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Empowering Women in the Philippines Through Code
Learn. Build. Thrive. Join a community where women rise together through technology.
About Us
At Code Empower, we are not just teaching tech — we are building confidence, creating connections, and shaping futures.
Code Empower supports women, youth and other marginalized communities through policy and advocacy focusing on education, training and workforce readiness. We will achieve this through the following activities:
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Research and advocacy on advancement and development of marginalized communities.
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Organize activities to support capacity building of marginalized communities.
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Provide training on technical and non-technical topics to acquire marketable skills.
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Community building events to bring people and other organizations together and to create meaningful connections.
Objectives
Empowering Women with Skills, Support, and a Pathway to Digital Success.
Upskill Underserved Women
Reach single moms, career shifters, public college grads, and stay-at-home moms across the Philippines.
Promote Women In Tech
Integrate coding, automation, and AI tracks into non-traditional markets (freelancers, VAs, creatives).
Foster Employment Pathways
Offer mentorship, job-readiness support, and apprenticeship routes to digital income.
Promote Inclusive Innovation
Create a model of community-based tech upskilling for women-led development.
Coding Courses & Programs
Empowering women through hands-on coding courses and future-ready tech programs.
Pathways to Tech Careers
At Code Empower, we offer practical, community-driven programs designed to equip women in the Philippines with high-demand tech skills. Our current tracks include:
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Software Testing & Automation
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Full-Stack Software Development
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Upskilling in AI
Each course is developed in collaboration with expert partners and tailored to support your growth, whether you're starting out or advancing your tech career.
START YOUR JOURNEYProject 60 - Philippines
Code Blossom commits to accept 60 participants from the Philippines in the course of 2025. There will be 3 different classes & batches, as outlined below.
Software Testing & Automation
Code Blossom works in collaboration with Offemaria and Test Automation PH to provide education in software testing & automation to 20 women in the Philippines. The target group for this module are public college graduates and single moms.
Full-Stack Development – Cebu
Code Blossom works in collaboration with Techmakers Cebu to accept 20 participants to the Code Blossom full-stack curriculum. There will be an information webinar in August, and the official start of the course will be at the Geeks on a Beach event on October 1-3.
Upskilling in AI
Code Blossom is developing an advanced AI course to help current Filipina software developers expand their skills in machine learning and automation technologies.
Team
Meet the passionate women behind Code Empower
Meet The Team
At Code Empower, our team is a passionate group of educators, developers, and community builders united by a shared mission: to uplift and empower women in the Philippines through technology. With diverse backgrounds and a common commitment to inclusion and innovation, we work together to create a supportive space for learning, growth, and lasting impact.
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Linartes Viloria
Lites is a lifelong advocate for women in tech, education, and employment. With over two decades of leadership across sectors, she’s passionate about giving marginalized groups access to skills and opportunities. She is the first Filipina in the US State Department’s #HiddenNoMore program and was recently named one of INvolve’s Top 100 Women Future Heroes. Lites believes in opening doors for others and creating pathways to meaningful, inclusive careers.
Imelda Canuel
Imelda Canuel is a development consultant and advocate for women’s economic empowerment. With 14 years of experience, she has worked with indigenous communities and women-led enterprises across the Philippines to promote inclusive growth. She currently supports artisan communities through Artefino and consults with the GREAT Women program and ECHOsi Foundation, championing initiatives that uplift women and celebrate cultural identity.
MK Bertulfo
MK is a multi-awarded entrepreneur and the founder of Filipina Homebased Moms, the largest freelancing group for Pinay moms. She’s a business mentor, speaker, and startup advocate, working with top programs like Ashoka, Facebook Accelerator, and AIM. She’s also Co-Founder of GetHired and COO of The Bibong Pinay Company. MK is on a mission to help moms and youth succeed as freelancers or entrepreneurs—without leaving their families behind.
Marion Schleifer
Marion has been passionate about women in tech for over a decade. After co-founding and running several programming courses for women in Switzerland, she eventually co-founded Code Blossom, a Swiss non-profit organization providing free software development certifications to women in developing countries. Marion has made it her mission to unleash the hidden potential in as many women as possible, and strive for more equality in the tech space.
Marge Line Lalaguna
Marge is the Lead for Code Blossom Philippines, working closely with the co-founder to build partnerships and secure sponsorships that support Filipina women through tech education and confidence-building programs. With a background in graphic design and ongoing training in full-stack web development, she is passionate about combining creativity with functionality — whether through digital design, websites, or outreach that empowers women-led initiatives.
Events
Code Empower hosts a mix of in-person and online events designed to foster connection, build confidence, and support women in tech through learning and community.
We have an exciting lineup of upcoming events — both in-person and online — designed to empower, connect, and inspire women in tech. From skill-building workshops to personal growth webinars, each session is led by our dedicated co-founders and community members. Here’s what’s coming up!
Personal Branding
In this inspiring session, MK will guide participants through the essentials of creating a strong personal brand in today’s digital world. From identifying your core values to presenting your skills with confidence, this webinar will give you practical tools to stand out authentically. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to grow your influence, you’ll walk away with strategies to position yourself with clarity and impact.
Career Options: From Freelance Developer to Entrepreneur
In this session, we shine a light on the journey from freelancing to founding your own venture. Imelda will walk us through the real challenges and opportunities she faced along the way — from landing her first clients to taking bold steps toward entrepreneurship. Whether you're curious about freelancing or dreaming of starting something of your own, this talk will offer relatable insights and encouragement to take your next step with confidence.
Sky's the limit - girls in STEM
In celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, we host a full-day event for moms and their girls. In the workshop for the girls, we show girls what career options they have in STEM when they grow up. In the workshop for moms, we train them on how to keep an open mind in raising their girls, so that they have all options available in their future.
Impostor Syndrome
As part of our ongoing efforts to support women in tech, we’re organizing a session on October 30 focused on understanding and addressing impostor syndrome. In this session, Marion will guide participants through practical tools and reflections to help them recognize their strengths, reframe limiting beliefs, and build confidence — whether they’re just starting out or navigating new stages in their careers.
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Vision Forward: Goalsetting & Dream Mapping
We believe big dreams deserve a clear path. In this interactive session, Lites guides you through the power of vision-boarding — helping you map out your personal and professional goals in a way that feels both inspiring and doable. Together, we’ll explore how to turn hopes into action through practical tools and honest reflection. Whether you're just starting to imagine your future or ready to take the next step, this session is all about moving forward with purpose.
Opening Event – January 2025
Our very first in-person event brought together nearly 50 attendees for a vibrant day filled with:
- Icebreaker activities to help participants connect
- Inspiring talks from community leaders
- A celebration marking the official launch of Code Empower
- Group discussions around confidence, tech, and career growth
Contact
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you're interested in joining a program, partnering with us, volunteering, or simply have a question — feel free to reach out.
Get in Touch
Our inbox is always open. If you’d like to collaborate, learn more about our programs, or just say hello — we’d be happy to connect.