Our mission
Rewriting the Code is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering university students and early-career women in tech. Through collaborative learning and career-focused development, we foster belonging, champion opportunity, and equip future innovators with the skills, knowledge, and connections to thrive—reshaping the future of technology.
What the tech industry feels like when you’re not alone
In tech, being the only woman in the room gets exhausting. You’re constantly overthinking every question, staying up late solving problems alone because there’s no one you feel comfortable reaching out to.
With RTC, that changes.
When cybersecurity seems intimidating because you don’t know where to start, members break it down for you step by step. When you’re wondering if a job offer is fair, you get honest feedback from women who’ve negotiated similar roles. When you’re the only woman on your team again, you have a place to vent with people who get it without explanation.
You become part of something bigger—a community of 35,000+ women facing the same challenges. The senior developer who remembers your first performance review. The peer who knows which interview questions that company really asks. The mentor who handled being talked over in meetings.
This isn’t just about feeling better. It’s about staying in tech when you might otherwise leave. It’s about advancing faster with insider information and strategies that work. It’s about building your career with people who have your back.
And when talented people like you thrive, the entire industry gets stronger.
Our core values
Belonging and Community
Belonging is our bedrock. Community is our charge.
Empowerment
We lift, lean on, and leverage each other’s strengths.
Access
Access should have no admission fee.
Impact
We develop future-ready talent prepared to shape and lead in tech.
Representation
We create mirrors and shatter glass ceilings.
How we support our community
For members
Community
Engage with a vibrant network of peers, mentors, and industry leaders.
Career
Discover a realm of career opportunities in computer science and engineering.
Broader Exposure
Gain real-world exposure to cutting-edge fields like AI, machine learning, blockchain, and more.
Mentorship
Garner advice and support from a diverse network of company tech leaders, peers, mentors, and women role models.
Financial Assistance
Overcome financial hurdles on your way to graduation with the RTC Future of Tech Fund.
Skill Development
Develop your skills, including networking, confidence, communication, leadership, and navigating challenging situations in a safe, inclusive space.
For organizations
Build meaningful relationships with exceptional talent
Move beyond transactional recruiting to develop genuine connections with qualified candidates. Our year-round engagement model helps you connect with women at every career stage, creating stronger matches and better retention.
Fund programs that create measurable change
Partner with us to support initiatives that deliver concrete outcomes for women in tech. From removing financial barriers through our Future of Tech Fund to expanding our reach to new communities, your investment creates lasting impact.
Share your expertise and transform careers
Make a direct impact by volunteering as a mentor, speaker, or workshop leader. Whether you’re a seasoned tech professional or bring expertise from other fields, your knowledge can help guide the next generation of women in tech.
Meet our Team
The RTC community is served by a passionate and nimble staff working across the country and a volunteer Board of Directors. Every member of our team is dedicated to empowering women to become the tech leaders of tomorrow. Meet the core team members working to support our mission.
Leadership
Sue Harnett
Sue is a proven company founder, entrepreneur, and healthcare leader. Before Rewriting the Code, Sue launched, developed, and successfully sold a novel e-commerce and technology business in the collegiate and professional sports industry. Sue also created the strategic vision and operational infrastructure for a multi-specialty physician organization within Duke University Health System, a nationally acclaimed academic health system. She is an expert at recognizing the viability of business opportunities, testing the market to refine the proposed model, and executing the go-to-market strategy. She brings a strong ability to create passionate teams, establish focused and positive work cultures and lead disruptive business models to bring innovative change. Sue hopes to positively impact the young college women of Rewriting the Code by supporting the students with the necessary skills, confidence, and applied work opportunities to develop the next generation of technology leaders. Sue received her Masters in Healthcare Administration from Duke University in 1992 and an AB in Economics from Duke University in 1990. Sue earned a full scholarship to Duke, receiving All-America honors before playing professional basketball in Kortrijk, Belgium.
Core Team
TEDx with Sue Harnett
Hear our founder, Sue Harnett, speak about the power of teamwork at TEDx Cary Women.
Board of Directors
C.E.O. Leaders 2024-2025
Transform recruiting from transactional to meaningful
Build genuine relationships that go beyond traditional recruiting. Our partnership team serves as your strategic advisor, helping your team connect authentically with women who bring fresh thinking to your products, creating a reputation as a company that values both talent and perspectives.