A Letter From Our CEO
Dear BGC Community,
When I stepped into AfroTech this year, something electric happened. This was my first time attending as CEO, and the welcome I received was nothing short of transformative. People from across the tech industry were raising their hands and asking, "What can we do to help?" It was a much needed reminder that we are truly in this together. And thanks to NextEra, our brilliant young scholars were right there with me, navigating the conference with a confidence that stopped me in my tracks. These young women weren't just attendees—they were future tech leaders, asking sharp questions, networking with purpose, and claiming their space with an ease that spoke volumes about the work we're doing.
Looking around the room, I felt it: change isn't just coming. Change is here.
When we dig into the data, it becomes evident that the barriers to entry into tech aren’t solely external; they have deep psychological roots as well. For example, only 19% of computer science bachelor degrees are earned by women, and approximately 3% are earned by Black women. We have a responsibility to understand why and do something about it. This is precisely why Black Girls Code exists. We're not just teaching code; we're building a comprehensive support system that goes far beyond technical skills.
Our work is about creating ecosystems of support. We're preparing the next generation to be in the rooms where decisions are made—where technologies are funded, created, and legislated. We're cultivating culture creators and innovators who will reshape the tech landscape, ensuring that the future of technology reflects the full spectrum of human creativity and experience.
At AfroTech, the central question of our mission was front of mind: What is the cost of inaction? The answer resonated through every conversation, every panel, every interaction. We don't want to find out—and with your continued support, we won't have to. Our commitment is to support these young women wherever they are: in high school computer labs, college classrooms, early career professionals, and beyond. Our goal is far more than any singular program or initiative; we want to be a lifelong network of support, mentorship, and empowerment.
Gone are the days of us asking for a seat at the table. Now, we're redesigning the entire room. When Black girls enter tech, they don't just bring skills—they bring entire worlds of untapped innovation. Our girls see what others miss. They solve problems before they're even recognized as problems. These are the future CTOs who will build AI models that truly reflect humanity. The cybersecurity experts who will safeguard digital landscapes. The UX designers who will create interfaces that speak to and work for everyone, not just a privileged few. They are the architects of a more intelligent and more compassionate technological future.
The potential is limitless. The time is now. And we are ready.
In solidarity and purpose,
Cristina Mancini, CEO Black Girls Code
PRESS RELEASE
14 NOVEMBER 2023 By admin in BGCNEWS
Black Girls Code Announces “Build a Beat Challenge with Ciara” Inspiring Young Coders Nationwide
Contest to Feature GRAMMY Award winning singer/songwriter Ciara and Celebrity Guest Judges MC Lyte, Craig King, TikTok Sensation The BoykinZ, Bosko Kante, James Cuthbert, and More.
New York, NY - November 14, 2023 - Today, Black Girls Code, a nonprofit dedicated to CS education for Black girls and gender nonconforming youth, announced the launch of a nationwide contest, “Build a Beat Challenge with Ciara,” set to spark a musical coding revolution. Sponsored by Infosys Foundation USA, the “Build a Beat Challenge with Ciara” empowers students ages 13-18 to code their own song for the chance to meet global superstar Ciara via a video call, as well as to win tech prizes that will help inspire and further their dreams.
Watch Ciara’s announcement video HERE and sign up for the contest HERE.
“I am proud to be supporting this initiative and empowering young people to take their passion for music and use it to develop technology skills that can give them a leg up in life,” said Ciara.
Running from November 14 through December 31, 2023, “Build a Beat Challenge with Ciara” invites young coders to join Infosys Foundation USA's Pathfinders Online Institute to access engaging video tutorials, designed and developed by Black Girls Code, to guide students on their coding journey. Using these newly acquired skills, participants will craft their unique songs and remixes, blending their creativity with sounds from artists like Ciara, Alicia Keys, Common, Pharrell, and more.
