About ChickTech
ChickTech believes that everyone belongs in STEM.
Since 2012, ChickTech has built communities, empowered participants to see themselves as leaders, and provided networking and mentoring opportunities in a rapidly growing industry.
By increasing our participants’ self-confidence and interest in technology, we increase the number of adults and youth of marginalized genders who aspire to technology careers, shaping the workforce of today AND tomorrow to have the diverse skills and perspectives needed for the industry to thrive.
Our Programs
Our Mission
ChickTech is dedicated to advancing diversity in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) by increasing retention and building the pipeline of underrepresented technologists, with a focus on women, girls, and non-binary people of all ages.
Our Vision
ChickTech envisions a future where all people—regardless of gender expression, racial identity, disability, age, or amount of experience in tech—feel welcome and empowered in an inclusive STEM community.
Our Core Values
- Advocate for Belonging - Everyone deserves to feel like they belong. We celebrate diversity, build equity, and facilitate inclusion in all that we do.
- Innovate Through Collaboration - We work hand-in-hand with volunteers, participants, funders, and partner organizations. Our collaborative spirit helps us find and implement innovative solutions to further our mission.
- Consciously Evolve - We proactively and thoughtfully adapt and refine our approach, language, and program offerings to meet the needs of the communities we serve.
- Prioritize Connection - We know that camaraderie and solidarity can be the spark that ignites systemic change. We strive to make a difference in the lives of others by facilitating meaningful connections.
- Amplify our Community - We listen to those that have been historically marginalized and ensure all voices are heard. We promote the work and stories of diverse, innovative people in STEM, knowing that representation matters.
We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality programming that helps them realize their dreams in STEM.
In 2022/2023, we served youth and adults from 30 states and 16 countries outside the United States, including Canada, Mexico, the UK, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, India, and Australia!
Our volunteers, event speakers, and workshop leads came from 12 countries & 35 US states
Map Legend: Purple – served adults; Pink – served youth; Stripes – served youth & adults
About our Brand
Why "Chick"?
When ChickTech was founded, we chose ‘chick’ to reclaim the word, with the belief that women have the right to call themselves by whatever label they choose and that traditionally feminine women belong in tech.
Today, ChickTech continues to stand by our belief that all people, regardless of gender presentation or identity, have value and deserve respect. However, we understand and acknowledge that the word ‘chick’ does not represent all those we aim to serve.
As an organization whose mission is to empower women, girls, and non-binary people of all ages in STEM, we prioritize the continuous evolution of our brand, including our name, to ensure ChickTech is an empowering brand that reflects our diverse community and the greater technology industry.
Do you have suggestions for how we can continue to improve in regards to diversity, equity and inclusion? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at [email protected].
Why Pink?
Another question that we are often asked is around the color pink. We are often told that girls don’t have to like pink, which we absolutely agree on! However, we feel it’s also okay when girls *do* like pink. In our society, things that are traditionally feminine have often been viewed as “less than”–whether that’s enjoying makeup and dressing up, playing with dolls, or choosing a “helping” profession such as nursing.
ChickTech stands up for the rights of all people to choose who they will be, what they like, and how they represent themselves. And although we are sure not everyone who joins ChickTech will like pink, we hope that they agree with that statement!