The Patty Brandmaier Resilience Award
Brenda Darden Wilkerson
AnitaB.org
Brenda Darden Wilkerson is a prominent figure in the tech industry, renowned for her dedication to promoting computer science education for all. She is the current President and CEO of AnitaB.org, a global nonprofit organization that connects and empowers women and nonbinary people in technology. Its vision is intersectional gender equity and pay parity in the tech ecosystem.
With over 30 years of experience in the technology industry, Brenda is a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion. She is a recognized leader in the movement to make computer science education accessible to all, regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic background.
Before joining AnitaB.org, she spent 8+ years managing computer science and information technology for Chicago Public Schools (CPS). In 2011, while she was still at CPS, she founded the groundbreaking Computer Science for All program, which aims to maximize the potential of every student through a computer science education defined by equity, empowerment, and opportunity. Also during that time, Brenda participated in founding the Chicago chapter of the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA). Through her efforts, she connected with educators and industry leaders to raise awareness about the importance of computer science education and the need to increase access to those opportunities.
In 2016, Brenda was appointed to the Obama White House’s Tech Inclusion Task Force, where she worked with other experts to create strategies for increasing diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.
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As the leader of AnitaB.org, Brenda has continued to influence technology equity globally. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its reach to include programs that support women and nonbinary technologists at all stages of their careers, including mentorship, leadership development, and advocacy.
Brenda’s contributions to the field of technology education have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including the 2017 Computer Science Education Week Champion of Change Award from the White House and the 2019 Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Lifetime Achievement Award. Brenda was named to the 2023 Forbes 50 Over 50 list for Impact and was recently selected as one of five honorees for the 2024 SXSW Community Service Awards. She is a passionate advocate for access, opportunity, and social justice in the tech industry, and her work continues to inspire and empower women, nonbinary people, and historically excluded groups in technology.
Watch Brenda's CEO Award Interview
Brenda Darden Wilkerson, CEO, AnitaB.org
To be considered in the same mindset as a shero like Patty is overwhelming, humbling, and unexpected. The excellence of her life is one that we can all pattern ourselves after, and I, for one, am honored to know about her, learn about her life, and then learn how I could walk a little closer to what she did for others. Leadership is hard work - the resilience required to continue hard work and support a team is necessary for anyone who hopes to make a lasting impact.
Matt Sitter, CEO, AFN
Leadership is hard work - the resilience required to continue hard work and support a team is necessary for anyone who hopes to make a lasting impact. Brenda’s first and last thought is how her team can continue doing their important work. She has seen firsthand how life can change in an instant. Getting knocked down is inevitable; getting back up is where Brenda excels. She inspires us all to find (that sometimes elusive) opportunity and make a difference.