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 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 creating over 1 million experiences for people to learn future-proof technical skills.
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.
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.