What started as one experimental event in Silicon Valley has grown into a global movement. WomenHack now operates in over 125 cities, has organized 750+ diversity recruiting events, and built a community of 40,000+ members. Here’s how it happened—and why it matters for employers.
The Origin Story
Founded in 2016 in the heart of Silicon Valley, WomenHack emerged from a simple observation: talented women in tech weren’t getting the same access to opportunities as their male counterparts.
“We started off from one experimental event,” recalls Samantha Boivin, Event Director at WomenHack. “Branching out to a few cities, to now over 125 cities.”
That first event tested a new format: speed interviews that put candidates and companies on equal footing, in an environment designed for connection rather than intimidation. The response was overwhelming.
Part of a Larger Movement
WomenHack is part of HackerX, described as “the world’s largest invite-only networking and recruiting event for developers.” This partnership provides infrastructure, credibility, and reach that amplifies WomenHack’s impact.
But while HackerX focuses on developers broadly, WomenHack serves a specific mission: promoting access and transparency into workplaces for women in tech.
The WomenHack Difference
Several factors distinguish WomenHack from traditional recruiting:
1. Company Vetting
WomenHack takes a unique approach by vetting participating companies. They ensure employers are genuinely committed to equal pay, career advancement, and leadership opportunities for women—not just paying lip service to diversity.
2. Community Beyond Events
The 40,000+ member community provides ongoing support, networking, and resources. Women who attend one event often become long-term community members, finding value in connections with other women in tech.
3. Review Platform
WomenHack launched a review platform “to give women a voice” about workplace experiences. This transparency helps candidates make informed decisions and holds companies accountable.
4. Speed Interview Format
The signature 5-minute conversations create a level playing field. Every candidate gets face-time with every company. Introductions generate response rates 3-4x higher than industry averages.
Global Reach, Local Focus
While WomenHack operates globally, events maintain local focus:
- North America: Silicon Valley, Seattle, Detroit, Toronto, Vancouver, and dozens more
- Europe: London, Zurich, Munich, Madrid, and growing
- Virtual: Online events connect talent regardless of geography
This combination of global scale and local execution means companies connect with relevant regional talent while benefiting from WomenHack’s broader reputation.
By the Numbers
- 750+ diversity recruiting events organized
- 125+ cities worldwide
- 40,000+ community members
- 1,500+ women talents connected
- 170+ partner companies
- 100% minority-owned enterprise
What Companies Say
Companies across industries have found success with WomenHack:
“Hosting a WomenHack event at our company was an incredible experience. Seeing women from diverse backgrounds networking seamlessly throughout the evening was a powerful reminder of the impact of fostering inclusivity in tech.”
— Jordan Biebuyck, X by 2
“There’s an enormous amount of talent in this city and we’re lucky to put ourselves out there. We love events like WomenHack because it gives us a chance to really get to know people in the tech industry, face-to-face.”
— Ksenia Onosov, Guestlogix
The Future
“As we become more visible, this also encourages more women to be curious about the industry and ultimately be a part of it,” Boivin explains. This visibility effect creates a virtuous cycle: more women in tech leads to more role models leads to more women entering tech.
For employers, this means a growing pool of qualified candidates and an increasingly sophisticated approach to diversity recruiting.
Join the Story
Whether you’re a startup or enterprise, whether you’re looking to host an event or simply participate, WomenHack provides a proven platform for connecting with diverse tech talent.
Explore partnership opportunities and become part of the WomenHack story.