Girls In Tech

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Girls in Tech is offering the fourth in a series of interviews with leaders in the technology field. Today, we’re featuring Sophie Farrell, account manager with Google Online Sales. Stay tuned for the final in our series of posts Leena Rao, TechCrunch.

Cheers,
The Boston GIT Team

1. What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever made and what did you learn from it that’s worth passing along to others?
While it can be uncomfortable to take a problem with a teammate and tackle it head on, I have found that the most difficult situations I have been in and the biggest mistakes I have made have come from times when I chose to shy away from a difficult conversation. These are times when just one meeting or discussion would have undoubtedly fixed the problem, repaired a line of communication or mitigated frustration before it grew into something bigger. If you see a problem or identify a teammate who is not holding up his or her end of a bargain, tackle the situation head on as quickly as you can – you’ll thank yourself later.

2. What’s your biggest success in the workplace?
Diversity of experience. I take great pride in the fact that, during my time at Google, I have had the opportunity to develop a variety of skills at work. Whether fulfilling the role of strategic advisor to my clients, mapping out the global roll out of a new Sales operation or partnering with marketing to drive user adoption across Google products, I have created and taken advantage of an array of opportunities. While these experiences have afforded me opportunities to succeed, I consider my greatest success to be the variety of situations that I have pushed myself to succeed in.

3. What’s your life or work motto?
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from indomitable will.” This is a Mahatma Gandhi quote that I have always kept on a note above my desk. I have heard it recited by Lance Armstrong and co-workers alike and I believe it speaks to the true source of our power. There will always be someone more qualified, smarter, faster or more experienced, but it is completely up to you as to whether or not anyone will have a stronger will than you. I believe an indomitable will can translate to incredible success.

4. What woman in history inspires you most and why?
While she is not a historical figure, I have a genuine admiration for Ursula Burns, CEO of Xerox. As the CEO of a major American company, Ursula remains true to herself and the principles of hard work. She worked tirelessly to rise to where she is and appears to balance assertive and respectful in a remarkable way. As she says, there is “stuff that happens to you and then there is stuff you happen to.” I admire the grace with which she handles the stuff that happens to her and the tenacity with which she makes the rest of it happen.

5. What piece of technology can you not live without?
In thinking about this question, I have realized that, during the past year or two, my answer has transitioned from my computer to my cell phone. Assuming that is the case for more people than just me, it speaks volumes to the potential that lies ahead for the mobile industry as we continue to transition our dependence on the Internet from desktops to mobile devices. That said, whether it’s talking to my friends and family, checking my email or listening to Pandora, I couldn’t live without my cell phone!

6. What tech trend are you following for 2010?
Geo-located social networking. This space is flooded with innovation from small startups (Foursquare, Toodalu) and strong companies (Google, Facebook, Twitter) alike. I am personally drawn to the way Toodalu.com is building a visual, maps based approach. This type of technology will transform the way we interact within our social circles.

7. What one piece of advice would you give the Girls in Tech of tomorrow?
If you want it, ask for it. If you’re inspired by somebody, ask to have coffee with him or her. If you have an idea, find someone who can help your grow it. If you have a passion, chase it. I believe most people fall into three buckets. Those who wait for things to come to them, those who work hard and believe that in time that will get them where they need to go, and then those who not only work hard but spend time knocking on doors, tackling challenges, and asking for guidance, advice and a seat at the table. It’s the third group, the trailblazers, that not only get to do exciting things, but they accomplish great things.

Cell phone, a pen and sunglasses. The phone is my connection to everyone and everything. The pen is because I have found myself in some of the most inspiring and interesting conversations that I have ever had while living in Silicon Valley – having a pen to write down ideas, contact information or even questions has become crucial. Finally, the sunglasses are for the weather in California. After growing up in the Midwest and then spending four years in Boston, it wasn’t difficult to get used all the sunshine out here!

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Girls in Tech is offering the third in a series of interviews with leaders in the technology field. Today, we’re featuring Christina Wong from QinetiQ North America. Stay tuned for upcoming posts from Sophie Farrell, Google and Leena Rao, TechCrunch.

Oh, and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Cheers,
The Boston GIT Team

Girls in Tech Celebrates Women’s History Month
5 Women, 9 Questions, One Mission – Promote and Share the Success of Women in the Tech Sector

1. Name, title and your current job and/or mission in life?
Christina Wong, Project Engineer at QinetiQ North America, LLC. I currently propose, invent, design and present engineering solutions for the government. I tell people I work on “James Bond-like toys.” My projects have included a deployable fire-proof cover for protecting houses against wildfires, a large net which traps small boats, and lightweight armor created from nets which defeats rocket-propelled grenades. I also help with business development through white paper and proposal writing efforts.

2. What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever made and what did you learn from it that’s worth passing along to others?
I passed up a great opportunity to earn my Masters degree Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan. Instead, I stayed within my comfort zone and pursued my graduate degree at my undergraduate institution. My decision hasn’t ultimately affected my career success but it did make me realize that people can feel uncomfortable with the prospect of change and venturing into the unknown. Instead of succumbing to that fear by only considering and making “safe” choices, I now reduce my discomfort by acknowledging it and questioning it. I gain a better understanding of the situation by “doing my homework” and performing research. Then, armed with knowledge and perspective, I make decisions based on an understanding of all my choices and not only the ones I feel most comfortable with.

3. What’s your biggest success in the workplace?
Last year, I completed a project where I was an essential participant from very beginning through the finish. In writing the proposal, I was a key technical author. I proposed applying conventional knowledge and engineering in a completely new and creative manner to create a practical methodology. Due to my contribution to the proposal, we won the contract. For the next year, I lead a small team to invent a brand new methodology which may eventually be applied as a standard to help increase worker safety in a historically dangerous industry. Through my interaction with my customer, I gave several extremely well-received technical presentations. In addition, the customer invited me to present as a subject matter expert to large audiences of industry workers.

4. What’s your life or work motto?
Understand myself and do what’s right for me. Don’t shy away from challenging work or difficult decisions if that work or those decisions will move me closer to my goals.
5. What woman in history inspires you most and why?
I find Michelle Obama incredibly inspiring and a wonderful role model. She is able to balance many characteristics which women normally find challenging, including success, strength, individuality, family and femininity.

6. What piece of technology can you not live without?
I’m not going to even try to be clever with my answer here. It’s the internet age and I can’t live without it!

7. What tech trend are you following for 2010?
I’m paying attention to smart phones and how the market will develop. There’s a great amount of effort to leverage the new technology and I’m curious to see what people do with it.

8. What one piece of advice would you give the Girls in Tech of tomorrow?
You really have to know yourself in order to make the right choices for yourself. No one else will do it for you because the best person to take of yourself is yourself.

9. What three items do you always carry on you?
Something to read, my camera (I love taking photos) and my cell phone.

 

 

 

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.

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• 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.

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• 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