Barbie Role Models: Melissa Sariffodeen (Canada)

CEO and Co-Founder of Canada Learning Code

Melissa Sariffodeen is a social entrepreneur, leader and big thinker. She is best known as the co-founder and CEO of Ladies Learning Code, as well as Canada Learning Code. Ladies Learning Code has championed digital literacy for women and girls in Canada. The program has grown nation-wide to ensure women and youth receive the critical skills, confidence and opportunities they need to become passionate builders of technology.

In early 2012, Girls Learning Code was launched with the aim of teaching girls and beyond the binary youth from the ages of 3 to 12 technological skills through workshops, camps, and other events. In addition to being a Female Founder and entrepreneur, Melissa holds an HBA degree from the Richard Ivey Business School. Melissa graduated with her Master’s in Education Policy from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto and now is a PhD student at OISE.

Melissa’s leadership and work has been recognized with the honour of receiving the Governor General Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case honouring Canadians who advance gender equality as well as RBC Entrepreneur of the Year, WXN Top 100 and Canada’s Top 40 Under 40. Currently, Melissa is a professor of Business at Fanshawe College and enjoying being a new first-time mom.