It takes people and organizations with grit and persistence, but also kindness and empathy, to close the massive equity gaps in fields like Science, Engineering and technology. On the front lines of this important mission is Chloe Kirlew-Geddes, Community Outreach Manager at Hackergal.
Hackergal is a Canadian Registered Charity dedicated to providing free, inclusive and innovative STEAM programming, including coding and digital skills, to Grade 6-12 girls* and gender-diverse learners across the country. Since 2015, Hackergal has supported the learning journeys of over 30,000 students, nurturing curiosity and affirming belonging in tech and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) for youth from underrepresented and underserved communities.
With experience as a Program Facilitator, Community Educator and Equity Consultant, Chloe Kirlew-Geddes bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding to her role at Hackergal. There, she connects with underserved and underrepresented communities, and the organizations that serve them to support Hackergal’s mission of closing gender and equity gaps in STEAM for girls and gender diverse youth across Canada. She specializes in relationship building and program delivery with community leaders and activators, and the youth within their networks. With an 8-year history in the nonprofit sector, Chloe’s expertise lies in working with youth from many intersections, with focus on BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Her background includes over 6 years of in-school and in-community programming with school-aged children and young adults. She’s devoted to empowering the next generation of STEAM and thought leaders from all experiences and identities. In this interview, Chloe shares insights into community-led outreach, the importance of equity-driven STEAM education, and how Hackergal continues to nurture curiosity and confidence in young people across the country.
We had the chance to speak with Chloe about the importance of nurturing youth interest in STEAM, and how to set help them up for success and bright futures.
You’ve said that for many youth, STEAM feels intimidating or “not for them.” What are some of the most common barriers you see girls and gender-diverse youth facing when they first engage with tech?
For a lot of youth, the first barrier is not even seeing themselves in the room in the first place. They might see today’s tech leaders on their social media timelines, or peek into a tech-based club at school and think “I don’t see anyone here that looks like me or has my identity, so this must not be for me”. This of course, points to a lack of diverse representation in tech and STEAM as a sector, but it’s nonetheless so important to encourage the youth that yes you do belong here, despite the statistics and representation.
For racialized communities the barriers are complex, and not always immediately obvious. For example, a lot of youth can’t go to an after school program because they have to help out at home or they have an after school job. This is why accessibility is such an important consideration when designing youth programming. We have to think about things like: Who has the ability to be here consistently? How are they going to get home after the program? Do they have tech access at their school or at home?
This is why it’s so valuable for Hackergal to continue to sustain and nurture our partnerships with organizations that have similar missions to close gaps in access and equity. For example, partnering with the Jean Augustine Centre, a staple in the Black community in Etobicoke, by providing local, low-barrier access to youth programming. Hackergal programming is also at no-cost to our partners, which allows participants to access our courses indefinitely for free.
You’ve emphasized that STEAM isn’t just about coding or equations—it includes arts, history, and even fashion. Why is it important to reframe STEAM in this broader, more creative way?
It’s so important for us to broaden the term STEAM, and emphasize on the “A” for arts as much as possible! When we’re on the ground with youth, so many of them have no idea what STEAM is, and when explained there is almost always this sense of “Oh, this is about math or science”. So, all the students who are not interested in sciences or mathematics often automatically rule it out. For this reason, Hackergal makes a point to explain just how expansive STEAM is – We oftentimes ask youth what their favorite subject or activities are in school, and use all of their examples: Sports, English, Art, History – To exemplify how they all have an important place in STEAM. There is so much innovation and creativity that can be connected to STEAM, outside of science, math and engineering. Digital arts, environmental sciences, cooking and baking – The possibilities are truly endless, and it’s paramount that our learners understand that early on and not count themselves out!
You founded Hackergal’s first Black Youth Advisory Committee. What inspired you to create that space, and why was it necessary?
When I first joined Hackergal, my position was Black Youth Outreach Specialist, and so a huge part of my mandate was supporting and increasing the representation of Black learners at Hackergal. I decided to take an inside-out approach, where I got to connect with the existing Black youth, and speak with them about their experience at Hackergal as youth at the intersection of being a Black girl in STEAM. From these conversations, I was inspired to start Hackergal’s first ever Black Youth Advisory Committee (BYAC), which was a community-centred space where Hackergal youth (those currently in programming as well as Alumni youth) were invited to share about their lived experiences, but also support future iterations of Hackergal programming for Black youth, by consulting on the relevancy and impact of our events, workshops and specialized community-focused offerings. This was an invaluable experience, as it not only provided a sense of community and safer space for Black youth to candidly share their opinions, but also led to successful implementation of programming for our community partners. For example, the BYAC advised on our March Break program with the Jean Augustine Centre, as well as our Black Futures in STEAM event, that we successfully delivered for Black youth with our community partner, Ethos Lab in Vancouver, BC. For this event, the BYAC also pre-recorded discussion questions, as well as shared their own experiences as Black girls in STEAM, to affirm and support the younger participants at our event.
How does Hackergal ensure that learners feel not just included, but genuinely valued as part of the future of tech?
At Hackergal, we emphasize and encourage a sense of community among our participants, not only through big events like our annual Hackathon, but also in the very structure of our programs. A Hackergal Club is designed to be a safer space where youth of similar interests are able to gather and learn with each other, but most importantly, learn how to affirm one another, learn from each other and build a genuine sense of belonging at an individual level. This not only helps build strong bonds, but also builds stronger self-esteem, a stronger sense of self-assuredness and a stronger sense of confidence. We truly believe these are some of the ingredients of nurturing mindful and powerful sector innovators, who will undoubtedly go on to play pivotal roles in diversifying and expanding the future of tech.
For young readers who are curious but hesitant about STEAM, what’s one thing you hope they take away from Hackergal’s work, and from your story?
My biggest piece of advice for youth who are curious but hesitant about exploring their interests in STEAM, is to do it anyway! Nervous? Do it anyway. Not sure if you’re going to fit in? Do it anyway. This is your time to explore and try out as many things as you can. I know there’s a lot of pressure to make big decisions coming up for you, but please remember that you are capable and brave enough to do the things that scare you! If you have a natural interest or curiosity, then you already belong in the room.
As Hackergal continues to expand its reach, the organization’s impact is rooted in the kind of thoughtful, community-centered work Chloe champions every day. By meeting youth where they are and centering equity, belonging, and access, Hackergal is helping reshape what the future of STEAM can look like, where girls and gender-diverse youth from all backgrounds see themselves reflected, supported, and thriving.
To learn more about Hackergal’s programs and impact, check out their website and follow Hackergal on Instagram @thehackergals or LinkedIn. If you’re interested in supporting the future of STEAM for girls and gender-diverse youth across Canada, you can donate here to help create more inclusive pathways into tech and innovation.
*header Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com M
Nadia Elkharadly
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