Superheroes are humans with extraordinary abilities or skills who are motivated to save the world. Computer programmers are humans with extraordinary skills... see where we're going here? Computing is one of the most powerful ways we can make the world a better place. This talk shows examples of projects that are superhero-like in their impact, and ways you can use computing to improve the world, too. Originally given at Ladies Who Code Conference NYC on October 20, 2012

1. Coders as Superheroes
coding to save the world
Vanessa Hurst @DBNess
Founder, Developers for Good

2. What's a Superhero?
A character possessing "extraordinary or
superhuman powers" and dedicated to
protecting the public.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superhero

4. What's a Superhero?
● Extraordinary powers and abilities, relevant skills and/or
advanced equipment
● A strong moral code
● A motivation
● A secret identity
● A distinctive costume
● An underlying motif or theme
● A supporting cast
● A number of enemies
● Independent wealth or an occupation that allows for minimal
supervision
● A backstory
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superhero

6. exitstrategynyc.com
seetra.in

8. foodisjoy.org
@v3ronique

12. folding.stanford.edu

14. ushahidi.com

16. kopernik.info

18. codeforamerica.org

19. "With great power comes
great responsibility."
Stan Lee
Amazing Fantasy #15 (Spider-Man comic)

20. Developers for Good
A network of technologists
web developers, sysadmins, DBAs,
etc. - who want to use their skills to make the
world a better place.
CodeMontage (coming soon)
Empowers technologists to improve their skills
through contributions to humanitarian projects.
developersforgood.org

21. Questions?
Vanessa Hurst
vanessahurst.com
developersforgood.org/joinus
girldevelopit.com