Can’t “RTO” What You Out-Skill

Your Remote Work Insurance Policy (It's Free)

Since early 2025, over 300,000 women have left tech because of inflexible RTO policies, lack of mentorship, and upskilling challenges. We’re being forced to choose between career growth and life priorities. When companies eliminate remote flexibility, women are three times more likely than men to walk away. Some are even taking pay cuts rather than comply.

But here's what we know: The future of work isn't about location, it's about skills.

Some of the most successful professionals in 2025 aren't necessarily the ones in the office five days a week. They're the ones with skills so sharp that companies need them on their terms. Data analysts who can work from anywhere. AI specialists setting their own conditions. Cloud computing experts building the infrastructure that makes remote work possible.

We're Getting Strategic

Instead of just fighting RTO mandates, we're building our insurance policy: becoming so skilled that flexibility isn't negotiable—it's expected.

That's why, thanks to our partnership with Datacamp Donates, we're offering FREE DataCamp scholarship licenses to our CreateHER community.

Here's what you get:

• Full platform access (valued at $300+ annually)

• 400+ courses in Python, R, SQL, Power BI, and AI tools

• Industry-recognized certifications

• Skills that make you valuable in any work arrangement

Why this matters right now: Data analysts, AI specialists, cloud engineers, digital marketers, software engineers, managers—these roles prove value through results, not office presence. Master these skills, and you're not asking for flexibility. You're offering expertise companies can't afford to lose.

Want to dive deeper into building remote-ready skills? Check out our past CreateHER Fest sessions on our YouTube channel—we've covered everything from AI fundamentals to portfolio building.

The great RTO exodus isn't just about women leaving tech. It's about women choosing themselves and their futures. Let's make sure when we make that choice, we're armed with the skills to land exactly where we want to be!

Honoring Indigenous People Day: Danielle Boyer

Meet Danielle Boyer, an Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) robotics inventor who's proving that the most transformative technology happens when cultural preservation and emerging tech work together.

Here's what she's building:

SkoBot is a wearable, shoulder-perching robot designed to teach Indigenous languages through AI—but here's what makes it revolutionary: it's built by Indigenous communities, for Indigenous communities, with strict data sovereignty principles. Kids assemble the robots themselves, learning coding and engineering while strengthening their cultural identity and language.

The numbers tell the story: Boyer's nonprofit, The STEAM Connection, has reached 600,000+ youth with free robotics kits and curriculum. They've distributed thousands of robots to Tribal schools—completely free—because access shouldn't depend on zip codes or budgets.

Why this matters for our community:

Boyer's approach shows us what ethical AI actually looks like in practice. Community voices remain under community control. Youth are builders, not just users. And the technology serves a purpose beyond profit—it's preserving languages that face extinction by the end of this decade.

SkoBot offers a living example of what's possible when innovation protects rather than extracts.

Want to dive deeper? Check out The STEAM Connection and the Smithsonian's feature on AI for language revitalization. This is the kind of building that changes what's possible for all of us.

What’s Next: CybHER Events You Don’t Want to Miss!

Our CybHER Challenge is in full swing, and we’re making sure no minds are left behind. Join us as we wrap the month with a power lineup of sessions to help you level up, ask questions, and grow your cyber career toolkit.

🗓 What’s Coming Up

• Oct 21 – CybHER Challenge Q&A (Check-In) → Bring your questions, progress updates, and connect with other learners & builders.

• Oct 22 – CybHER Clinic: “No Minds Left Behind” w/ Jumoke Dada the @cybermastHer → A Lunch & Learn on cyber frameworks, privacy laws, and career-mapping tools.

• Oct 28 – CybHER Q&A (Final Wrap-Up) → Last stop before the leaderboard closes, get guidance and celebrate your wins!

💡 Don’t get left behind, build your cyber arsenal →

FEATURING ✨HER

✨Zaria Hallager: Rising AI & ML Voice!

We’re celebrating Zaria Hallager, CreateHER community leader and emerging thought leader in AI & Machine Learning, whose recent thought piece on AI Regulation, Economic Justice & Tech Accountability was featured by LinkedIn 🎉

Zaria’s fearless approach to bridging ethics, equity, and emerging tech is positioning her as one of LinkedIn’s next Top Voices in AI & ML! Show your support by liking, commenting, and sharing her featured post Read on LinkedIn →

✨ Share Your Wins → Your milestones inspire us—let’s celebrate you next!

COMMUNITY SURVEY

Enjoyed it? Share us with your network!

THIS WEEK’S RESOURCES

• The Emboldly Fellowship

  • Designed for early-career women talent, the Emboldly Fellowship offers curated sessions and mentorship by experts in consulting, finance, media, and tech—with mentors from Rare Beauty, Dell Foundation, Stanford, and top firms. Applications for the 2026 cohort will be released on October 15. Learn More→

• Build with Snap at Lens Fest

  • Experience the excitement of Lens Fest’s 8th annual livestream on October 16 at 10 AM PDT! Witness global developers unleash creativity and explore powerful new Snap tools to build groundbreaking AR. Register Here →

• Pallar Cybersecurity Scholarship

  • Applications for the 2026 Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship are open through January 15! This international program empowers future cybersecurity leaders outside the U.S. Apply Now →

• Next.js Conf

  • Don’t miss Next.js Conf 2025! Sign up for the free virtual experience and unlock the future of web development with industry leaders, cutting-edge demos, and invaluable networking.
    Register Here →

Until next time,

Discover \ Design \ Deliver