Kai Coders
Oct 8, 2024
Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators Through Inclusive STEM Education and Advocacy for Well-Being in Tech
We are thrilled to announce that Deanna Bledsoe, Founder and CEO of Kai Coders, will be taking the stage at the 2024 Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC24), the largest gathering of women and non-binary technologists worldwide. With over 30,000 attendees, this prestigious event is a key platform for advancing diversity and innovation in the tech industry. For Deanna, it’s also an opportunity to continue her passionate advocacy for building a tech culture that is inclusive, welcoming, and focused on well-being—values she instills in the programs at Kai Coders.
Deanna’s career in tech began as a Junior Programmer, and through hard work and dedication, she eventually became IT Director for Delaware’s Treasury Department. Today, as the leader of Kai Coders, she’s on a mission to empower K-8 students with the skills and confidence to not only learn technology but to see themselves as future innovators. At the heart of every Kai Coders program is the belief that every child, regardless of their background, can thrive in tech when given the right tools and encouragement in a supportive environment.
Kai Coders goes beyond traditional tech education by fostering a culture where kids feel included and valued. Through hands-on projects, students learn to become creators of technology, not just consumers. Deanna ensures that the programs at Kai Coders provide a space where creativity, curiosity, and a growth mindset come together. Every child is encouraged to tackle challenges, overcome obstacles, and build the confidence they need to succeed—not just in tech, but in any area of their lives.
At GHC24, Deanna will join forces with wellness and leadership coach Marna Schwartz for their workshop, “Leveling Up Without Bottoming Out: Escalating Your Career Without Burnout.” The workshop will explore how success in tech doesn’t have to come at the cost of personal well-being—a message that resonates deeply with Deanna, who has experienced the effects of stress firsthand in her own career. This commitment to maintaining a balance between achievement and well-being is central to her work at Kai Coders, where she has built a culture grounded in the Spirit of Aloha—kindness, respect, and inclusion.
As an advocate for a more diverse and welcoming tech landscape, Deanna knows that creating a supportive, inclusive environment is key to keeping women and underrepresented groups engaged in technology. Burnout is a significant issue, with 50% of women in tech leaving the industry by age 35. In their workshop, Deanna and Marna will address how burnout impacts leadership diversity and share actionable strategies to help individuals succeed while maintaining their well-being.
The workshop is expected to draw over 500 participants, making it a cornerstone session at GHC24. We’re incredibly proud of Deanna’s continued advocacy for an inclusive tech culture and her efforts to shape the next generation of leaders through Kai Coders. Her work at Grace Hopper aligns perfectly with the values she brings to our K-8 STEM programs, creating a brighter future for all kids in tech.