Girls Who Code Welcomes Two New Members to Board of Directors: Bonita C. Stewart, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at BAG Ventures & Jason D’Silva, Managing Director in the Global Engineering Group at Apollo

NEW YORK, NY – Girls Who Code, the nonprofit working to close the gender gap in technology, is proud to announce the appointment of Bonita C. Stewart, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at BAG Ventures, and Jason D’Silva, Managing Director in the Global Engineering Group at Apollo, to its Board of Directors. These distinguished leaders bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to empowering young students in the tech industry.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bonita and Jason to Girls Who Code’s Board of Directors,” said Dr. Tarika Barrett, CEO of Girls Who Code. “Bonita’s extensive experience in venture capital and leadership in driving adoption of emerging technologies, alongside Jason’s deep expertise in global engineering and innovation, will be invaluable as we continue to grow our impact. Their insights and leadership will help us expand opportunities for young students in technology, ensuring the next generation of leaders is more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.”

Stewart and D’Silva will bring their insight and expertise to the Board at an exciting time for the organization. This year, Girls Who Code announced “Five by Five,” a bold new plan to reach 5 million young individuals in the next five years, and evolve our programming to meet the demands of emerging technologies, such as AI.

“I am honored to join the Girls Who Code board and support their commitment to preparing young women for the future of tech, specifically in AI and emerging technologies. Together, we will ensure that they are equipped for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Bonita C. Stewart.

“I am honored to join the Girls Who Code Board of Directors,” added Jason D’Silva. “I am extremely passionate about helping to expand opportunity in the technology field to ensure everyone has the same access, mentorship and opportunities needed to develop and succeed. I’m excited to support GWC’s mission and work alongside such a dedicated community. My involvement will build off my work on an Apollo Opportunity Foundation (AOF) Deal Team, which is aims to expand access to career education, workforce development, and economic empowerment in the communities in which we live and work.”

Girls Who Code’s Board Chair, Carol Juel, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology and Operating Officer at Synchrony, also expressed her excitement for the new appointments. "On behalf of the Board, I’m excited to welcome Bonita and Jason. Their expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we continue empowering Girls Who Code students and equipping them with the skills and opportunities to thrive in the tech industry."

Since 2012, Girls Who Code has served 670,000 students and has 218,000 college and career-aged alumni – half of whom come from historically underrepresented groups in tech. All Girls Who Code programs and initiatives are created to support students in every step of their educational and tech journeys.

About Bonita C. Stewart

Bonita C. Stewart is Co-Founder and Managing Partner at BAG Ventures focused on investing in enterprise AI solutions that drive transformative outcomes. She is also a steering committee member of the Black Angel Group of 300+ tech operators and has been an angel investor and LP for over eight years. She joined Google in 2006 and her career spans three decades leading multi-billion dollar operations, accelerating digital technology adoption and driving enterprise transformation for major corporations in the IT, automotive and technology fields. Previously served as Board Partner for Google’s Gradient Ventures supporting early stage AI companies. As a Google Vice President she led Global Partnerships where she oversaw the largest US publishers across Media/Entertainment, News/Publishing, Mobile apps, Gaming, Search and Commerce. In 2014 Crain’s named her a Woman to Watch in Tech. Ms. Stewart also pioneered the concept for Howard West, a computer science immersion program for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), powered by Google. In 2020 she co-authored A Blessing: Women of Color Teaming Up to Lead, Empower and Thrive. Stewart received her BA with honors from Howard University and MBA from Harvard Business School. Ms. Stewart serves as a committee chair and board member for Deckers [NYSE:DECK], and PagerDuty [NYSE:PD].

About Jason D’Silva

Mr. D’Silva is a Managing Director in the Global Engineering Group where he is responsible for front and middle office engineering. He also co-leads the firm’s distinguished engineers.

Prior to joining Apollo in 2021, Mr. D’Silva was with Goldman Sachs, where he worked in engineering in both the Global Markets and Asset Management Divisions for 16 years. He held multiple international leadership roles in the New York, Tokyo and Hong Kong offices.

Mr. D’Silva earned a Dual B.S in Computer Science and Business Management, magna cum laude from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He resides in the tri-state area with his wife and three daughters.

About Girls Who Code

Girls Who Code is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology. By inspiring, educating, and equipping students with computing skills, we are preparing the next generation to thrive in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other transformative technologies shaping the 21st-century economy. Since launching in 2012, Girls Who Code has reached 670,000 students through our in-person and virtual programming. Of these, 218,000 alumni are now college or career-aged, ready to lead in the tech workforce of tomorrow.

Girls Who Code has sparked culture change through marketing campaigns and advocacy efforts, generating 14 billion engagements globally. In 2019, the organization was named the #1 Most Innovative Non-Profit on Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies list, and in 2023 was named one of Fast Company’s Brands That Matter. The organization was also named one of NonProfit Times’ Best Nonprofits to Work For in 2022 and 2023.