In the heart of Ridgeville, South Carolina, a powerful moment unfolded—one that redefined what young girls believe is possible in tech, engineering, and innovation. Girl Go Hustle, an approved Girls Who Code club, brought its students to the Volvo manufacturing plant for a day that was nothing short of transformational.
This was more than a tour. It was a front-row seat to the future of automotive technology—and a reminder that this future includes girls, too.
Inside Volvo’s cutting-edge facility, our students saw firsthand how software, automation, and engineering come together to create the vehicles of tomorrow. They explored everything from advanced robotics on the production floor to the intricate coding behind safety systems, driver assistance features, and electric vehicle design.
It wasn’t just about building cars—it was about seeing how technology powers every layer of the automotive industry, and how many roles—engineers, designers, data scientists, coders, analysts—are open to women ready to lead.
One of the most inspiring moments of the day was an intimate fireside chat with Sharika Soal, CEO of Girls Who Code. Surrounded by future innovators, she spoke about her own journey and the importance of carving out space in industries that haven’t always welcomed women.
“You don’t have to wait to be invited. You belong in every room where innovation happens.”
Her message ignited something powerful in our students: confidence. Visibility. Permission to dream bigger. She reminded them that the road to innovation isn’t reserved for men in hoodies—it’s open to girls who code.
Throughout the day, our students not only soaked up knowledge—they contributed to history. As part of the visit, they participated in the filming of a professionally produced commercial in collaboration with Volvo and Girls Who Code. They were interviewed about their experience, their interest in technology, and how coding opens doors for women in every sector.
This wasn’t just a fun activity—it was a learning moment wrapped in real-world media exposure. The girls spoke alongside other students from across the region, representing the next wave of thinkers and tinkerers shaping the future of mobility and tech.
Experiences like this plant seeds. They expand the idea of what’s possible. For girls who may have only seen the automotive world from the outside, this day opened a door—and on the other side was opportunity, ownership, and innovation.
The automotive industry is no longer just about gears and grease. It’s about data, software, user experience, artificial intelligence, electrification, and global impact. It’s not just for boys. It’s not just for engineers. It’s for anyone ready to code, create, and change the world.
And that includes our girls.
