Beginnings in Likoni: A Spark Ignited

Gloria Ndirangu’s journey into technology began in 2016 when she joined the Mombasa Girls in STEM project, implemented by Pwani Teknowgalz in partnership with TechWomen Kenya. This early exposure to technology sparked her curiosity and set the foundation for what would become an impactful career.Raised in Likoni, a vibrant coastal town with a thriving community, Gloria completed her high school education at Mount Sinai Academy. While she did not have the opportunity to pursue college immediately after graduation, her determination and passion for technology never faded.At a time when many of her peers were uncertain about their futures, Gloria sought out opportunities to learn. Her search led her to Pwani Teknowgalz, where she began her journey with basic computer skills training. These first lessons equipped her with essential digital knowledge and ignited the passion that would drive her future endeavors.

Advancing Through CodeHack: Building Skills and Confidence

After mastering computer essentials, Gloria progressed to the CodeHack program at Pwani Teknowgalz. Known for its rigorous and hands-on approach, CodeHack pushed her to expand her skills and build confidence in web development. Through this program, Gloria created her own projects, explored coding, and discovered how technology could be used to solve real-world problems. Beyond the technical skills, CodeHack shaped her as a leader and communicator. Working in teams, presenting ideas, and receiving constructive feedback strengthened her ability to express complex concepts clearly and collaborate effectively. In the process, Gloria learned how to lead by example, motivate peers, and tackle challenges with resilience skills that would later define her impact as a mentor and trainer.

Leadership and Community Impact: Google CS First Program

Gloria’s passion for giving back became evident when she joined the Google CS First Program, an initiative designed to introduce young students to computer science through fun, creative activities. As a facilitator, Gloria not only taught coding but also inspired children to believe in their potential. Her patience, clarity, and approachable teaching style made her a beloved mentor who encouraged students to imagine a future in technology.

Technovation: Mentorship and Innovation

Gloria also stepped into a leadership role as a mentor in Technovation, a global program where girls create technology-based solutions to real-world problems. Guiding her mentees through the entire process in ideation, development, and pitching, she empowered them to build confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. For the girls she mentored, Gloria was more than a guide; she was a role model. She demonstrated that with persistence and hard work, young women could break barriers and create impactful innovations.

Leading GLTT in Kilifi: Empowering the Next Generation

She also served as the lead facilitator for the Girls Learning Tech Together (GLTT) program in Kilifi. This role is the culmination of her journey, blending her technical expertise, leadership skills, and passion for community empowerment. As lead facilitator, Gloria designs and oversees program sessions, ensuring they are engaging, inclusive, and impactful. She connects deeply with participants, understands their challenges, and provides tailored guidance to help them succeed. Her leadership has made the GLTT program a resounding success in Kilifi, opening doors for countless girls to embrace technology with confidence.

Shaping a Future in Tech: Gloria’s Ongoing Journey

Her journey is far from over. With a commitment to lifelong learning, Gloria continues to grow, inspire, and create impact in her community and beyond. She has also discovered a special passion for teaching young learners, particularly girls, using tools like Scratch to spark creativity and confidence in STEM. Gloria’s path with Pwani Teknowgalz exemplifies the transformative power of education, mentorship, and community engagement. As she continues to rise in the tech space, her story serves as a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of girls proving that with the right support, no dream is out of reach.