We are in the thick of our Matching Campaign and we just wanted to thank you all so much for continuing to support us during our fundraising efforts! Since the matching challenge began on August 25, we’ve raised $3,560 in donations. With the one to one match provided by our generous donors (up to $11,000), that means we’re $7,120 closer to our $25,000 individual funding goal.
This year is a pivotal year for GGC and fundraisers, like this campaign, are critical for us to continue providing the convention you all know and love. But what else are we doing? Since the beginning of the year, our awesome sponsorship and grant manager has obtained $40,400 in grants and sponsorships! How amazing is that!? We’re so thankful to these organizations for believing in us and supporting our efforts to continue GGC into 2026 and the future.
As we’ve shared before, GeekGirlCon is entirely run by volunteers and all money raised goes directly into making the convention happen.
Our volunteer staff is the heart and soul of this organization. Without them, GGC wouldn’t be nearly as lovingly curated and run as it is year after year. Our volunteers do anything from coordinating the gaming hall to getting our panels on stream to helping make everyone’s experience enjoyable during the convention. If volunteering for a cool nonprofit convention sounds like fun to you, we’d love to have you! Consider looking at our openings!
As always, there are other ways to help us meet our goals! You can help boost GGC and our match campaign by:
Sharing this blog post on social media.
Like, comment, and share GGC social media posts about the match campaign.
See if your company will match your donation to GGC!
If you’re interested in helping us reach our match goal, you can donate here between now and November 9th!
GeekGirlCon has recently been lucky enough to welcome three Seattle area high school students as interns to a 6-week internship with GeekGirlCon. They have lent us their creativity, passion, and energy and even taught us some things in return. Each amazing GGC intern has not only written a blog post, they have been working on individual projects, creating presentations, and attending learning sessions with the marketing department, the programming department, and even with the GeekGirlCon Board of Directors! They weren’t the only ones learning – the GeekGirlCon volunteers already have ideas for improvements for any future internship programs.
We asked the interns for feedback on the GeekGirlCon Intern experience, and here is what they said:
Sumaya:
Working with GeekGirlCon has been an incredibly enriching experience for me. I’ve learned so much about marketing, from creating engaging campaigns to understanding audience insights. This hands-on experience allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios, significantly enhancing my skills. The collaborative environment and the opportunity to work with passionate individuals made the journey even more rewarding. Overall, it was a great experience that has not only broadened my knowledge but also inspired me to pursue further opportunities in marketing!
~ Sumaya A.
Yarinet:
At this internship, I have had a great time getting to know all these amazing people, and the different things they do for GeekGirlCon (GGC). In my first year of high school, I took a marketing class, so I had some background knowledge when I entered the internship. With the internship, I got to expand my knowledge on marketing. I learned, and actually got to use the websites the marketing team uses when making posts on platforms such as Facebook, and Instagram. GGC uses the website Hootsuite where the team can upload posts made in Canva, and schedule a post on different sites, whether it be Instagram, or Facebook. I really enjoyed this app, not only because you could schedule the posts, but because you could add the same description and hashtags to both without having to move from post to post, unlike as if one was to post directly from the site.
I also got to learn how to use twitch, which is what the twitch team uses for their live streams, which I also learned how to upload onto Hootsuite. At my time in the internship, I was also given the opportunity to actually create a post for the upcoming GGC trivia night, which was later edited, and will later be posted! Another great thing I absolutely enjoyed doing during my time at the internship was the photoshoot for the merch. What I loved about this, was that it was all in person! I enjoyed getting to see people, and meet them in-person for the first time! This was also something I got to do with another intern, Halleluia! I had a great time working with her, taking photos, and striking different poses!
GeekGirlCon was a great experience, and I would love to work with them again in the future, as a volunteer or staff member! If anyone is interested in working with awesome geeks, with knowledge on just about anything, but are also interested in marketing, gaming, design/creativity, GGC is the to-go!
~ Yarinet
Halleluia:
Some of the things I learned at GGC was not only how to use new platforms for me like Discord and Hootsuite, where the team can upload posts made in Canva, but I also got to learn more about marketing and community communications. Since I want to go into the communications field when I go to college, it was great getting real life experience in what I could be doing in the future and it also piqued my interest in marketing.
Creating new content on social media was also something I truly enjoyed doing! One of my other favorite things from the content on social media was making Tik Toks for the account that will be seen soon I hope! I also had a great time doing the photoshoot with Yarinet. I enjoy modeling for pictures and modeling in general so this photoshoot was really fun to do. I did not have a least favorite part of this internship. I had a great time overall and would gladly intern again if I can. For anyone who wants to intern at GGC I think it would be the best idea for any student.
