Biography:
Dita Přikrylová is a Czech software engineer, social entrepreneur, and the founder of Czechitas, a non-profit organization that provides technical education and networking opportunities for women and youth in information technologies. She studied Systems Engineering at the Faculty of Economics and Administration and Applied Computer Science at the Faculty of Informatics, both at Masaryk University in Brno.
Přikrylová is best known for her work with Czechitas, where she focuses on retraining women between the ages of 20 and 45 in coding and information technologies. In 2014, she founded Czechitas with the goal of dismantling stereotypes and encouraging women and girls to learn coding and pursue careers in IT. The organization offers classes all over the Czech Republic and operates community education centers in Brno and Prague.
Through a partnership between Czechitas and Microsoft Corporation, Přikrylová helped create an Academy of Programming for children in the Czech Republic. This initiative provided free online training, tutorials, and resources for various computer programs to youth aged 8 to 26. Přikrylová’s dedication to promoting digital literacy extends beyond Czechitas. She is a business developer at the Prague branch of GreenFox Academy, a coding bootcamp that offers free computer programming courses for women.
Přikrylová’s commitment to social entrepreneurship and innovation is evident through her involvement with various organizations. She serves on the Advisory Board of Social Impact Awards, a non-profit incubator for social entrepreneurship, representing over 500 program alumni ventures. Additionally, she is a board member of Cesko.digital, an online community for IT professionals in the Czech Republic who provide pro-bono IT work for non-profits, government entities, and NGOs.
In 2016, Přikrylová received the European Citizen’s Prize from the European Parliament for her efforts to increase women’s and girls’ technical and digital literacy. The same year, Forbes magazine recognized her as one of the 30 youngest business leaders in the Czech Republic under the age of 30. In 2017, she was honored with the South by Southwest Community Service Award from SXSW in Austin, Texas. Přikrylová was also a member of the Aspen Institute Young Leaders Program in Central Europe in 2017. In 2018, she was selected as the Female Role Model of the Year by Central European Startups.
Dita Přikrylová’s dedication to bridging the gender gap in the tech industry and empowering women and girls in information technologies has made a significant impact on society. Her work with Czechitas and other organizations has opened doors and provided opportunities for individuals to gain technical skills and thrive in IT careers. Přikrylová’s contributions to women’s history are notable, as she continues to inspire and uplift the next generation of female technologists.
Awards:
– European Citizen’s Prize (2016)
– Forbes 30 Under 30 in the Czech Republic (2016)
– South by Southwest Community Service Award (2017)
– Aspen Institute Young Leaders Program in Central Europe (2017)
– Female Role Model of the Year by Central European Startups (2018)