Ruislip & Eastcote & Northwood Gazette
Learning confidence
GLAM (Girls Leadership Academy Meetup), the Silicon Valley-based nonprofit, debuted in London on November 23 and 24, at Cisco’s UK headquarters in Feltham.
At GLAM, women leaders from the tech industry joined forces to inspire 50 girls aged seven to eleven to consider tech as a career choice and to aim for senior leadership positions.
GLAM is unique in that it not only teaches the basics of computer coding, but also a full range of business skills to set girls on a path to senior leadership and entrepreneurship.
The two-day immersive programme is offered free of charge to enable girls from all socioeconomic backgrounds to participate.
As well as teaching basic computer and coding skills, it also teaches leadership abilities through a business plan workshop and coaching on public speaking and the art of persuasion.
GLAM culminates in a Dragons’ Den-like activity where teams pitch their business ideas to an expert panel of judges.
“I learned to be confident at GLAM,” said eight-year-old Emma Starkie- Garcia, a GLAM London attendee.
“Before, I was very shy. Now, it’s easier for me to speak in front of lots of people.”
GLAM Founder Renée La Londe, CEO and founder of iTalent Digital said: “I know from experience how life-changing an event like this can be. We have received incredible feedback from the girls and their parents over the years and we are thrilled to make our debut in London this year.”