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Vashti Harrison: Visionary Woman Around the World

Jermaine Powell

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Published in Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around The World (Vashti Harrison)

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Vashti Harrison is a visionary woman who has made a significant impact on the world. She is a leader in the fields of education, technology, and social justice. Harrison is the founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization "Build-a-Bear Workshop," which has helped millions of children learn about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). She is also the founder of the "Code.org" movement, which aims to teach every child in the United States how to code.

Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World (Vashti Harrison)

by Vashti Harrison

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	110784 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	96 pages

Harrison's work has been recognized by numerous organizations, including the White House, the United Nations, and the World Economic Forum. She has been named one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World" by Time magazine and has received the "Presidential Medal of Freedom" from President Barack Obama.

Early Life and Education

Vashti Harrison was born in 1966 in San Francisco, California. Her parents were both educators, and she grew up in a home where education was highly valued. Harrison attended Stanford University, where she studied computer science and engineering. After graduating from Stanford, Harrison worked as a software engineer at Google for several years.

Build-a-Bear Workshop

In 1997, Harrison founded Build-a-Bear Workshop, a nonprofit organization that provides hands-on STEM learning experiences for children. Build-a-Bear Workshop has over 400 locations in 20 countries, and has served over 100 million children.

Build-a-Bear Workshop offers a variety of programs that teach children about STEM. These programs include:

Build-a-Bear University: This program offers workshops and classes that teach children about engineering, computer science, and other STEM topics.
Build-a-Bear Tech: This program provides opportunities for children to learn about coding, robotics, and other technology-related topics.
Build-a-Bear Academy: This program offers after-school and summer camp programs that provide children with hands-on learning experiences in STEM.

Code.org

In 2013, Harrison founded the Code.org movement, a nonprofit organization that aims to teach every child in the United States how to code. Code.org provides free online coding tutorials and resources for teachers and students. The organization also works with schools and districts to implement computer science education programs.

Code.org has reached over 40 million students in 180 countries. The organization has been credited with helping to increase the number of students who study computer science in school. In 2019, Code.org was awarded the "Tech for Good" award by the World Economic Forum.

Social Justice Work

In addition to her work in STEM education, Harrison is also a passionate advocate for social justice. She is a member of the board of directors of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP),and she has spoken out against racism and discrimination. Harrison is also a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement.

In 2016, Harrison launched the "Dream Big" initiative, which aims to empower girls and women from underrepresented communities. The initiative provides mentorship and support to girls and women who are interested in pursuing careers in STEM.

Vashti Harrison is a visionary woman who has made a significant impact on the world. Her work in STEM education, technology, and social justice has helped to improve the lives of millions of people. Harrison is a role model for girls and women around the world, and she continues to inspire people to make a difference.