To students who are considering interning with GGC in the future I’d say you will definitely have a great time interning. This organization is so inclusive and makes you feel right at home when you first start. There are so many different opportunities at GGC so I would say it is the perfect place to be an intern at!
What excites me most about potentially attending GGC is finally meeting many of the people I met at this internship. I met and got to know so many amazing people at the internship.
~ Halleluia
A huge thank you to our three excellent interns, Sumaya, Yarinet and Halleluia, as well as to our internship contact Vanessa. And thank you to members of the GeekGirlCon staff who participated in supporting these geeks – from putting together trainings and projects, setting schedules, donating extra time, coordinating I.T., and even uploading this blog to the website – we appreciate every one of you!
Thank you to our GeekGirlCon intern, high school student Sumaya for the following blog post: More Geek Spaces? By Sumaya
Having geek spaces are very important because they provide a close and welcoming environment for people who share the same interests and hobbies. These spaces can help create creativity, collaborations and sense of belonging. They allow people to connect with others who have the same passions, which could be very valuable for those who might feel like a black sheep or isolated in social settings. On top of that, geek spaces often encourage learning and innovation, which can lead to new ideas and friendships.
Not only do geek spaces create a close and welcoming environment, they’re also known for their inclusive atmosphere, where diversity, backgrounds, and identities are celebrated and embraced with a warm welcome. These open spaces welcome everyone, regardless of their level of expertise or specific niche interest, creating an ocean of ideas and perspectives. This inclusivity holds a culture of acceptance and mutual respect, allowing individuals to feel loved and supported. By destroying barriers and encouraging open-mindedness, geek spaces not only enrich the experiences of each and every member but also contribute to a more diverse, welcoming, and dynamic community.
Geek spaces offer amazing opportunities for learning, making them valuable center points for personal and professional growth. These environments are overflowing with scholarly and well educated individuals who are eager to share their expertise in areas like gaming, science fiction, technology, and more. Discussions, Workshops, and collaborative projects are not uncommon, supplying hands-on experiences that increase learning. Doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner looking to be interested in a new hobby or an expert aiming to increase your skill and knowledge, geek spaces provide the community support and resources needed to create continuous learning experiences and development.
Geek spaces play a critical role in community building with individuals with shared passions and interests coming together. These spaces produce a sense of belonging, where members can connect over common hobbies and experiences. By engaging in group events, discussions, and activities, individuals create strong friendships and bonds that reach out beyond the geek space itself. This feeling of community holds mutual support, collaboration, and a welcoming environment where everyone feels valuable and embraced. In essence, geek spaces help to sew a tightly knit community where individuals can blossom both collectively and personally.
Gamers Engaged 2023 gaming charity event at Mox Boarding House in Bellevue.
In conclusion, Geek spaces are amazing for their inclusive atmosphere, creating a welcoming environment where diversity in interest and identities is celebrated. These spaces foster a home for acceptance and mutual respect, enhancing the community with many different perspectives. The community also provides ample learning opportunities, with discussions, workshops, and collaborative projects that magnify skills and knowledge across various fields. Whether you’re a newcomer or a specialist, geek spaces support continuous professional and personal growth. Additionally, these spaces are the heart for community building, creating friendships and strong bonds through shared activities and passions. By connecting common hobbies to individuals, geek spaces cultivate a sense of belonging and support, making sure everyone feels valued. Geek spaces are dynamic portals that encourage inclusivity, community, and learning, making these spaces essential for fostering a vibrant and engaged group of individuals.
Thank you to our GeekGirlCon intern, high school student Halleluia for the following blog post:
We always hear stories about the athlete or the musician highlighting the defining moments in their lives that shaped their journeys and who they are. Today I will be interviewing someone who proudly identifies as a geek: my cousin, Helina Yohannes. We will be learning more about her geeky interests, what makes her consider herself a geek, what she thinks of the word geek, how it has changed over the years, some advice she has for today’s geeks and her younger self, and how embracing her geeky passions has influenced her life for the better.
What do You Geek Out About?
“Cars. I have always liked how they looked and have been interested in how they are built and how they work and how they are each programmed differently,” Helina says. “It was the one thing that brought me and my dad together when I was a kid. Something we could bond over. He actually taught me everything I knew about cars, which led to a deep love for them and how they are programmed,” She continues with a smile on her face. “I also geek out about music. I always found it to be interesting how different melodies, chord progressions, and production can make you feel a plethora of emotions. It is just so interesting how much of a moving experience it is.” Helina enjoys a lot of different genres of music and can tell you who produced a song based off of the melody alone. “I think it is so amazing how music can bring so many different people together and connect with one another. I love how you can always feel seen and understood and it is such a great tool to express yourself.”
