Rails Girls is a free international event where girls of all ages have the opportunity to discover that programming is not a black screen full of indecipherable codes but a world full of possibilities that they can be part of. Pelotas city needed such an event and this is the first step in bringing more women to the software area in our region.
The event took place on february 10th/11th 2017 at the Catholic University of Pelotas. Even with problems, such as the lack of 2 important coaches, the organizers redoubled their efforts to make a fantastic event! The event began with lectures, including the incredible Operação Serenata de Amor, software that fights corruption in the federal government! A big thanks to the awesome speakers Daniela Petruzalek, Barbara Hartmann, Alexandre de Oliveira, Ana Schwendler and Irio Musskopf.
On the second day, a total of 36 girls in 4 groups were assisted by 14 coaches during the development of an application. From table to table, the coaches helped throughout the entire process, with explanations and questions answered. Thanks to our sponsors, there was breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, several cool treats and coffee throughout the day to keep everyone on full power!
The result of the event was exceptional. The vast majority was emphatic that they want to continue learning and possibly to work in the area. We have brought coaches from renowned companies such as Globo.com, ThoughtWorks, Zipmark, RBS and Operation Serenade of Love helped us show that they can achieve their full potential and create amazing stuff.
Without our sponsors none of this would have happened. Technically Speaking was the first to believe in the project and we could not have done it without them (thank you, Cate Huston!). Globo.com has sent incredible instructors and funded the food. Github sent out stickers and didactic material, as well as financial support that allowed for a big event. Seprorgs helped us immensely, could not have done it without them. ThoughtWorks has sent 4 fantastic instructors! Extremo Sul and IPv7 companies also embraced our project! Finally, the Universidade Católica de Pelotas supported us throughout the entire process, giving space for the event, computer labs and professors support!
We can't forget to super thank every one of the people who helped us through Vakinha.com! Lucas Guerreiro Cantarelli, Professor Adenauer Yamin, Professor Sérgio Almeida, Professor Cláudio Machado Diniz, Eduardo Antonio César da Costa, Professor Lizandro de Souza Oliveira, Rafael dos Santos Silva on behalf of Discourse, Filipe Costa and Leticia Figueira, a super mega thank you! Finally, none of this would have happened without the great effort of the organizers Thayná, Sara Prestes, Rociele.
Thanks!