Industry Innovators 2025: Tamika Tretu
Tamika Tretu, the vice president of programs for Black Girls Code, is on a mission to demystify notions about who belongs in technology. Founded in 2011, Black Girls Code aims to inspire and prepare girls to lead in technology by fostering confidence, access, and a strong sense of belonging.
Tretu’s background is rooted in education, with experience in school leadership, developing culturally responsive curricula, and creating impactful youth programs. Her transition into the event technology space occurred when she joined Black Girls Code, driven by a commitment to equity and access within STEM fields.
As vice president of programs, Tretu has focused on scaling event offerings and expanding the organization’s reach through innovative digital experiences and strategic partnerships. “Our events aren’t just moments; they’re movements that change trajectories!” she emphasized.
For Tretu, innovation means anticipating the future and designing for impact. It’s about centering people, especially those often excluded, and creating opportunities that are accessible, culturally relevant, and forward-thinking. “Staying innovative is essential to our work at BGC,” she noted. “Our students deserve more than outdated approaches; they deserve to engage with real-world tools and bold ideas.”
One of Tretu’s most memorable moments was leading the 2023 summer camp series across four cities, where students learned to code digital self-portraits using JavaScript. “Watching our girls see themselves—literally and figuratively—represented in their code was deeply moving,” she recalled. “It was a celebration of identity, imagination, and community, and a reminder of how powerful coding becomes when it’s tied to storytelling and self-expression.”
Tretu is particularly excited about the role of artificial intelligence in youth education. Black Girls Code is designing a 2025 curriculum that introduces AI concepts in meaningful, creative, and age-appropriate ways. “Making AI accessible to our community isn’t just exciting; it’s necessary!” she stressed. “It ensures our girls are not just consumers of technology but future leaders and creators within it.”
Looking ahead, Tretu emphasized the importance of making technology accessible and demystifying notions about who belongs in tech. Black Girls Code is expanding its Code Along platform to create a comprehensive learning ecosystem, with structured lesson plans for educators to integrate into classrooms and community spaces worldwide. The goal is to democratize tech education at scale, reaching more learners, equipping more teachers, and sparking creativity across borders.
