The future of tech gets shaped by the people who build it. That’s the conviction behind Tech Sassy Girlz, a Central Florida nonprofit that has empowered more than 4,000 students to use technology for good. It’s the same conviction that drives BOT’s mission to help individuals learn, build, and scale in tech.
In this impact story, we sit down with Dr. Laine Powell, founder of Tech Sassy Girlz, a longtime BOT collaborator, panelist, and fellow builder of Central Florida’s tech ecosystem.
How Did Tech Sassy Girlz and BOT Start Working Together?
The partnership began with a personal introduction. Dr. Powell first connected with BOT through Mike Felix and Joshua Walker, and the relationship has grown steadily since.
“BOT has been a great partner to Tech Sassy Girlz and over the years, we’ve served on panels together and hosted events to share our passion for tech!”
That kind of relationship is how regional tech ecosystems grow: one warm introduction, then years of showing up for each other’s communities. In this case, Tech Sassy Girlz and BOT share key mission cornerstones.
Is Tech Really Accessible?
Yes, but access doesn’t happen by accident. When Dr. Powell joined a BOT panel as a speaker, this was the message she was most excited to share with the community:
“Opportunities exist in tech and it’s accessible, but we have to be intentional about the communities we serve.”
The tech industry often talks about open doors. Intentionality is what makes sure people from every neighborhood actually know where those doors are, and have the support to walk through them.
What Makes a Nonprofit Partnership Meaningful?
Mission alignment. The collaboration between Tech Sassy Girlz and BOT works because both organizations are pulling in the same direction.
“The collaboration with BOT is meaningful because our organizations are mission aligned. We understood that we were building something special in Central Florida. We are passionate about tech and providing opportunities to make it accessible to everyone.”
When two organizations share a mission, partnership multiplies reach. Shared panels, co-hosted events, and cross-referrals mean more people in Orlando and across Central Florida find a path into tech.
What Role Do Tech Nonprofits Play in Inclusive Innovation?
Tech nonprofits fill a gap that neither the market nor government reliably covers, and that reframes how we think about who builds technology.
“Tech nonprofits build for communities that are overlooked and they measure success by impact. By working directly with the communities we serve, we train individuals in being creators instead of just consumers. By providing access and opportunity, we also change who gets to be part of innovation and build what’s next.”
Why Do Organizations Like Tech Sassy Girlz and BOT Matter for the Future of Tech?
Because the future of tech will be shaped by who gets to participate in building it. Left alone, the industry tends to concentrate opportunity among people who already have access to it.
“Tech Sassy Girlz and BOT work against that by creating access and opportunity in tech for underserved individuals. By including diverse perspectives in the tech ecosystem, it lessens the gap of the pool of individuals shaping what gets built.”
The takeaway for anyone building products, teams, or communities: a wider pool of builders leads to technology that works for more people.
Advice for Aspiring Founders and Early-Career Technologists
Dr. Powell’s advice fits in one sentence:
“Stay the course, understand the assignment (including what you’re building and why) and double down on how you can make a difference in your community.”
How Can the Community Get Involved with Tech Sassy Girlz?
Give your time, treasure, or talent. Tech Sassy Girlz has empowered more than 4,000 students to leverage technology for good, and Dr. Powell is clear that the work can’t grow without community support.
“Given the climate, nonprofits are in an uphill battle to serve individuals that need our services the most. If you are a tech company (or have access to major corporations still investing in this work), let us know. This work can’t be done alone.”
- Time: Volunteer as a mentor, speaker, or event supporter.
- Treasure: Donate directly or through your employer’s giving or matching program.
- Talent: Share your technical or professional skills with students and staff.
- Connections: Introduce Tech Sassy Girlz to tech companies and corporate partners still investing in access and opportunity.
What’s Next: 15 Years of Tech Sassy Girlz
Tech Sassy Girlz was founded in 2012 and celebrates its 15-year anniversary on February 23, 2027. In Dr. Powell’s words: “Stay tuned for who gets to build what’s next!”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tech Sassy Girlz? Tech Sassy Girlz is a Central Florida nonprofit that helps girls break into the tech and STEM industries. It has empowered more than 4,000 students to leverage technology for good.
When was Tech Sassy Girlz founded? Tech Sassy Girlz was founded in 2012 and celebrates its 15-year anniversary on February 23, 2027.
What is the relationship between Tech Sassy Girlz and BOT? The two Central Florida nonprofits are mission-aligned partners. They have served on panels together and co-hosted events to make tech accessible to everyone.
Why are tech nonprofits important? Tech nonprofits fill a gap that neither the market nor government reliably covers. They build for overlooked communities, measure success by impact, and train people to be creators of technology instead of just consumers.
How can I support girls in STEM in Central Florida? You can donate time, money, or skills to organizations like Tech Sassy Girlz. Tech companies and corporate partners can also reach out directly to fund or sponsor programs.
What advice does the Tech Sassy Girlz founder give new founders? Stay the course, understand what you’re building and why, and double down on how you can make a difference in your community.
Build What’s Next with Us
At BOT, we believe anyone can learn, build, and scale in tech, and partners like Tech Sassy Girlz show what that looks like in practice. Explore BOT’s programs to start your own journey, or support Tech Sassy Girlz as they head into their 15th year.