When Lucy Ho realized the lack of representation for girls in Canada’s tech sector, she didn’t just take note—she took action. And so Hackergal was born.
Hackergal, a not-for-profit organization that introduces girls across Canada to computer science through coding education and experiences, has a powerful mission; to change the face of computer science and pave the way for a technology industry that is diverse and inclusive of girls and young women in underrepresented groups across Canada. Lucy Ho has become a champion for equity in STEM. With a background in business, education, and community engagement, Lucy has fused her passions into a national movement that continues to grow year after year.
Along with their workshops and online learning portal for students, and their lesson plan and educational materials for educators, Hackergal also organizes an annual Hackathon . The 14th National Hackathon is taking place on Thursday, May 1, providing a unique opportunity for students in grades 6 to 9 to come together, code with purpose, and solve real-world challenges. Participants will build essential digital skills, explore problem-solving through technology, and be inspired by mentors and role models who are shaping the future of tech.
We got the chance to speak with Lucy to talk about her the challenges of launching a nonprofit in a male-dominated industry, and why coding is about so much more than just 1s and 0s.
From Business to Code: A Personal Mission
Lucy Ho didn’t start her career in tech. In fact, she came to the world of computer science through an unexpected path. With a degree in business and early professional experiences rooted in marketing and program development, she was always passionate about creating opportunities for others. But something was missing.
“I started to notice this huge gap in representation—especially for young girls and racialized youth—in the tech world,” Lucy recalls. “It wasn’t just a matter of who was getting hired, but who even saw themselves as belonging in that space in the first place.”
Determined to change that narrative, Ho founded Hackergal in 2015. What began as a small initiative soon evolved into a national organization, reaching over 30,000 girls and gender-diverse learners through coding events, school programs, and annual hackathons.
Building a Movement, One Line of Code at a Time
At its core, Hackergal is about much more than just coding. It’s about confidence, community, and changing the tech pipeline from the inside out.“Coding is just the tool,” Lucy explains. “What we’re really doing is creating space for girls to explore, to fail safely, and to realize their ideas matter. When girls see that they can build something from scratch—and that it works—it changes how they see themselves.”
Hackergal partners with schools, educators, and community organizations to deliver coding curricula designed specifically for girls in grades 6–9. The flagship event, the Hackergal Hackathon, is a Canada-wide coding event that gives girls a chance to collaborate, solve problems, and build real-world tech solutions in a supportive environment. “I’ve seen girls walk into a hackathon timid, unsure, saying things like, ‘I’m not good at math,’” says Lucy. “By the end of the day, they’re presenting apps they’ve built to judges and cheering each other on. That transformation is incredible.”
The Roadblocks and the Rewards
Like many founders in the nonprofit space, Ho has faced her share of challenges—especially in an industry where women still represent less than a quarter of the workforce. “There have been times when people didn’t take Hackergal seriously,” she admits. “They saw it as a nice-to-have, not a need-to-have. But we kept showing up. And every time we helped a girl feel like she belonged, that gave us fuel to keep going.” That perseverance paid off. Today, Hackergal has scaled across provinces, built partnerships with major tech companies, and seen alumnae go on to pursue degrees in computer science and careers in the tech sector.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Tech is Inclusive
As Hackergal looks toward the future, Lucy remains focused on deepening the organization’s impact—especially among underserved and racialized communities. “We’re not just preparing girls for tech careers,” Lucy says. “We’re preparing them to lead, to innovate, and to bring their lived experiences into spaces that desperately need diversity of thought.”
And finally, what is Lucy’s advice to other young women who might feel like outsiders in tech? “Your voice matters. You don’t need to know everything to get started. Just be curious, find your people, and keep showing up.”
With leaders like Lucy Ho at the helm, the future of tech in Canada looks a lot brighter—and a lot more inclusive. Learn more about Hackergal through their website below:
Nadia Elkharadly
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