Educational Media Reviews Online

Working women comprise only 5.7% of jobs in the technology field, with only 2% of working women possessing the right education for that particular area.

She Started It follows two female entrepreneurs in the technology field, Stacey and Thuy. Both women are under the age of 30, yet already successful as business creators and innovators. Having each proved themselves once, both Stacey and Thuy set their sights on new technology and business endeavors, with the film chronicling their journeys.

Intermingled with Stacey and Thuy’s stories are interviews with women in technology fields, from companies like Facebook and Match.com, as well as two “entrepreneur spotlights” on two other young women (Brienne and Sheena) who are pioneers for their gender and age in the area of technology.

The film moves quickly, mirroring the motivation and momentum the young entrepreneurs possess themselves. It seamlessly transitions from one story to the other with the help of the interview and spotlight segments, keeping the viewer actively engaged and curious to discover if the subjects’ business ventures will “make it.” The filmmakers clearly illuminate the emotional struggle Stacey and Thuy encounter as well as the social and familial demands they experience.

It should be noted, although the film’s website mentions She Started It follows five women, this review only notes four individuals. While it is not expressly stated on the film’s website or other promotional materials, this is likely because the 60 minute version of the film is not the full feature-length film. This should be considered when consulting the film’s website for supplementary material, including discussion questions.

Two versions of the film are included on the DVD: a 52 minute version for middle school and high school students, and a 60 minute version for college students and adults. While the 52 minute version is labeled as appropriate for K-12 students, it is more suitable for middle school and high school students.

Overall, this film is recommended for audiences middle school to general adult. The film can serve to motivate and inspire young people as well as educate them on where gender inequalities still exist. Further, it can serve to generate discussion in the classroom on how this inequality impacts everyone, and what can be done to promote increased diversity in technology (and other) fields.