The HFCA Starting Six is the first cohort to complete the IWC/HFCA Mini-Camp! Over three days, these girls explored HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, collaborated in teams, and confidently presented their websites during Demonstration Day at Marquette University.

Corin Manning, a member of the original 2015 IndeedWeCode cohort, returned to the IWC/HFCA Empowering Girls in Tech Mini-Camp as a mentor and Rockwell Software Engineer.

As a Rockwell Cheerleader, she helped recruit fellow professionals while pouring back into the next generation—showing campers what’s possible through mentorship and persistence.

From student reflections to mentor insights, the impact of the mini-camp is best heard directly from those who experienced it.

The IWC/HFCA Empowering Girls in Tech Mini-Camp represents a powerful step in expanding IndeedWeCode’s mission beyond Cleveland.

By building partnerships and creating new pathways, IWC continues to empower young Black girls to explore technology, embrace leadership, and imagine limitless futures.

The story behind the IWC/HFCA Mini-Camp is rooted in decades of shared history and purpose.

In 1969, Dr. Howard Fuller co-founded Malcolm X Liberation University in Durham, North Carolina — a bold institution grounded in Black history, empowerment, and self-determination. That same year, a young Michelle Wilson was organizing student protests and advocating for justice.

Their paths crossed when Dr. Fuller recruited Michelle as one of the university’s first students — a moment that helped shape her lifelong commitment to educational equity and youth empowerment.

Decades later, that shared vision continues. Michelle went on to co-found IndeedWeCode, while Dr. Fuller established The Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy in Milwaukee. In 2025, their journeys reconnected through the Empowering Girls in Tech Mini-Camp — bringing their legacy of leadership, mentorship, and opportunity to a new generation.

What began as a shared mission in 1969 now lives on through the young girls discovering their voices, confidence, and futures in technology. 

Explore more IWC highlights or follow our journey as we continue expanding opportunities for Black girls in tech.