Reshma Saujani is an American lawyer, politician, entrepreneur, and the founder of Girls Who Code, a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology. Born in Chicago to immigrant parents, she has built a career as a leader in advocating for women’s rights, particularly in STEM fields. Saujani has also run for public office, including a bid for Congress in 2010. She is the author of books such as Women Who Don’t Wait in Line and Brave, Not Perfect. As an entrepreneur, she continues to inspire and empower women to take risks, embrace leadership, and pursue careers in tech.

Early Life and Education

Reshma Saujani was born in Chicago to parents of Gujarati Indian descent. Her family’s roots trace back to Uganda, where her parents were expelled in the early 1970s by dictator Idi Amin and eventually settled in the United States. Saujani attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, graduating in 1997 with degrees in Political Science and Speech Communication. She continued her education at Harvard University, earning a Master’s in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government in 1999. Saujani completed her Juris Doctor (JD) at Yale Law School in 2002.

Career and Finance Industry

Saujani began her career at the law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, defending securities fraud cases and working on pro bono asylum cases. In 2005, she joined Carret Asset Management and later worked for Blue Wave Partners Management, a subsidiary of the Carlyle Group. She then served as a deputy general counsel at Fortress Investment Group, before transitioning into a career in social impact and entrepreneurship.

Political Career

Reshma Saujani first entered the political sphere by founding South Asians for Kerry during the 2004 presidential election. She went on to serve as vice-chair of the New York delegation at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Saujani ran for Congress in 2010, challenging incumbent Democratic Representative Carolyn Maloney. Although she was not successful, her campaign garnered attention for its innovative use of technology and for receiving support from influential figures like Jack Dorsey and Randi Zuckerberg.

In 2013, Saujani ran for New York City Public Advocate but came third in the Democratic primary. Her political journey solidified her as a prominent figure in New York’s political landscape.

Girls Who Code

In 2012, Reshma Saujani founded Girls Who Code, a nonprofit organization aimed at closing the gender gap in technology by empowering young girls to learn computer science and coding. Her initiative has grown to inspire thousands of young women to enter the tech field, offering programs, resources, and opportunities to girls from diverse backgrounds.

Saujani’s work with Girls Who Code has earned her recognition, including a spot on Fortune’s 40 Under 40 list in 2015. She continues to advocate for gender equality in tech through speaking engagements, media appearances, and collaborations with prominent leaders.

Books and Advocacy

Reshma Saujani has authored several books, including Women Who Don’t Wait in Line: Break the Mold, Lead the Way (2013), Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World (2017), and Brave, Not Perfect: Fear Less, Fail More, and Live Bolder (2018). Her books encourage women to take risks, challenge the status quo, and pursue leadership roles.

In 2022, Saujani released Pay Up: The Future of Women and Work (and Why It’s Different Than You Think), discussing the evolving nature of women’s work and advocating for systemic changes to ensure women have equal opportunities and pay.

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Beyond her work with Girls Who Code, Saujani is an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and economic equality. She launched the Marshall Plan for Moms in 2021, calling for financial relief for working mothers and greater investment in child care. She continues to champion policies that support women in the workforce and fight for gender equity in tech and beyond.

Recognition and Impact

Reshma Saujani’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as a leader in both the nonprofit sector and the tech industry. Her efforts to close the gender gap in computer science have inspired a generation of young women to take up careers in STEM fields. As a tireless advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, Saujani is a trailblazer whose influence continues to shape the future of work and education for women worldwide.