Tarika Barrett: Empowering the Future of Women in Tech and Education
Tarika Barrett, Ph.D., is a name that stands out in education, technology, and social impact. As the CEO of Girls Who Code, a global non-profit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology, Dr. Barrett has created pathways for young women to enter the tech world. With a background that spans leadership, education, and advocacy, Tarika Barrett has proven to be a formidable force in driving change and empowering the next generation of women to shape the future.
This article will explore Dr. Tarika Barrett’s career journey, accomplishments, and work’s lasting impact while highlighting how her leadership is transforming the landscape of technology and education for young women globally.
Early Life and Education
Born with a passion for education and empowerment, Tarika Barrett’s journey began in Brooklyn, New York, where she attended Brooklyn College and later pursued graduate studies at Teachers College, Columbia University, earning a Master’s degree in Deaf Education. Barrett’s early career was shaped by her deep interest in making education more accessible to underserved communities, especially for those with hearing impairments.
Her educational pursuits didn’t stop there. She earned a Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning from New York University (NYU), where she became involved in research that focused on improving educational outcomes for marginalized groups. Her work at NYU helped her refine her leadership abilities, setting the stage for future accomplishments.
Career Beginnings
Before taking the reins at Girls Who Code, Dr. Barrett built a robust career in educational leadership. She served in various roles, including Deputy Network Leader of New Visions for Public Schools and Senior Director of the Office of Postsecondary Readiness at the New York City Department of Education.
In these positions, she led efforts to design new school models, including New York City’s first high school dedicated to software engineering, the Academy for Software Engineering (AFSE). Barrett’s focus on innovative educational programs helped pave the way for greater access to technology-related careers, particularly for underrepresented groups.
One of the pivotal roles in her early career was as the Chief Program Officer at iMentor, where she led the organization’s efforts to build mentoring relationships that helped first-generation students succeed in high school and beyond. Through this role, Dr. Barrett leveraged her passion for mentorship and education, laying the groundwork for her future in both the non-profit and tech sectors.
Leadership at Girls Who Code
In 2016, Tarika Barrett joined Girls Who Code as Vice President of Programs, a non-profit organization founded by Reshma Saujani to close the gender gap in technology. Within a few years, Barrett’s ability to drive impact and lead initiatives led to her promotion to Chief Operating Officer in 2018.
In April 2021, Dr. Barrett succeeded Reshma Saujani as CEO of Girls Who Code. Under her leadership, Girls Who Code has made remarkable strides in empowering young women globally with the skills and confidence needed to pursue careers in tech. The organization’s flagship initiatives, such as the Summer Immersion Program and After-School Clubs, have served over 500,000 girls worldwide, offering coding education and mentorship opportunities.
As CEO, Dr. Barrett has focused on expanding Girls Who Code’s global reach and deepening its impact. Her leadership is focused on technical education and the broader aspects of career development and empowerment. This includes fostering a community where women can share experiences, develop new skills, and access career resources.
Tarika Barrett’s Focus on Diversity and Inclusion
A central tenet of Dr. Barrett’s work is her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Women, particularly women of colour, remain underrepresented in computer science and technology. According to various studies, only 24% of the computing workforce is female, and the number drops even further when considering women of colour.
Dr Barrett has been vocal about the need to address this imbalance, stating that the technology sector must fully thrive to reflect the diversity of the world it serves. Under Barrett’s leadership, Girls Who Code’s programs actively aim to change this by providing young women, especially those from historically underrepresented backgrounds, with the tools they need to succeed.
In addition to her work with Girls Who Code, Dr. Barrett serves on various boards and councils dedicated to promoting diversity and equity in education and technology, including CSforALL, Eskolta, and AT&T’s Accelerator Advisory Board.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Tarika Barrett’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2021, she was named one of Crain’s 50 Most Powerful Women in New York, recognising her significant contributions to education, technology, and leadership. Additionally, she was listed among the Power Women by PoliticsNY and amNewYork in 2022. Her leadership and advocacy efforts earned the prestigious Huntington Bank’s Her Hero Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York City Bar Association.
Moreover, Diversity MBA Media recognized Dr. Barrett as part of their Top 100 Under 50 list in 2022, further cementing her position as one of the most influential women in the non-profit and tech sectors.
The Future of Girls Who Code Under Dr. Barrett’s Leadership
As CEO, Dr. Barrett is focused on expanding Girls Who Code’s global footprint, particularly in underrepresented communities. By partnering with international organizations and tapping into emerging markets, she positions Girls Who Code as a central player in the global movement for gender equality in tech.
Looking ahead, Dr. Barrett’s vision includes creating more career opportunities for young women, strengthening the pipeline of talent entering tech companies, and building a robust alum network that continues to support women throughout their careers. She is also focused on forging new partnerships with tech giants to create lasting collaborations that give girls access to jobs, internships, and mentorship opportunities.
Tarika Barrett’s Legacy and Impact
Dr. Tarika Barrett’s legacy is empowerment, leadership, and advocacy for women in tech and education. As a trailblazer in the non-profit sector, she continues to shape the future by ensuring that young women worldwide have the skills and knowledge to pursue successful careers in technology.
Her work at Girls Who Code is not just about teaching young women to code; it’s about transforming the tech industry from the inside out by fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone can thrive.
In the future, Dr. Tarika Barrett’s contributions will continue to inspire countless women to pursue their passions, break barriers, and ultimately change the world of technology and beyond.
Conclusion
Tarika Barrett, Ph.D., is a force to be reckoned with in education and technology. Through her work with Girls Who Code, she has made an indelible impact on the lives of young women, helping to equip them with the tools they need to thrive in a tech-driven world. With her focus on diversity, inclusion, and empowerment, Dr. Barrett is shaping the tech industry’s future and educational leadership.
As Dr. Barrett’s career continues to flourish, her vision for a more inclusive, diverse, and accessible tech world will resonate for generations to come. Dr. Tarika Barrett’s leadership exemplifies the power of innovation, compassion, and determination to create lasting change.
