Photo Tarika Barrett

Tarika Barrett

CEO

Girls Who Code

About Me

Dr. Tarika Barrett is the CEO of Girls Who Code, an international non-profit organization working to close the gender gap in technology that has served over 670,000 students. Girls Who Code is at the forefront of connecting young people to the future of emerging technologies through initiatives such as the Cyber Education Alliance — a coalition of organizations committed to safeguarding kids and students online through cybersecurity education. Tarika started her career as an educator and has spent two decades building educational pathways for young people at organizations like iMentor, the New York City Department of Education, New Visions for Public Schools, and New York University's Center for Research on Teaching and Learning. Tarika is co-Chair of New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s Emerging Technology Advisory Board, Chair of the New York University Steinhardt Dean's Alumni Advisory Board, and a member of The New Visions for Public Schools Board of Directors. Tarika has received prestigious accolades such as an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Medgar Evers College, CUNY; New York City Bar Association Huntington Bank's Her Hero Lifetime Achievement Award, is a PoliticsNY and amNY Metro’s Nonprofit Power Player, and named one of Crain’s 50 Most Powerful Women In New York. Under her leadership, Girls Who Code has been named The NonProfit Times' Best Nonprofits to Work For three years in a row and recognized as one of Fast Company’s Brands that Matter. Girls Who Code’s work has generated 14.6 billion impressions globally, with notable campaigns such as Doja Code, the world’s first codeable music video with Doja Cat.

Hear My Insights

Cyber Skills & Talent Shortage: Who and Where to Hire?

Despite its increasing importance in businesses, cybersecurity has faced a persistent talent shortage in recent years. According to the latest World Economic Forum report, only 14% of organizations feel confident in their talent pool and their associated skills. This global deficit is further exacerbated by a widening cybersecurity skills gap, hindering organizations' ability to achieve true cyber resilience. As cyber threats continue to evolve, amplified by the rise of Artificial Intelligence, ensuring organizational security is paramount. And in a job market where the demand for cybersecurity professionals far exceeds supply, addressing the skills and talent gap must be a top priority. Where should we begin? How can the workforce rise to cybersecurity challenges if their skills are outdated? What measures should public and private stakeholders implement to close the cybersecurity talent gap? And how can organizations foster diversity, retention, and attractiveness within the cybersecurity sector?