Who We Are

Founded in January 2012, she++ was Stanford's first conference on women in technology. In April 2012, we hosted a lineup of inspirational women in tech--from companies such as Google, Facebook, Dropbox, and Pinterest, among others--and 250+ attendees on Stanford's campus. After positive feedback from attendees, mentors, and the press, we have decided to expand she++ into a full-fledged community that inspires women to empower computer science. Through a number of initiatives, we aim to create community and momentum for female technologists. Learn more about our motivation in this video from our founders.

Co-Founder

Computer Science, Class of 2014

Hometown: Portola Valley, CA

I think a major reason we have so few female engineers is the lack of concrete role models- that is, the lack of individuals whom we can point to and say, “Look, if you pursue technology, you could be her someday.” she++ is a unique opportunity to learn from the stories of those surrounding us. So much of the publicity surrounding technology is, understandably, technical, but the stories of women in technology are as inspirational as their accomplishments.

ellora (at) stanford (dot) edu

Co-Founder

Symbolic Systems, Class of 2014

Hometown: Edison, NJ

I wanted to be a veterinarian, a teacher, a lawyer... the list goes on, but never once did I aspire to be a computer scientist. After meeting smart, creative, and confident women technologists in the Silicon Valley who shared a love for innovation, I discovered my love for all things geeky. It's important to show students they are capable of affecting the 'tech world' by creating a supportive environment of successful role models and dynamic conversations. she++ tells the story of a budding force of women technologists creating incredible change.

ayna1 (at) stanford (dot) edu

Conference Co-Chair

Symbolic Systems, Class of 2015

Hometown: Bahrain and India

she++ is a unique idea: it recognizes and celebrates ground-breaking women in technological fields whilst encouraging tech students like me to follow in their footsteps. Women have long served as home-makers and the skills required to successfully run are mirrored in the way a company or tech project should be handled. It has famously said that it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes- she++ will do exactly this!

sgoel1 (at) stanford (dot) edu

Conference Co-Chair

Computer Science, Class of 2015

Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT

For many women, the pivotal issue regarding their decision to pursue the study of computer science is gender. Whether it be fewer role models, difficulty identifying with peers, or internal doubts, she++ aims to minimize these obstacles. By showcasing leaders, and facilitating discussion, she++ fosters a community for women in technology.

rrkhan (at) stanford (dot) edu

Director of Speakers

Electrical Engineering, Class of 2015

Hometown: Los Gatos, CA

Women provide invaluable skills and attitudes that complement those of men. As an engineer interested in social change, I believe that greater representation will lead to more thoughtful and balanced discussion on a range of technical and social issues. We have the potential to be more innovative, more collaborative, and create a more positive impact on the world.

dhau (at) stanford (dot) edu

Director of Networking

International Relations, Class of 2015

Hometown: Patterson, CA

she ++ is a conference that seeks to create a positive impact in the world though the investment of women in technology. There is nothing more important than encouraging others to reach out of their self-created limitations, especially in an area that has transformed every aspect of society.

jacklynt (at) stanford (dot) edu

Director of Design, Tech, and Social Media

Computer Science, Class of 2015

Hometown: Austin, TX

she++ is a great way for women to learn about the ins and outs of working in the tech industry. There are so many stereotypes surrounding women in tech jobs and she++ does a phenomenal job of revealing the truth behind them all. With the right support and encouragement, women can excel in the tech industry and bring a fresh new perspective to the field.

mxpan (at) stanford (dot) edu

Director of Finance

Symbolic Systems, Class of 2014

Hometown: Boise, ID

In high school, I was a certified STEM dork (with Math Counts!, Academic Decathlon, etc. tshirts, medals, and miscellaneous swag to prove it), but I was still nervous to take Intro to Computer Programming. In fact, it took my brother threatening to disown me if I took anything else to fulfill my engineering requirement. Technology plays such an integral role in our life, so why not be the ones to shape it? She++ encourages building tools that truly have the power to change the world we live in and facilitates a passionate, collaborative community dedicated to this mission.

kjpoppen (at) stanford (dot) edu

Director of Logistics

Computer Science, Class of 2016

Hometown: Vienna, VA

I know what it's like to be the sole female in a programming class, and I want to fight the masculine stereotype surrounding computer science education. she++ aims to help young women realize their ability to contribute to a field they may have never otherwise considered getting into; a field that is the spearhead of innovation in our society. By providing role models and a push in the right direction, we're going to inspire a whole new set of perspectives and ideas to enter the game.

hhas77 (at) stanford (dot) edu

Director of Marketing and Social Media

Symbolic Systems, Class of 2014

Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA

I started out at Stanford with a smattering of humanities classes and a vague idea that I wanted to major in something that would help me change the world. I took my first CS class on a whim, and I fell in love with it. However, as I advanced in the introductory programming sequence, I saw less women in my classes, and at times questioned whether I even belonged there. I see she++ as an inspiring community of women technologists supporting each other to combat the stereotypes that exist about computer science. My goal is to help potential girl geeks see computer science as something super cool, useful, and not scary to study, and to help inspire them to build the future of technology with their own unique perspectives.

amberr (at) stanford (dot) edu

Director of Mentorship

Science, Technology, and Society, Class of 2014

Hometown: Bothell, WA

The creative and logical world of Computer Science captivated me when I arrived to Stanford. Struck by a gender imbalance in the field, I sought inspiration through peers and the female CS community. By connecting women with a variety of levels of CS experience to motivated role models, she++ facilitates the development of an empowered community of young leaders.

pageive (at) stanford (dot) edu

Speakers and Network Intern

Computer Science, Class of 2016

Hometown: Redding, CT

she++ is an amazing opportunity for students and empowered women in tech to network and share their experiences. I think that men and women can have extraordinarily different perspectives on the same things, and that we all have so much to learn from each other. That's why getting more women into technology is so important: diversity breeds creativity and, as a result, better solutions to the problems of the future.

rbmellon (at) stanford (dot) edu