About ELA
Who We Are
The Emerging Ladies Academy is a STEM-centered education initiative that equips young women and girls with technical skills, mentorship, and leadership development to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
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Our programs center Black girls in technology—acknowledging their talent, courage, and curiosity—while welcoming all students who share our passion for STEM and community impact.
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The Emerging Ladies Academy was founded in 2017 by Tiffany Gamble, who has over 20 years of experience in human and social services. Since 2017, the Academy has grown to offer hands-on after-school tech education in five OPS middle schools as well as community-based tech workshops and courses. The Academy has served, educated and inspired over 100 girls in Omaha.
MISSION
The Emerging Ladies Academy exists to equip girls and young women with STEM skills, confidence, and mentorship that prepare them to thrive in the classroom and in the global technology landscape.
We believe representation and opportunity matter. Our programs are designed to expand access, reduce barriers, and support students who have historically been underrepresented in STEM. While we intentionally focus on communities that experience opportunity gaps, all eligible students who meet our participation criteria are welcome to participate.
VISION
To cultivate a world where every girl emerges as a confident, empowered leader, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and support network to excel in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Through innovative STEM education, mentorship, and advocacy, we envision a future where sex equality is not just a goal but a lived reality, where girls' unique talents and perspectives are celebrated and leveraged to drive advancements in STEM and create positive change in every facet of society.
WHY underrepresented GIRLS AND TECH?
Empowering Tomorrow’s Innovators Today
ONLY 25% of computer STEM workers are females.
Across the nation, Black women represent less than 3% of the technology workforce. This gap is not about ability—it’s about access and visibility.
ELA exists to bridge that gap by creating supportive pathways where young women can see themselves as engineers, coders, and creators.
ONLY 9% of STEM workers are Black.
We believe that when Black girls are seen, supported, and given opportunity, the entire tech ecosystem benefits.
Pew Research Center, 2018.
OUR JOURNEY
ELA is committed to providing a learning environment free from discrimination and harassment. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability in our programs or services. All students meeting program requirements are encouraged to participate.