Equity in tech | Equity through tech
Our Mission
The mission of Hack the Gap is to increase equity in technology by highlighting diverse voices and perspectives. This includes women, non-binary, black, indigenous and people of color. We do this through hackathons, programming and investing in technology build by and for women, non-binary and BIPoC peoples.
What we’re known for
We host hackathons for women and non-binary individuals. After a weekend of hacking, we invite the community to see the projects built at the event. In this work, we showcase the work of women and non-binary individuals demonstrating that pipeline is an excuse.
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
Program Coordinator
Dee is a recent graduate from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities who moved to Minneapolis in 2015 from Illinois for an undergraduate degree. She has lived in MSP since. Dee is passionate and driven about equity work and grassroots movement led by young 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.
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.
Martha Johnson
Program Coordinator
Martha is an engineer and student, currently pursuing a joint MPH/JD. She loves using technology to solve everyday problems. She is passionate about equity and inclusion, and looks forward to supporting women and non-binary individuals in the tech community through her work with Hack the Gap.
The History of Hack the Gap
Hack the Gap was started by Kristen Womack and Jenna Pederson to demonstrate that the women-in-tech problem isn’t exclusively a pipeline problem. We were leading the Twin Cities Geekettes and saw a strong community of technical women ready to work, build, collaborate and shine. Hack the Gap was a natural next step for elevating the amazing local community of technical women in Minnesota.
Instead of being on a team where there is only one or two women--or maybe where you are the only woman on the team--we envisioned a weekend where all of the women in the community could come together and hack together. We wanted to create a space where they would come to build, connect, inspire and be inspired by each other.
But we have bigger ambitions than just closing the gender gap. We see a lot of gaps where privilege exists. We focus on breaking down barriers to amplify the voices and talents of people in under-served minority communities.
Kristen Womack
Co-founder Emeritus and Advisor to Hack the Gap
Kristen is an award-winning product leader, team builder, and technology consultant in Minneapolis. She is co-founder of Hello Mom, maker of Mina, co-founder of Hack the Gap, an advisor to the Everyday Miracles board of directors. She is a sought-after writer and speaker on issues ranging from API development to team management, and is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech world.
Jenna Pederson
Co-founder Emeritus
Jenna Pederson is an engineer, a leader, and a catalyst. She has built and led local and international technical teams. She wears many hats and has experience in a range of technologies and business domains. Co-founder Emeritus of Hack the Gap, founder of 612 Software Foundry, and minne✱ Board Member, Jenna is passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive tech community for everyone. She was previously Co-ambassador of the Twin Cities Geekettes.
