Women Who Code Launches In Beijing and Shanghai

The Global Nonprofit Opens Two New Networks In China Thanks To Sponsorship From VMware

SAN FRANCISCO, January 12, 2015 — Women Who Code (WWCode), a 501(c)3 dedicated to helping women excel in technology careers, teams with VMware to announce the launch of two new Networks located in Beijing and Shanghai China. VMware appointed four of its bright tech women to lead the way. The Beijing group is being led by Directors Lucy Shang and Xinhu Li. Their first event, which took place on October 19th, was attended by over 40 members. WWCode Shanghai is being run by Qianyi Zheng and Yoka Liu and their inaugural gathering was held on December 3rd.

By launching in Beijing and Shanghai, Women Who Code hopes to expand its efforts to empower women in technology careers, while providing them with the tools that they need to succeed. These new networks, which are the second and third that the organization has opened in China, will be hosting hackathons, tech talks, career forums, networking nights, and study groups, with many of these events already being actively planned by the group’s leaders.

VMWare, a company that provides cloud and virtualization software and services, has been vital to the launch and development of the Beijing and Shanghai WWCode Networks, acting as a founding sponsor and hosting their inaugural functions. This collaborative effort was facilitated by Lily Chang, the VP of Central Engineering at VMware who stated that, "We are committed to empowering women to succeed in technology, and I believe that our work with Women Who Code will inspire and cultivate a whole generation of female engineers to rise up and excel in the industry. Through strong collaboration between VMware and Women who Code, we will establish strong technical women communities globally and enrich Women who Code professional development curriculum with leading edge virtualization and SDDC expertise.”

When asked about the importance of bringing WWCode to Shanghai, Network Director Qianyi Zheng said, “Shanghai has a wealth of technology companies, however, female engineers are always the minority in these organizations. Our goal is to inspire women to excel in these careers.” Director Yoka Liu added, “It’s important because it can help women to find their talents in tech, while also allowing businesses to achieve greater profits through the diversity of opinions that female programmers can provide.”

“We’re grateful to VMWare for their support in launching the Beijing and Shanghai Networks, and we’re proud of their Directors for generating so much energy, and excitement,” said WWCode CEO and Board Chair Alaina Percival. “Through the help of our partners, we are working hard towards our goal of connecting one million women around the world with technology.”

About Women Who Code

Women Who Code is an international non-profit dedicated to inspiring women to excel in technology careers. Our goal is to empower women with the skills needed for professional advancement, and provide environments for networking and mentorship. The organization executes more than 2,000 events around the world each year, has garnered a membership exceeding 50,000, and has a presence in 20 countries. Help us to empower even more women to advance in tech with the training and community they need to succeed by supporting our #WWCode networks. Learn more at womenwhocode.com