Ada Developers Academy, a tuition-free boot camp based in Seattle, had been a success story in training under-represented individuals in tech. However, the program began to struggle when opportunities for internships and jobs in tech started to vanish due to the pandemic and a hiring slowdown. In response, Ada underwent a hard reset, slashing its headcount, putting admissions on hold, and canceling plans to expand nationally with physical classrooms. The nonprofit, which focuses on racially and ethnically diverse students, as well as women and members of the LGBTQIA community, took advantage of the shifting economy and reimagined workplace by shifting all instruction to virtual formats.
With the appointment of Tina-Marie Gulley as CEO, Ada has revamped its programs to adapt to the changing landscape. The organization now offers remote instruction through programs like Ada Build, Ada Build Live, and Ada Core, catering to over 600 students this year. Ada has also broadened its network of partners beyond traditional tech businesses to include organizations such as the Allen Institute for AI, Khan Academy, Code.org, and Audere. This expansion aims to strengthen Ada’s impact in the broader community locally and nationally, supporting the organization’s mission to increase diversity in tech at a time when other similar organizations are shutting down.
In response to the challenges faced by its recent graduates in finding jobs due to layoffs in the tech industry, Ada received a grant from MIT Solve to enhance its AI curriculum. The returning alumni were given a tech refresher that included the new AI content and were able to redo their internships, making them more marketable in the industry. Gulley believes that this approach not only benefits the graduates but also allows the organization to assess how the new content is received. By focusing on AI and strengthening its partnership network, Ada aims to provide its students with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the tech industry.
Gulley’s background in marketing at Seattle-area companies and her previous experience as the director of ChickTech in Seattle have equipped her with a deep understanding of Ada’s goals and challenges. She is enthusiastic about expanding Ada’s programs to serve a broader audience and ultimately increase diversity in tech. With over 1,100 alumni and growing, Ada continues to provide valuable resources and training to under-represented individuals looking to break into the tech industry. Despite the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in recent years, Ada remains committed to its mission and sees this as an opportunity to build a stronger community and expand its reach.
As Ada continues to innovate and adapt to the changing tech landscape, Gulley emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community and leveraging opportunities to expand the organization’s impact. By offering remote instruction, strengthening partnerships, and focusing on cutting-edge technologies like AI, Ada is positioning itself as a leader in training diverse talent for the tech industry. With Gulley at the helm, Ada Developers Academy is poised to navigate the challenges ahead and continue to make a difference in the lives of its students and the broader tech community.