This is a Porsche 911, one of Helina’s favorite cars. She says if she could she would definitely want this car to be her first one she buys by herself.
In What Ways Do You Consider Yourself a Geek?
“I tend to take interest in the randomest things. For example, music! I have a different attachment to it, like I internalize it a lot more than other people do and I tend to dive into the production and the lyrics. I feel like I get more excited about these things more than a regular music listener would.” Her love of music and music production led her to spend a lot of her free time producing music. She gets inspiration from artists like Adele and Charlie Puth.
This is the Weeknd, Helina’s favorite artist. He is also another artist she gets inspiration from all the time.
How Do You Define “Geek”?
“To me, I would define a ‘geek’ as someone who is very passionate about a certain topic or subject. Someone who could completely dive into a topic, try to collect all the knowledge they can, and be able to talk about it for hours. We are enthusiasts about our certain area of focus,” Helina explains.
How Do You Think The Term “Geek” Has Changed Over the Years?
“ I feel like at some point as the internet and social media grew and became more and more of a thing, the word geek was used as a more derogatory term against people that were interested in some things that not many people were into,” Yohannes thinks. “And, since it was the norm to be the same as everyone else, everyone that was different was made fun of for being that way. So, the word geek, instead of just describing people who have particular interests and are very passionate about them, was used to alienate those same people who are eager to talk about their interests. But, now as we evolve and grow into a more conscious society, the word geek is slowly finding its way back to the meaning it was meant to have and has become more of a compliment than an insult like it was before,” Helina says she is proud to be considered a geek though and is glad that the word has been brought back to its original meaning.
Do You Have Any Advice For Today’s Geeks?
“I think my only advice for today’s geeks would be there is nothing to be ashamed about when being called a geek, or geeking out about certain interests of yours like cars, music, art history etc. Be who you are because it’ll also help others be who they really are too,” Helina advises.
If You Could Give Your Younger Self Any Advice, What Would It Be?
“I think I would say the same thing I said for today’s geeks, to own it and own who you are. Growing up I felt like I was ashamed of my interests and would hide it from others for the longest time because I just didn’t think they were cool. So, I would tell my younger self to just own it. Believe it or not those interests make you more interesting than everyone else and that ended up being the reason a lot of people wanted to be your friend.”
How Has Embracing Your Geeky Passions Influenced You and Your Major?
“Being able to embrace my passions for cars and how they work and music and how it is produced led me to want to major in computer science in college,” Helina gushes about what she chose as her major. “ Once I was able to finally be true to myself and attend clubs like Robotics, I felt like I was closer to finding what I truly wanted to do in college. Taking my first computer engineering class made me realize I found something that I would truly enjoy doing for the rest of my career.”
Robotics is a club that Helina joined later on in high school. Her robotics club was one of the reasons she realized she enjoyed computer science.
Overall
Helina had a lot to say when it came to being a geek, her opinions on the word, and how being a geek helped shape who she has become. But, overall we really got to hear how proud she is to be considered a geek and how grateful she is to finally be true to herself and her geeky passions. Without those passions and without her confidence in those passions, she wouldn’t have met and bonded with the people she knows today and she wouldn’t have found her true passion that she will be pursuing for the rest of her life. Thank you Helina!
Ready to volunteer? All volunteer staff positions are posted here.Need more convincing? Read on…
Are you counting down the days until GeekGirlCon? Do you want more GeekGirlCon in your life, perhaps all year round? If so, consider joining the volunteer staff at GeekGirlCon!
Image courtesy of Giphy [Image description: A gif from the movie Air Bud. A close-up shot of six boys stacking one of their hands on top of the other in a group huddle. At the last second, a dog’s paw joins the top of the stack.]
GeekGirlCon 2016 at Washington State Conference Center in Seattle, Washington. October 2016. Photo by James McDaniel.
Every year, our volunteers bring GeekGirlCon to life. We wouldn’t be able to host the convention each fall without our team of stellar Agents behind the scenes, setting up equipment, handing out passes, and so much more. From dawn to dusk, our Agents are on the convention floor helping make sure that everything is running like a well-oiled machine, and we’re currently looking for even more model citizen geeks to help us put on our biggest year yet!
There are a couple requirements to be an Agent with GeekGirlCon. During the weekend of the convention, which will be held on September 30th and October 1st at the Conference Center at the WSCC, you must be available to work two shifts that are 4 to 5 hours each. You must also be at least 16 years of age at the time of the convention. That’s it! Most Agents will help support panels, set up, hand out passes, and help guide guests as they make their way through the Conference Center.
