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The technology industry has long been a male-dominated field, and many women are underrepresented, underappreciated, and underappreciated. Although progress has been made towards improving gender equality in technology, much work remains. That’s why Indiana Women IN Tech Week is so important. As someone who participated in this amazing week that took place from September 15th to 22nd, I can confidently say that this is more than just an event on the calendar, it is a movement.
Thanks to the foresight and dedication of co-founders Linda Calvin and Kara Kabensky, and the support of Governor Eric Holcomb, Indiana is not only talking about equity in the tech sector. It is taking concrete action. Indiana Women IN Tech Week featured a number of events Sunday through Sunday focused on education, empowerment and connections for women in technology at various stages of their careers. This demonstrated the powerful potential of women in technology when given the tools and support to thrive, and highlighted the importance of continued efforts throughout the year to elevate women in this field.
CTRL + ALT + EMPOWER: Women in Technology Mentorship Event
On Monday, September 16th, I had the pleasure of participating in a panel discussion focused on the important relationship between mentor and mentee. The event, organized by Eight Eleven Group, provided a range of practical advice for mentors to better guide their mentees. One thing that stands out is the clear distinction between the roles of mentor, sponsor, and connector. Each role is uniquely valuable in its own right, but serves a different purpose in the mentee’s career growth. This distinction helped both mentors and mentees clarify expectations. Mentors appreciate the practical strategies provided to foster productive relationships, and mentees better understand how to proactively seek and utilize advice from these important individuals. I’m back.
Besides the panel exhibition, there were many memorable moments on this day. The “Pass the Torch for Women” organization was available for mentors and mentees to register and achieve professional growth. Attendees also had access to a free professional headshot, feedback on their LinkedIn profile, and even a raffle for a custom Linda Calvin Tech Jean Jacket. These perks were exciting, but most important was the realization that there is a vast community of women in tech who need mentorship. The demand for leadership is immense, and this week highlighted how many women in the tech industry aspire to grow but lack support.
Demystifying sponsoring Black women in tech: How to tap into a diverse pipeline of talent.
The momentum continued on Wednesday, September 18th, when Angel Henry of the Amulet Consortium and I co-hosted an event focused on sponsors and disciples. Sponsored by Brooksource, the event provided an innovative and interactive experience by incorporating four skits each depicting different stages of a tech career: early career, mid-career, executive level, and career change. Each skit served as a vivid depiction of the challenges and opportunities women face at different career crossroads. We focused on how important it is to have not only a mentor, but also a sponsor, an individual who represents you in the room where decisions about your career are made.
Each participant also received Angel Henry’s award-winning book Dents in the Ceiling, which provided further insight into the experiences of women of color navigating corporate America. . What moved me most was the overwhelming response from participants after the event ended. Women lined up and were eager to share their stories, ask questions, and most importantly express how inspired they were to take action in their careers. It was a humbling experience to realize how many lives can be changed simply by giving women the tools they need to succeed.
Important week, and keep going
Indiana Women IN Tech Week is more than just a week of networking and free resources. It’s a call to action. Throughout the week, events were held across Indiana to create spaces for women to connect, learn, and support each other. From Sunday through Saturday, IWIT Week drew hundreds of women and provided them with access to information, mentorship, sponsorship, and opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have.
But why stop here? The need to continue and expand Indiana Women IN Tech Week cannot be overstated. Women in the technology industry face unique barriers to entry and advancement. Initiatives like Indiana Women IN Tech Week provide critical infrastructure for women and girls to overcome bias and barriers, providing mentorship, sponsorship, and community. This week isn’t just for women. It’s important to the industry. Research has repeatedly shown that diverse teams perform better than homogeneous teams. By continuing to advance the status of women in technology, Indiana positions itself as a leading hub for innovation and inclusion.
So to those who attended, supported, or simply observed Indiana Women IN Tech Week, I say this. “Let’s continue.” Let’s make it bigger. Every year, let’s reach more women and girls, create more opportunities and remove more barriers. Indiana’s women in technology are ready to take on leadership roles, and with continued support for events like this, there is no limit to what we can accomplish. Cheers to another year of progress and to Indiana Women IN Tech Week being a cornerstone for future generations.
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