Bravery
We believe being brave is about being resilient, persistent, and ambitious, even when the odds are stacked against you.
About 3percentclub
Closing the gap for women and people of color in tech.
Through hands-on AI education, real projects, and the mentorship that turns curiosity into a career, 3percentclub helps people go from AI-curious to AI-builder.
“We aren't just teaching people how to use AI. We are empowering them to lead the next industrial revolution.”
Maria Ashby, Founder
Maria Ashby
Founder, Developer & Educator · Former NVIDIA Developer Relations Manager · USC Alumna
Her Story
Building the room she never had.
Growing up as the only girl in my robotics class, I frequently had components pulled from my hands simply because I took time to master the process. That same dynamic followed me straight into my tech career, where I found myself walking into major conferences only to count panels entirely lacking women. I grew tired of watching talented women be sidelined in an industry that desperately needed them.
So during NY Tech Week, over a working lunch with Meg Thee Stallion on repeat, I pitched my very first workshop. That catalyst launched 3percentclub, named after a sobering reality:
Black women account for less than 3% of engineering jobs, and women receive less than 3% of VC funding.
Drawing on a decade as a technical educator and my years as a Developer Relations Manager at NVIDIA, I built 3percentclub to break down these artificial barriers, open up my industry network, and demystify tech so our entire community can thrive.
What We Stand For
Our Values
These are the principles that define how we show up for each other and for the world.
Inclusion
We believe that diverse ability, culture, identity, and lived experience makes our organization and our community stronger.
Action
We prepare our members not just to enter the tech industry, but to lead it, improve it, and transform it.
Excellence
We hold ourselves to the highest standard of technical rigor, community care, and personal growth, because our members deserve nothing less.
Take the next step
Get Involved
Apply to our AI Fellowship
Ready to go from AI-curious to AI-builder? Apply to join our next cohort and get hands-on technical training, real projects, and a community of builders behind you.
Apply Now
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Your gift funds free, hands-on AI training for builders who need it most. Every dollar goes directly to program costs, mentorships, and student resources.
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