3279: How Rewriting the Code is Empowering Women in Tech

When we talk about the future of technology, it is easy to focus on the tools, trends, and innovations that dominate headlines. But behind every breakthrough is a human story, and behind every system are individuals navigating an industry that has not always welcomed them equally. That is why I sat down with Sue Harnett, founder and CEO of Rewriting the Code, to learn more about the real work being done to support and elevate women in technology.

What followed was a wide-ranging conversation that brings clarity to an often-overlooked challenge and offers insight into what real change looks like.

Rewriting the Code is more than a community. It is a global network of over 35,000 women who are united by shared goals and driven by the ambition to create a more inclusive tech industry. Sue shared the origin of the organization, born from her own experiences of feeling out of place in elite academic environments, and how that shaped her commitment to building a culture where young women could grow, thrive, and most importantly, feel like they belong.

Today, RTC is impacting lives across the globe with programs that span mentorship, career development, technical education, and real-world support.

What stood out was the way RTC moves beyond symbolic gestures and instead provides practical pathways. We explored the launch of targeted initiatives like Rewrite AI and Rewrite Cybersecurity, which aim to prepare women for high-demand areas in the industry.

We also discussed the Black Wings program, built specifically for Black women in tech, who represent just two percent of the industry workforce. Through focused community-building and peer support, these programs help dismantle systemic barriers that often go unaddressed.

In a time where many companies are retreating from public conversations about diversity due to political pressure, Sue's work feels more relevant than ever. She spoke candidly about the fear she's seeing in boardrooms, the erosion of public DEI commitments, and the quiet but continued support from leaders who still believe in building inclusive workplaces.

Her message to companies was simple: inclusion must be intentional, visible, and connected to the lived experience of the people it is meant to support.

What this episode reveals is not only the importance of creating opportunities, but also the power of belief. The belief that women belong in every corner of the tech world, and that with the right community, mentorship, and visibility, they can redefine what leadership looks like.

So how is your organization showing up for underrepresented talent in tech, and what will it take to turn good intentions into lasting impact?