They teach refugees and migrants how to code and help them enter the Swiss IT industry: Bettina Hirsig is co-founder and CEO of Powercoders. On Superwoman by Forbes DACH, she talks to Aileen Zumstein about her experiences with the coding academy and how to promote cultural diversity.
It is not a matter of course that people with a refugee or migration background succeed in entering the Swiss labour market. They face various obstacles - including, for example, the partial lack of recognition of their education and qualifications in Switzerland, but also a lack of language skills. This is where Bettina Hirsig comes in. Together with her husband Christian, she founded Powercoders in 2016. Powercoders runs a coding academy where refugees and migrants learn programming and are prepared to start a career in the Swiss IT industry. Today, the non-profit association is also supported by cantons.
In the Superwoman Talk on F15' by Forbes DACH, Bettina shares her experiences with aizu founder Aileen Zumstein. And explains that despite their diverse skill sets the migrants in the academy share one thing above all: their high motivation. Because they want to prove themselves - you just have to give them the chance to do so. Bettina also appeals to leaders. Because: Cultural diversity must be exemplified. It requires openness and curiosity on both sides.
Curious now? The complete interview (in German) is linked above.
Superwoman is a programme of the digital channel F15' | by Forbes DACH, on which discussions are held every Wednesday and Thursday at 11:00 a.m. with experienced entrepreneurs, managers, experts and with decision-makers who have a serious interest in diversity issues. With their knowledge, commitment and experience they show different views and possibilities on this complex topic.