purposeful because I get to contribute to something that empowers others.
What is your favorite part of being a member of GWC?
My favorite part is watching members gain confidence in their technical abilities. Seeing someone go from “I’m not sure I can do this” to successfully completing a project or explaining a concept to others is incredibly rewarding.
Final thoughts?
Girls Who Code is open to students of all experience levels and majors. Whether someone is brand new to programming or already experienced, there is a place for them in our community.
This piece also appeared in the spring 2026 issue of The Conduit.
