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“Bravery in our culture right now has become a privilege for men.”

— Reshma Saujani, founder and chief executive of Girls Who Code

It was a room full of colorful Post-its that put it all into perspective.

In 2010, Reshma Saujani decided to run against Representative Carolyn Maloney for her seat in the House. It seemed as if Saujani had a good chance at toppling the veteran New York congresswoman: She had raised more money than her opponent, she got John Legend to perform two fund-raising concerts, and she scored several high-profile endorsements.