Girls in Tech Closes After 17 Years: An Interview with Founder Adriana Gascoigne
The nonprofit organization Girls in Tech has officially closed its doors after 17 impactful years. Founder Adriana Gascoigne shared the news, expressing a sense of “sadness and devastation.”
During my conversation with Gascoigne, she reflected on the organization's journey, highlighting its role in empowering women in the male-dominated tech industry after its inception in 2007. Growing from a small support group, Girls in Tech reached over 250,000 individuals through 35 chapters across 30 countries, addressing the critical issue of gender diversity in tech.
Gascoigne explained that the decision to shut down was not made lightly. While Girls in Tech was founded in Silicon Valley, the organization moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2022 amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Since the beginning, I interviewed her multiple times about the organization's mission to combat the "toxic culture" within Silicon Valley. Gascoigne was inspired to establish Girls in Tech after experiencing isolation in tech companies and enduring a troubling incident of sexual harassment that went unaddressed.
The organization offered an array of programs, including mentorship, hackathons, coding bootcamps, a global classroom, and various digital content platforms. Gascoigne authored a book detailing her experiences, and I fondly recall attending a Girls in Tech event with my daughter, where I had the pleasure of introducing her to Gascoigne.
In our recent interview, Gascoigne provided insight into the financial pressures that ultimately led to the closure. Major tech companies faced budget cuts, leading to a decline in funding for organizations like Girls in Tech. Efforts to restore financial support were thwarted by increased political pressure on companies to reduce diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Gascoigne noted in her newsletter, “Though Girls in Tech is closing its doors, the movement we started must and will continue. I encourage each of you to carry on the fight to eliminate the gender gap in tech. Our mission will live on in other forms, driven by the same passion that has always defined us.”
An Interview with Adriana Gascoigne, Founder and CEO of Girls in Tech
GamesBeat: It’s good to chat with you again. I’m sorry it had to be under these circumstances.
Adriana Gascoigne: It’s sad. Many organizations are suffering, not just Girls in Tech. It was a labor of love that addressed a real community need. Unfortunately, we couldn’t secure the necessary funding to survive.
We faced ongoing challenges raising funds, particularly from corporate sponsors. Many companies have shifted their focus to cost containment, which has severely affected our funding opportunities right when women need support the most for career development, mentorship, and job opportunities.
GamesBeat: Looking back at your starting point in 2007, what comes to mind?
Gascoigne: It was a labor of love that transformed into a movement. The response was overwhelming; there was a clear demand for a support network for women in tech. We've made progress since then, but we still have a long way to go in achieving gender equality and empowering women in leadership roles.
The funding for female founders has decreased significantly since COVID; it's now less than 2% of all VC capital in the U.S. This disparity needs urgent attention.
GamesBeat: So many women have shared similar stories with you about their experiences in tech. What are your thoughts?
Gascoigne: Absolutely. Many women in my network have shared their experiences of isolation and discrimination. Addressing these issues requires a cultural shift—leadership should actively create a supportive environment and uphold those values throughout the organization.
GamesBeat: Was there a peak for Girls in Tech?
Gascoigne: The peak was likely before COVID in 2019 when we had a vibrant community and momentum. We held our Catalyst conference in San Francisco, attracting thousands of attendees with prominent speakers. We also conducted various successful programs and fundraising events that fostered community and raised significant funds.
GamesBeat: How did the #MeToo movement impact your organization?
Gascoigne: The #MeToo movement heightened awareness of workplace issues, validating our mission. However, it also drew attention away from some funding sources as companies redirected their sponsorships to various causes, impacting our financial stability.
GamesBeat: What ultimately led to the decision to close?
Gascoigne: Our funding sources dried up significantly when multiple corporate sponsors withdrew at the same time. Despite efforts to secure new funding, our strategies were unsuccessful, ultimately forcing us to make the difficult decision to close.
We tried our hardest, putting our all into keeping Girls in Tech alive, but it became unsustainable. I believe the spirit of Girls in Tech will continue through other forms of advocacy.
GamesBeat: Looking back on 17 years, would you consider it a success?
Gascoigne: Absolutely. I have countless positive memories and am grateful for the connections I made. It’s a beautiful experience overall, though bittersweet that the journey has come to an end.
GamesBeat: What’s next for you?
Gascoigne: I have various ideas in the works and conversations happening. For now, I’m taking a moment to reflect before diving into the next chapter.
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