Sayaka Tanaka is a pioneering social entrepreneur and movement leader committed to closing the gender gap within Japan’s digital sphere, a nation currently ranking 125th out of 146 in the Global Gender Gap Report. In 2017, she initiated education programmes tailored for girls and gender minority middle and high school students. At the age of 28, Tanaka founded Waffle.org, a groundbreaking organization dedicated to addressing the gender gap in technology and progamming education. Waffle.org stands out as the sole entity providing hands-on programming education to female students while also advocating for governmental action to rectify the structural roots of gender disparity in Japan. Tanaka has emerged as a prominent figure in the discourse surrounding gender equality, influencing corporate, governmental and media spheres alike. Her expertise has been acknowledged by prestigious institutions, including appointments to advisory positions within the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Additionally, she has contributed her insights to women's empowerment boards at Indeed and L’Oréal Japan. In 2024, Tanaka was the youngest delegate of the W20 JAPAN, the official engagement group responsible for proposing policy recommendations related to women for the G20. Her remarkable contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Japan SDGs Award, personally bestowed by the Prime Minister, as well as recognition in Forbes JAPAN 30 Under 30 in 2020. Tanaka was honoured with the Business with Attitude award by FIGARO.jp for her exceptional dedication and innovative approach. Waffle.org's impact extends beyond educational initiatives, with the publication of Me x IT = The Strongest Theory: A Guide for Girls & Gender Minorities to Work in IT in 2023, further solidifying Tanaka’s legacy as a catalyst for change in Japan’s technology landscape.