Michelle Rowley is the founder and Executive Director of Code Scouts, a nonprofit organization that empowers women to learn software development. A member of the Python Software Foundation and organizer of the Portland Python User Group, she also speaks and writes about the importance of diversity in the tech scene and tech literacy for everyone.
Projects
Code Scouts
Michelle founded and directs this nonprofit dedicated empowering women to become software developers through mentorship and community. Find out more at Codescouts.org.
Hack The Planet!
"Hack the Planet!", Michelle's essay on why tech literacy is critical, was published in the book American Dreamers, an inspiring anthology of future-thinking works by contemporary visionaries.
PIE Mentor
Having graduated from the 2012 class of the The Portland Incubator Experiment, Michelle is now a Mentor. She'll have the opportunity to work with companies in future classes, providing support, encouragement and guidance.
Photo by Aaron Hockley
Portland Python Workshops
Michelle organized and ran two weekend workshops to teach women the basics of Python in 2012. This project was based on the Boston Python Workshop, created and led by Jessica McKellar, whose support and encouragement made the Portland incarnation possible.
Portland Python User Group
As the organizer of the Portland Python User Group, Michelle works to keep the local Python community strong and vibrant. She is always looking for ways to make the community more welcoming, especially to beginners.
Speaker and Panelist
Michelle has been known to speak publicly and appear on panels related to high tech education for women and girls. She loves encouraging aspiring programmers and helping to shape education for the next generation.
Python Software Foundation
Michelle is honored to have been elected as a member of the Python Software Foundation in 2012. As part of the PSF, Michelle is dedicated to promoting the Python programming language and helping to diversify the Python community in Portland and at large.
About
Michelle is a self-taught software developer who has been planning events since she was about 12 years old. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, she has lived in the Pacific Northwest for over 10 years. Michelle practices hatha yoga and loves the sun. She analyzes everyone and everything that crosses her path in the hopes of gaining a deeper understanding of the world, and thereby having a chance at changing it for the better.
Lover, dreamer, and nondualist, Michelle currently resides in Portland, Oregon, with her wonderful partner, Jason Grlicky.
Services
Michelle can do a lot of different things, but prefers to work on projects that foster growth in herself and in others. She's great at bringing people together by creating events and building communities. She's never afraid to speak her mind and share her thoughts, but she'll always try to do it kindly, and with the highest intention.
If you've got a project that could use a fresh perspective, Michelle would love to hear from you. Feel free to drop her a line.