Rewriting the Code nurtures a community that bridges ambitious women in tech with forward-thinking companies. Rewriting the Code supports and empowers college, graduate and early career women in tech through intersectional communities, mentorship, industry experience, and educational resources to become the next generation of engineers and tech leaders.
Event Brief:
We are seeking a dynamic keynote speaker for an upcoming virtual event in March. Below are the details:
We are especially interested in featuring a woman as the keynote, with a strong emphasis on women of color in high-level positions. Our audience is centered on early-career women in tech, and we’re looking for a speaker who can inspire and empower them with actionable insights and a memorable message.
Courtney Caldwell is the Cofounder & CEO of recently acquired beauty-tech startup, ShearShare, the largest provider of on-demand salon and barbershop space rentals and the most affordable leases in the market. She is also an award-winning entrepreneur and tech founder and has spent two decades building winning teams in tech marketing.
Speaker Profile: https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/courtney-caldwell
Success in tech isn’t just about skills—it’s about early confidence, measured strategy, and intentional impact. In this empowering keynote, Courtney Caldwell, a post-exit tech founder and startup entrepreneur, shares actionable insights on navigating new workplace dynamics, building a strong personal brand, and using resilience as a competitive advantage. From overcoming self-assigned syndromes to leveraging unique perspectives as women—especially women of color—Courtney provides a roadmap for early-career professionals to thrive. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies to advocate for themselves and to shape the future of tech on their own terms.
"Honestly, she was one of the best speakers I have seen in my career. -- Her story was inspiring, engaging, relevant, and just brought so much joy to me. After hearing her talk, I took to heart some of the things she does and even took a few of them and implemented them in my daily routine. -- I had a banana for breakfast too! Anyhow, this was a fantastic speaker -- Incredible." - Code42
Founder of The Mentor Method, Serial Entrepreneur, TedX Speaker, Thought Leader, Mentor, & Author
Janice Omadeke is a proven leader focused on data-driven decision-making, focusing on strategy, innovation, and cultural change management. She founded The Mentor Method, an enterprise software for transforming company culture through mentorship. She is a thought leader and advocate for mentorship and entrepreneurship, and has been recognized by Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and Inc. Janice is certified in Entrepreneurship from MIT and PMP-certified with over ten years of corporate leadership experience in Fortune 500 companies.
Virtual Fee: $5k
Speaker Profile: https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/janice-omadeke
Personal Website: https://www.janiceomadeke.com/
Join Janice Omadeke in this insightful keynote as she explores the delicate balance between aligning your career with company objectives and preserving your unique identity. Discover how to excel professionally while staying true to your values and individuality.
Key Takeaways:
Discover the dynamic synergy between mentorship and entrepreneurship as you learn how to take control of your career journey. In this enlightening keynote address, Janice Omadeke shares entrepreneurial insights that empower you to be the CEO of your career. Understand how principles from the world of entrepreneurship can help you navigate your professional path, seize opportunities, and achieve your goals.
Key Takeaways:
“Janice’s combo of intellect and humility—understanding what we do well, where we need to grow, and being unafraid to ask for help along the way—is deeply inspiring.” - Brené Brown, Dare to Lead Podcast
CEO and Founder of Oya Femtech Apparel, Visionary Startup Founder, Innovator, Motivational Speaker
Mitchella Gilbert is a visionary startup founder, innovator, and the CEO and Founder of Oya Femtech Apparel, a groundbreaking brand that addresses feminine health issues. She is one of the first 200 black women to secure over $1,000,000 in venture capital, and has received prestigious accolades such as the John Wooden International Leadership Award. She also served as a 2024 diplomatic delegate to Japan on behalf of the City of Los Angeles.
Virtual Fee: $5,000
Speaker Profile: https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/mitchella-gilbert
As I reflect on my journey from advocating for myself in the inner city to becoming the CEO of my own startup, I am reminded of the challenges and triumphs that have shaped my entrepreneurial path. Each chapter of this journey has taught me invaluable lessons—lessons that have become the bedrock of my success as a leader and innovator.
Chapter 1: Progress is More Important Than Perfection
Chapter 2: Develop Your Voice Through Experience and Reflection Until You Trust It
Chapter 3: Always Take Time to Ground Yourself Among People Who Are Not Afraid to Work Hard With You
As I continue to chart my course as a CEO, I am reminded of the importance of embracing imperfection, trusting my voice, and surrounding myself with a community of dedicated collaborators. For in the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, it is not perfection, but progress that paves the way for meaningful change and lasting impact.
As a minority entrepreneur who has navigated the turbulent waters of the business world, I have encountered numerous obstacles on my path to success. Yet, with perseverance, determination, and a refusal to accept the status quo, I have risen above these challenges to become one of the first 200 black women to secure over $1,000,000 in venture capital. In sharing my journey, I hope to inspire others facing similar hurdles to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams with tenacity and resilience.
Lesson 1: Do Not Be Afraid to Use Your Voice
Lesson 2: Learn to Speak the Language of People with Power
Lesson 3: Be Relentless in Achieving Your Goals
In conclusion, the journey of a minority entrepreneur is fraught with challenges and obstacles. Yet, by embracing our voice, learning to navigate systems of power, and remaining steadfast in our pursuit of success, we can break through barriers and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. As I continue on my entrepreneurial journey, I am committed to empowering others to pursue their dreams and overcome the challenges that stand in their way. Together, we can defy expectations, shatter stereotypes, and build a more diverse and vibrant entrepreneurial landscape.
"It was great. Mitchella was exactly the right person for us to work with and their personalization of the content to our team was top tier. Everyone left the presentation feeling motivated and inspired." - Kathleen Sikora, Director Talent Effectiveness & Development, Code42