Hi - I’m Melissa.

When I was 11 years old, I taught myself to code. I felt like the whole world was unlocked - mine to discover and create. I loved it.

But, I was never encouraged to pursue coding any further.

So, I went on….to business school and worked in early-stage startups. Working in startups made me realize how important the ability to build is - especially with technology.

Working in startups made me realize how important the ability to build, especially with technology, was and how few people could do it.

Shockingly, I also learned that women were underrepresented (like really underrepresented) in both technology and entrepreneurship - they still are.

Since then, I’ve been committed to helping people unlock the power of technology to build things that matter.

As the Co-Founder and CEO of Canada Learning Code (formerly Ladies Learning Code), I've helped build and lead one of the leading education organizations teaching future-proof technical skills:


→ helping create over 1 million learning experiences for people
→ teach hundreds of thousands of people of all ages
→ developed a national K-12 computer science framework supporting the addition of CS in curriculum grades 1-8
→ raised $50M in funding to fuel our work

Outside of my work at Canada Learning Code, I study organizations and individuals navigating technical change and teach technology strategy at Ivey Business School. I share my insights through speaking engagements and coach entrepreneurs and business leaders. I hope to equip and inspire as many people as possible to build things that matter.

Described as “unstoppable” and a “trailblazer,” I believe passionately and optimistically in the future of technology to build a better future, and my mission is to help people build it.

I've been featured in national media outlets like CTV, CBC, and the Globe & Mail, and my leadership has been recognized through a Governor General Award, RBC Entrepreneur of the Year, WXN Top 100, and Canada’s Top 40 Under 40. I was even honored with a one-of-a-kind Barbie made in my likeness by Barbie Mattel.

Building things is hard. And, we need more people to do it.

Let’s keep building together 🫶🚀

Connect with Me

Awards & Recognition

  • Melissa was recognized as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40. This awards program identifies outstanding young achievers in Canadian business, visionaries and innovators changing the way things are done. They are inspiring others and already giving back to their communities and to Canada.

  • Melissa was one of twelve women globally recognized as a Barbie Role Model; receiving her very own one-of-a-kind (OOAK) Barbie doll. The one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls are the highest honour from the Barbie brand and are a key pillar of the Barbie Dream Gap Project, designed to honour women who are breaking boundaries to inspire the next generation of girls.

  • Melissa was honoured with a M.S.C.. The Meritorious Service Decorations recognize great Canadians for exceptional deeds accomplished over a limited period of time that bring honour to our country. They honour achievements in both military and civil divisions.

  • Melissa was recognized as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women. This award celebrates the incredible actions and accomplishments of rising stars, the top of their field, community leaders and champions for others.

  • Melissa was recognized wth The RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards for Social Change. This award recognizes female business owners from across Canada who make impressive and substantial contributions to the local, Canadian or global economy.

  • Melissa was award by the Governor General of Canada with an award in Commemoration of the Persons Case. This award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the goal of equality for women and girls in Canada. Recipients come from all parts of the country and from all walks of life.