We’re also looking for some more specialized volunteers, such as ASL interpreters and photographers (who are able to bring their own equipment). If you are able to perform either of those roles, please make sure to check them off while filling out your application.
Applications close July 15th, at 10pm PST, so make sure to fill yours out today and we’ll see you in September!
If one of your resolutions for the new year* was to support a nonprofit that supports women and girls in STEAM fields, comics, games, and other geekdoms, now’s the chance to act on it.
GeekGirlCon is looking for volunteers for 2017! With our well-documented convention expansion last year, we were looking to hire more Agents than ever before, and we’ve also brought on more staff to support the organization year-round.
This could be you. (Image source: GeekGirlCon Flickr)
We have even loftier plans for 2017, and bigger plans means a bigger army of dedicated, awesome volunteers. We’d love for you to join us for a whole plethora of reasons. Because we’re an amazing organization and an even better community. Because we’re dedicated to being able to make room for what we love doing. Because the representation of women and girls in all forms of geekery matters. Because we’re going to need all the help we can get.
Although GeekGirlCon is unique in a variety of different ways, you can enhance your con experience by helping us out! We have just opened our applications for agents (and special agents) for GeekGirlCon ’16!
What is an agent, you ask? Agents are our army of volunteer helpers who do a range of awesome tasks. From answering questions from convention attendees to setting up A/V equipment or leading games of pictionary, agents are there to make sure that our con runs smoothly and that everyone has an awesome time.
GeekGirlCon is entirely volunteer-run, and at convention time we really need help to fill out our ranks! Last year, we had 150-180 volunteer agents, and this year, with the fourth floor expansion, we’ll have room for more.
Interested? All we ask is that you’re over 16, are enthusiastic about our mission and are available to work for part of October 8-9. Apply here before July 1st! We’d love to have you at the con!
This month has been a fantastic time to apply to be an Agent for GeekGirlCon. But all good things must come to an end, and our application deadline for becoming an Agent or a Special Agent will close this Friday July 31 at midnight.
But don’t despair! You still have the week to send us an application! And we are still looking for people! We need volunteer Agents and Special Agents for a variety of roles to make sure our con runs smoothly, such as setting up and breaking down the con, helping our panelists, directing our attendees and generally being lovely, friendly people.
Special Agents are drawn from our Agent pool for specific tasks, such as being on our Reaction Team—these are the awesome people who make sure that everyone feels safe at the con, and can help out if an issue arises. Other Special Agent positions (such as photography or IT wrangling) are available, and you will get the opportunity to specify your skills so we can match you up with the best job available.
We are expecting over 6,000 people to attend this year, and we basically can’t put on an amazing con without an army of volunteers. To show our appreciation for your support, you’ll get free admission into the convention and a fancy, official Agent t-shirt in return for a few hours’ work on October 10 and 11. You’ll also be helping put on one of the best geeky conventions in the country, so there are bonus warm fuzzies for that.
To be part of this amazing team, all you need to do is submit a quick application form. But hurry, as they are closing this week. So if you’ve been on the fence about becoming an Agent for GeekGirlCon, this is a great time to join our family. Send us an application today!
GeekGirlCon is currently looking for some friendly, dedicated and awesome individuals to join our fantastic volunteer team as Agents or Special Agents. Volunteers are those lovely people you see at the con wearing the official, exclusive Agent t-shirts and the big smiles on their faces.
Image source: GeekGirlCon
Our Agents are the people who direct seating at panels, answer questions, set up and tear down after the convention, and generally make GeekGirlCon the wonderful place that it is. Because GeekGirlCon is a completely volunteer-run organization, we rely on people just like you to help us pull off our awesome annual convention.
All you need to do is submit an application form. If you’re selected to be an Agent, you’ll get free admission into the convention and a fancy, official t-shirt in return for a few hours’ work on October 10 and 11, plus the warm, fuzzy feeling that you’ve been an integral part of one of the best female-focused geek conventions in the country.
So, does that sounds good? What are you waiting for? Our application deadline is July 31, so get your application in today!
This year is a pivotal year for GGC and fundraisers, like this campaign, are critical for us to continue providing the convention you all know and love. But what else are we doing? Since the beginning of the year, our awesome sponsorship and grant manager has obtained $40,400 in grants and sponsorships! How amazing is that!? We’re so thankful to these organizations for believing in us and supporting our efforts to continue GGC into 2026 and the future. 
