My career has been dedicated to the IT industry, primarily within staffing and services. I’ve immersed myself in the ever-evolving tech ecosystem and am intentional about staying on the front lines of this fast-paced industry. One topic we’re encountering more frequently in day-to-day business, is the discussion around more women in technology. I think there’s a huge opportunity for organizations in this industry, to embrace greater diversity and we’re starting to see that from our clients.
According to Women in Technology International (WITI), women make up 57 percent of professional occupations in the U.S. workforce, but only 26 percent of professional computing occupations, and just 17 percent of Fortune 500 CIO positions.
These stats aren’t surprising given how early on gender roles influence our lives. In the US, starting at a young age, we tend to promote preconceptions about suitable careers for women, while at the same time stereotyping men as naturally superior in science and math.
Yet, it makes sense that virtually all professions and industries – from manufacturing to medicine – benefit from a more equal gender balance, which offers different perspectives, skill sets, approaches, communication styles and experience. The good news is that gradually, more women are pursuing and thriving in technology, although it can be challenging to break into such a male-dominated field.
Founded in 1989 as The International Network of Women in Technology, WITI today is the world’s leading trade association dedicated to empowering women in business and technology to achieve unimagined possibilities. With more than 167,000 members globally, the organization provides multiple resources, networking and educational events, mentoring programs, career services, small business programs and more to advance women in IT careers.
As a WITI board member, I was excited to help establish a presence for this group in the Washington, D.C. metro area, an influential market of tech expertise. We held our first WITI event last Thursday, April 26th in McLean, VA and ConsultNet sponsored the event. At ConsultNet women make up one-half of our internal leadership team and proactively support efforts to promote women in technology, so it was no surprise that ConsultNet was eager to sponsor this specific event.
Attracting more than 60 women, this inaugural event was a rewarding experience, with a lot of supportive energy. We participated in a lively discussion on emerging trends and technology with an expert panel, including:
- Mayumi Okada, CIO Consultant, The Office of the CIO
- Marianne Moss, Chief Technology Officer, Entrepreneurs’ Organization
- Angela Carr, Chief Operating Officer, a2z, Inc.
- Threase Baker, President, Abbtech
- Rachelle Byars-Sargent, Director of Product Development Department, PBS
Having such a diverse panel of women from all different industries – federal, publishing, hardware, and staffing – from startups and consultants, to those supporting larger organizations – it was great to hear different perspectives on how emerging trends in technology are affecting their respective industries and organizations.
Here were some key topics discussed during the panel:
- Change management: With rapid development and constant change in technology, it’s critical for teams to understand both whatthe new initiative is, whether a product, system or process, as well as the why behind it.
- Evolution of technology: Continual IT innovation requires industry professionals to constantly grow and adapt new skill sets.
- Professional advocates: The importance of mentors and senior advocates in the tech space, whether women or men, and how they can significantly shape career paths.
- Fueling the future: It’s vital to encourage and promote girls and young women at a very young age to take advantage of and pursue programs within math, science, engineering and technology.
This event was inspiring, and I am encouraged by the group of women who stayed late to network, along with the enthusiastic feedback and influx of new WITI members. It’s an exciting time for women in technology, and there is so much more to come!