Sign up for the “Build a Beat Challenge with Ciara” for free at wearebgc.org/buildabeatchallenge.
See full press release HERE.
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SPONSOR:
Infosys Foundation USA: Infosys Foundation USA is dedicated to expanding access to computer science and maker education for K-12 students and educators across the USA, while working to digitally upskill all learners for 21st century technology-enabled opportunities. The Foundation aims to inspire everyone to be creators, not just consumers, of technology.
MEDIA CONTACTS:Black Girls Code — Debbie Veney / debbie@crosswalkcreatives.com
“Build a Beat Challenge with Ciara” Contest — Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis / BlackGirlsCodePR@ssmandl.com Infosys Foundation USA — Mary Shen / mary.shen02@infosys.com
PRESS RELEASE
24 October 2023 by admin in BGC NEWS
Cristina Jones Takes the Helm as New CEO of Black Girls Code, Pledging to Expand the Organization’s Mission of Launching Black Girls in STEAM
Black Girls Code is thrilled to introduce Cristina Jones as their new CEO. Jones brings decades of executive and leadership experience at the intersection of technology, marketing, and media. She is passionate about creating pathways for women of color to be in the rooms where tech is being innovated, and approaches this work with urgency.
Jones will ignite and expand Black Girls Code’s vision, broadening the curriculum and increasing the age limit to reflect a renewed emphasis on workforce development. She will also focus on cultivating partnerships across industries that create the conditions for girls of color to access career opportunities and grow into leaders whose imagination, verve, and creativity will materialize the regenerative future we need.
“We met with tens of stellar, extraordinary candidates for this position," said former Board Chair Heather Hiles. "Cristina is the perfect blend of an accomplished executive in tech with a creative, visionary, entrepreneurial spirit. She is the perfect fit for the new CEO of Black Girls Code.”
“I’m elated to join this global community at this pivotal moment,” said Cristina Jones. “An entire demographic has been missing from tech, and it’s time to advantage and embolden these future leaders to enter and thrive wherever this innovation is happening. We’re accelerating our mission to place one million girls of color in tech by 2040.”
Most recently, Cristina served as Chief Engagement Officer and Chief Marketing Officer for Salesforce.org, where she worked to humanize tech and elevate the mission and impact through authentic storytelling.
About Black Girls Code
Since 2011, Black Girls Code has been dedicated to placing one million girls of color in tech by 2040. The organization ignites interest, activates potential, and nurtures careers in tech for girls and women of color ages 7-25. They partner with schools, local organizations, and dedicated volunteers to get participants the resources they need to thrive. For more than a decade, Black Girls Code has provided Black girls, girls of color, and gender nonconforming youth with computer programming education to nurture their careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics fields.
Please contact Debbie Veney at 202.491.8833 and debbie@crosswalkcreatives.com for interview requests, additional information, or media inquiries related to Black Girls Code and Cristina Jones.
Biography
Cristina Jones is an intentional storyteller with a focus on action, impact, and culture.
Throughout her career, Cristina has used new media and tech to unlock and elevate C-Suite and brand voices. She has worked at the intersection of marketing, technology, and media, most recently as Chief Engagement Officer and Chief Marketing Officer at Salesforce.org. Before Salesforce.org, Cristina was Senior Vice President of Salesforce Studios, where she led a team that included Customer Marketing, Brand, Media, & C-Suite Partnerships, Content Production, Video Distribution & Programming, and Sponsorships. Her talent for storytelling inspired millions during the COVID-19 pandemic through initiatives like “Leading Through Change.” Prior to Salesforce, Cristina was at 20th Century Fox, where she held senior roles in marketing, technology, and franchise development.
Cristina amplifies under-recognized voices, earning recognition in the Ebony Power 100 as well as the World Woman Foundation’s #ShesMyHero campaign. As CEO of Black Girls Code, she champions equity and innovation, steering the organization toward a future where Black girls are not just coders but imaginative creators shaping our world.
