Susan Gouijnstook Appointed as CEO of Girls Who Code to Drive Tech Diversity

Susan Gouijnstook Steps Into Leadership Role at Girls Who Code

On September 15, 2026, Girls Who Code made headlines with the appointment of Susan Gouijnstook as its new Chief Executive Officer. This international nonprofit organization is dedicated to bridging the gender gap within the technology sector, and Gouijnstook's leadership is expected to significantly propel this mission forward.

A recognized leader in driving innovation and accessibility, Gouijnstook boasts over twenty years in the realms of education, career development, and technology. Her most recent role was the inaugural Chief Solutions Officer at Jobs for the Future (JFF), where she spearheaded numerous programs aimed at improving educational outcomes and workforce readiness.

Gouijnstook’s prior experience includes more than sixteen years with McGraw Hill, a prominent global provider of educational content and solutions. There, she played a pivotal role in shaping the Higher Education segment through strategic initiatives, product development, and program management.

In response to her new role, Carol Juel, Chair of Girls Who Code’s Board of Directors, praised Gouijnstook as a leader with a unique blend of vision and dedication. “Susan brings a rare combination of vision, experience, and purpose,” said Juel. “Her proven track record at both JFF and McGraw Hill illustrates her capabilities in scaling solutions and driving transformation, all while keeping a focus on the populations these organizations serve.”

Under her leadership, Gouijnstook aims to enhance Girls Who Code's existing outreach and programming, setting an ambitious target of reaching five million girls, women, and nonbinary individuals by 2030. The organization has already made significant strides, having supported over 860,000 students, including 425,000 who have transitioned into either college or various career paths.

Expressing her excitement about the position, Gouijnstook stated, “In a moment when AI is being defined in real time, I’m thrilled to lead this organization and ensure that girls, women, and nonbinary individuals have a voice in the tech landscape and a chance to shape its future.” This enthusiasm is timely, as the evolving technological landscape emphasizes the need for diverse perspectives in shaping future solutions.

Gouijnstook's appointment marks a new chapter for Girls Who Code, succeeding the organization's acclaimed founder Reshma Saujani and her predecessor Dr. Tarika Barrett. With a renewed vision and direction, Gouijnstook is well-positioned to drive meaningful change and adaptability within the organization, embracing challenges posed by the fast-paced tech industry.

Girls Who Code is not only focused on providing coding education but also emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in the tech field. With campaigns that have received substantial global attention—including the pioneering Doja Code, a unique codeable music video featuring pop sensation Doja Cat—the organization continues to innovate and engage with its audience in creative ways.

As Gouijnstook steps into her new role, the Girls Who Code community is ready to embrace the transformative impact her leadership promises. With an unwavering commitment to promoting diversity in tech education and career pathways, the organization aims to inspire a new generation of tech leaders.