Girls In Tech

 

 

 

Don’t miss an exciting party! Come hear insightful stories from the awardees, network with influential leaders in science technology, catch a spectacular view of Boston Harbor, enjoy a ‘Seafood Extravaganza’, and get inspired! Everyone is welcome to attend!

REGISTER NOW

Thursday, May 28th

WHERE: 155 Seaport Blvd, Boston (Across from the World Trade Center.)

TIME: 6:00-9:00pm

COST: Advance reg (until 6pm Tues. May 26th): $45 Members, $60 Non-Members.  $10 more at the door.

2009 Awardees:

Adelene Perkins, President of Infinity Pharmaceuticals 

Beth Friday, VP of WorldWide Client Support at IBM

Beth Marcus, PhD, Founder and CTO of Zeemote

Janet Wolfe, PhD, Founder and President of Wolfe Laboratories

Speaker introductions include:

-Abbie Celniker, CEO of Taligen Therapeutics

-Sandra Glucksmann, Chair of WEST Board, and Sr. VP Research and Business Operations at Cerulean Pharma

-ML Mackey, CEO of Beacon Interactive Systems

-Gwen Acton, President of WEST

This month’s TechCrunch UK event sparked a fierce debate about women in technology that has continued to spread through online and offline channels as men and women alike discuss the past, present and future of women in technology, and address certain barriers or perceived problems with what is undeniably a dearth of women in the field.

As we launched the Boston chapter of Girls in Tech, we had just this debate within our own team. Do we discuss the lack of and decline of women in technology and address gender biases and perceived skill-set issues? Do we argue that there are limitations placed on women in technology that should be broken down? Or do we stand as proof that there ARE wonderfully talented women in technology, that the barriers are simply ours to break down or dispel, and that women are just as armed for success in this industry as anyone else?

This is a tough call, tougher I think than many imagine. By continuing a line of argument that is founded in calling out reasons that women are not as plentiful in the technology field, what are we saying? That male dominated offices intimidate or discourage women from getting involved? That, as Cate Sevilla of BitchBuzz argues, women are sick of male-dominated networking events, scantily clad girls on tech magazine covers and equally as scantily clad women working booths on trade show floors, so they simply choose not to get involved in the field?? That women are discriminated against, underpaid, held back from promotions or even not hired when a comparable man is available for the job?

Are these reasons, or excuses?

Alternatively, do we argue that women who want to be in technology and enjoy that kind of work ARE in the field? Do we showcase their talents, applaud their achievements and call out their expertise as proof that if so desired, women can be just as successful as men in technology? Do we use positive reinforcement to set examples for other women that technology can be a rewarding field with many advantages, get involved in community events to encourage young women to study math and science, foster the inner geek in our daughters when they want a lego set rather than a barbie, and recognize that barriers exist in many professions, it is more productive to address affecting change on a personal level and within our own organizations than to bitch about skimpy outfits at trade shows and offices with a predominance of male peers?

There have been excellent arguments made on both sides, and I do believe somewhere in the middle we’ll find the answer, and that a certain recognition and acknowledgment of existing problems is necessary. But I also think that this should be a quick initial first step in a larger program to promote the great work of many women in technology. Education about exciting careers in technology and great examples from women who are leaders in this field is the best way to grow our numbers, not continued complaining about why our numbers are low. Many women feel that they have suffered in a male-dominated workplace, so it is not with an aim toward dismissing those sentiments that I make this call, but rather to acknowledge that the key to a solution lies not in continuing to harp on those experiences, but to look toward constructive steps we can take to affect change.

It’s time we take responsibility for the growth of women in technology, and not continue to look for someone to blame instead.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Why shouldn’t there be more women in technology? (guardian.co.uk)

Last Tuesday night, Lir was the HOT place to be for the official launch of the GirlsInTech Boston Chapter. We took over the upstairs level of Lir and our wonderful hosts ensured that we had drinks in hand and food nearby as the room filled with female professionals from a variety of technology backgrounds.

Our fabulous sponsor at Qtask.com stood out as one of the five men in a sea of women, but received a gracious public thank you from our Chapter Managing Director, Kate Brodock, as she teetered on a makeshift stage/chair to make the welcome speeches. Microsoft and other regional donors was kind enough to contribute some prizes for our raffle and several guests walked away with video games, software, wine-tasting tickets, and even a t shirt!

The rest of the Boston Chapter board members were on hand to meet and greet guests, weaving through the crowd and joining conversations here an there. We were overwhelmed by the encouraging feedback and support that party attendees provided! It seems that many women felt that this type of social network organization was exactly what was missing in Boston. The most popular question was “When is the next event?” The answer to that is: soon!

The Boston Chapter of GirlsInTech is pulling together our upcoming list of events and will be updating members shortly with educational seminars, networking events, and meet ups in the coming weeks, so stay tuned! If you didn’t make the party, then join us on Facebook to get updates and learn more about us. We want to make this valuable for all our members, so feel free to share your feedback and tell us what you want to see in the future.

Thank you to all who attended! No doubt pictures will be circulating in the coming days/weeks from our friendly photographers who snapped pics all night long.

March 24, 2009 10:00 am

to

March 26, 2009 5:00 pm

The Business of Community Networking is a best practice conference to create social networks and measure ROI of online marketing. Help your business interact, network and exchange knowledge using social media, reach new customers and make your performance soar. After three days of premier content delivered by over 25 talented speakers and panelists, you leave with a plan to take your company’s marketing to a whole new level.

Speakers include:

• Michael Leifer, Senior Vice President and Director of Social Media at SWIRL
• Erica Farthing, Director of Social Media at Condo Domain
• Liz Strauss, Social Web Strategist for Successful Blog
• Pattiann McAdams-Russell, President of the Online Division for Avon
• Francois Gossieaux, President of Beeline Labs

The conference organizers have offered Girls in Tech Members a $500 discount to event.  For more information on the line up, visit the Conference Website.

For information on how to receive a discount for the event, please email me: kate @ girlsintech . net

March 24, 2009
7:00 pm	to	10:00 pm

Please click here for more information and to RSVP.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Two Boston Area Events: TiE-Boston and Girls in Tech Boston (othersidegroup.com)
• Other Side Group to Head the Girls in Tech Boston Chapter (othersidegroup.com)
• Event: Mass High Tech presents Women to Watch (othersidegroup.com)

Welcome to the new and improved Girls in Tech corporate site! We hope that you enjoy our makeover as we know it will provide a more aesthetic, creative and engaging experience that will contribute to your participation and interest within our network of superstars!

Girls In Tech is dedicated to influencing the technology landscape and promoting the work and contribution of women in the space. We will continuously update this site with new events, social mixers, educational workshops, along with news and blog content — all with the focus of highlighting technology community leaders throughout all of our chapters.

We’re excited to announce that Girls in Tech has an official presence in the following cities:

Atlanta, Austin, Berlin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Kuwait, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Omaha, Orlando, Paris, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Stamford, Tampa, and Washington DC

With the help of our chapter principals we will be a valuable addition to the thriving women in tech scene spreading throughout the country and the globe. The team is comprised of powerful, influential, female leaders in tech that underscore the importance of empowerment, mentorship and education as the source for career enhancement and support within the community.

Thank you!

Girls in Tech Corporate Team

Adriana F. Gascoigne