Break the Pattern: International Women's Day 2026

Join us for a special International Women's Day celebration on April 11th at 11am! Enjoy a delightful brunch featuring coffee and mimosas while listening to inspiring lightning talks from leading women in tech.

This event promises a morning of learning and networking with some of the most innovative minds in the industry. Whether you are a seasoned tech enthusiast or just starting out, come be part of a community that values diversity, innovation, and creativity.

Don't miss out—reserve your spot today and be inspired by the achievements and stories of incredible women in technology! #WomenInTech #GDGLosAngeles

Agenda

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Hosted By

Matt Kaufman, GDG Organizer

Matt Kaufman founded MK Partners in 2006 to provide custom-tailored Salesforce solutions. He has over 25+ Salesforce certifications and two decades of experience as a Salesforce leader, author, and trainer.
Since 2012, he has volunteered as a community organizer for GDG Los Angeles and GDG Cloud San Fernando Valley. He's passionate about technology and using it to solve problems.

Marsha Swallow, GDG Organizer

Marsha isn't just a graduate of a coding bootcamp, she's a passionate tech leader who thrives on building communities.

By day, she manages technical projects for a startup. But her dedication extends far beyond her day job. Marsha spearheads the Los Angeles chapter of Google Developer Groups and serves as a Women Techmakers Ambassador, fostering connections and empowering others through technology. She also volunteers at Innovate Pasadena running the monthly Pasadena Tech Happy Hour and co-leading Friday Coffee Meetup.

Her driving force? A commitment to lifelong learning and the transformative power of tech.

Emily Anderson, Innovation Engineer

Women Techmakers Ambassador & Google Developer Groups Organizer | Los Angeles, CA, Columbia, SC, Twin Cities, MN

With a unique background in social work and technology, I bridge the gap between two distinct fields, fostering collaboration and translating complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.

As a Women Techmakers Ambassador and GDG Organizer, I bring developers together with thought leaders and innovation engineers, creating spaces for inspiration, knowledge sharing, and cutting-edge discussions. Together, we drive advancements that help our communities thrive.

Currently, as an Application Developer and Consultant in Enterprise Architecture and Health Innovation Technology at Stellarus, I evaluate emerging technologies, build prototypes, and deliver presentations to stakeholders and senior leadership. My work involves recommending transformative technologies, creating training materials for team implementation, and developing architecture artifacts to streamline organizational efficiency.

I am passionate about expanding my expertise in information technology, developer relations, application development, and operations management, striving to make a meaningful impact in both the tech and healthcare sectors.

Jason Jones, GDG LA Team Member

I am a lifelong student with a love for learning. My ethos is immersed in the thrill of learning, leading, and having a positive net contribution to the world.

Siena Aguayo, Senior Android Engineer

Siena is a software engineer and team lead with experience in full-stack web and Android, currently working at Babylist. Her professional passions include unit testing and reasonably architected code. She is a co-organizer of GDG LA Android and a Women Techmakers Ambassador. A Los Angeles native, Pokémon master, and international public speaker, Siena enjoys playing video games, knitting, and studying Japanese. You can follow her on Threads at @sienatime

Michael Sim, GDG LA Android

Gladwin Louise Cedeno, Co-Organizer

Gladwin is an MBA student specializing in Management Information Systems. Her journey began back in 2007 when she earned her Computer Engineering degree from the esteemed Mapua Institute of Technology in Manila, Philippines.

Venturing into the professional realm, She embarked on an enriching career as an embedded software engineer in Yokohama, Japan, starting in 2008. Since then, her professional odyssey has taken her through diverse roles and organizations, culminating in a pivotal tenure at American Express in Hong Kong, where she honed her skills as a dedicated Software Engineer, contributing significantly to both development and management endeavors.

Fueling her ongoing quest for knowledge and professional growth, she has embarked on this MBA journey, driven by a passion for blending technology prowess with strategic management acumen. Her focus lies in transitioning into the realm of Technical Program Management within the dynamic landscape of the Technology sector.

Beyond the realm of academia and professional pursuits, she is deeply committed to supporting women suffering from PCOS and empowering young kids who are survivors of Abuse. Additionally, she finds fulfillment and joy in exploring the realms of Technology, Design, Business, Investment, Travel, Photography, and the Culinary Arts.

May Wu, Co-Organizer

Bryan Bergo, Co-organizer

Francesca Sala, Volunteer

Flavia Ballabene, Volunteer

Christy Mahlow, Marketing Team

Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-los-angeles-presents-break-the-pattern-international-womens-day-2026/.