Hacking the tech inclusion gap, one hackathon at a time.
Our Mission
Hack the Gap uses hackathons to innovate, collaborate and bridge opportunities for technologists who identify as women, LGBTQ+, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC).
The Team
Caroline Karanja, CEO
Caroline Karanja is the founder of 26 Letters technology enabled equity and inclusion company. Using data, insight and learning opportunities, 26 Letters helps address equity in education and helps organizations understand and incorporate, diversity, equity and inclusion in their attraction, recruiting and advancement efforts. Caroline is also active in the local entrepreneurial and technology ecosystem. She is on the board of the U-YMCA and Minne* and participates in the community to encourage more people to explore their entrepreneurial ventures.
Dee Anand
Operations & Project Manager
Dee Anand started at Hack the Gap in January. She cares about representation of BIPOC and womxn in tech as well as building tech with an equity lens. Dee is also passionate about social movements and grassroots movement led by everyday people.
Wasima Farah
Bridge Fellow, Illustrator/Designer
Wasima Farah is a Somali digital artist based in Minnesota. Her works varies from vibrant illustrations centering women of color, graphic designs and videography. She is inspired by women empowerment and uses primary colors to express a bold and confident message. Her goal is to create art that others can relate to, feel the message and be motivated from.
Yahsmene butler
Inclusion and Engagement Lead
Mase Santos
Technical Program Lead
Linnea Cheek
Hack the Gap Intern
Linnea Cheek is a Student at St Olaf College, Class of 2021. Linnea is majoring in Political Science and International Relations. She is passionate about racial and gender equity and her work with Hack the Gap inspires her to continue enact positive change wherever she goes. Her mission is to work with public policy, ensuring that there is an advocate and ally for women, non-binary, and BIPOC peoples.
