Girls In Tech

What does it mean to you to build a web app that’s social by default? Ever wonder how to get your product ideas from a paper napkin to getting launched so that hundreds of millions of people can use them? Do you have questions on how to integrate with Facebook’s APIs? Are you interested in learning more about how to monetize your Facebook applications?

This Facebook Developer Garage and Hackathon is hosted in conjunction with Girls in Tech <www.girlsintech.net> to try to help you figure out answers to these questions and build something awesome!

To participate, please choose one of the two options:

1) Either submit a Hackathon idea on this wiki: [Facebook & Girls in Tech Dev Garage/Hackathon wiki] and come prepared to hack!

OR

2) Purchase a Girls in Tech Donation Ticket for $20 and come join the festivities: Purchase tickets

We will only accept participants that complete one of the two participant options above.

We hope to see you there!

Cheers,

Facebook and Girls in Tech

September 2, 2010
7:00 pm	to	10:00 pm

PLEASE NOTE: THE DATE HAS CHANGED FOR THIS EVENT – SEPTEMBER 2ND

Had a brief discussion with Marko to learn more about open source and android for Java developers at OSCON yesterday.

Android for Java Developers is an action-packed, hands-on presentation that takes you through the anatomy of an Android application. The sample application includes most major Android building blocks (Activities, Intents, Services, Broadcast Receivers, Content Providers) to illustrate the philosophy of Android application development. It assumes basic Java knowledge.

Tell me more about Marko and your company, Marakana

Marko is creator of Marakana Android Training series. He has taught Android to over 1,000 developers at companies such as Motorola, Sony-Ericsson, Qualcomm, Ericsson Canada, Cisco, Sharp, Texas Instruments, DoD and many others. Marko is a co-founder of San Francisco Android Users Group and regularly teaches Android Bootcamp at Marakana.

Marko founded Marakana in 2001 to help underprivileged youth, minorities, and inner-city kids learn web technologies and get ahead in life. So Marakana emerged with goal of helping people get better at what they do professionally, focused on open source software training.

Marakana founded and continue to run a few user groups such The San Francisco Java User Group, The San Francisco Agile User Group and The San Francisco Android User Group. It’s a community organized user groups.

How’s your session today?

I’ve taught Android class last year at San jose and only 10 people attended. Today we’ve had over 120! So much love in Portland. So great!!

What can we expect from your session?  Any take away for the attendees?

If you know java, then android is pretty straight forward. Learn it and use it. Mobile is where the action now. We are in the early stage but there is so much opportunity.

Open source is ubiquitous. It’s been the same since back then; but how the technology is being applied constantly changing. Also leverage our video tutorials under community; it is such a great resources http://marakana.com/forums/android/general/ and http://marakana.com/forums/android/examples/

Which sessions/keynote speakers you are most interested in?

I’m planning to see some tomorrow and also to relax! Looking forward to seeing some of the keynote speakers. Follow Marko @marakana or go to http://marakana.com/ to learn more

Be sure to join Girls in Tech Portland Chapter at OSCON 2010 this year at Portland Oregon. Register today and receive special discount by being a Girls in Tech member.

OSCON takes place July 19-23, 2010 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon.

Register now and save 15%. Use discount code os10pgit when registering at: http://www.oscon.com/oscon2010

For More info for our local Portland chapter, go to our facebook page. If you are interested in being a guest speaker and/or panelist for our workshops and lectures, pls feel free to drop me an email: ivo@girlsintech.net

tweet @marakana @mssonicflare @oscon @24notion @gitweet

#oscon #portland #opensource

An Invitation from Singularity University: All Girls in Tech members and Anyone interested in the advancement of Women in tech:

What: WOMEN @ FRONTIER – SU Public Panel
When: July 13, 7:00 – 9:00 pm (open to public)

It’s our pleasure to invite your organization to participate in Singularity University’s Women’s Frontier Expo -July 13th at NASA Ames, and to ask the members of your organization to join our audience for the evening.

We are hosting Women at the Frontier to celebrate women’s accomplishments in business, science, technology, politics, and humanitarianism.  Our goal is to bring together thought leaders to voice design solutions for creating grand scale positive change and to address the world’s greatest challenges.

Women at the Frontier will begin with a Frontier Expo showcasing groundbreaking women-led initiatives, companies and entrepreneurial ventures, and women’s resource associations.  Your presence would be a valuable contribution.  We would like to feature our Expo organizations with public information displays and interactive organization representatives.   In attendance will be Singularity University’s internationally acclaimed faculty and student body, as well as Silicon Valley’s leading entrepreneurs, business, and political community.

Following the Expo, a ‘Frontier Panel’ will feature keynote speakers including Venture Capitalist Consultant Liddy Karter and Moderator Sonia Arrison Senkut, and a moderated Q&A with BlogHer Founder, Lisa Stone.

For more information about the topic and participants, please see this private link, which is continually updated:

http://singularityu.org/women2010/

10^9+ is Singularity University’s Grand Challenge to students and executives that join our program.  Please see this video synopsis of our Graduate Studies Program Opening Ceremonies last week for a description of our program.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=400372872809

We get amazing insight from top thought leaders of our time but… they’re almost all men.  Our world needs insight and solutions presented by all voices, including mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives.  Women at the Frontier will feature the voices of women on issues relevant to our future. In particular, 10^9+ (ten to the ninth plus), is Singularity University’s challenge to impact 1 billion people in a positive way in ten years leveraging exponential trends, innovation and the power of entrepreneurship.

——————

What: WOMEN @ FRONTIER – SU Public Panel
When: July 13, 7:00 – 9:00 pm (open to public)
Where: NASA Ames Research Park, Bldg 3 Main Conference Room (Ballroom, seats 300)
Why: To showcase the “voice of women leaders”, entrepreneurs, scientists, innovators, and humanitarians in regards to 10^9+
Who: You and Girls in Tech!

“Now who says fashion isn’t an intellectual discipline?” Jennine asks her readers who are devoted to Coveted. Not many would disagree that there’s much to be said about Cynthia Rowley’s resort collection, or if anyone will be gutsy enough to rock a head dress, and how a buy/sell/trade store can be a treasure chest of finds. Although Jennine advises, “… it’s not worth it to buy used Forever21…even though I have done it.”

She is not a designer at Karl Lagerfeld’s studio writing from lofty industry knowledge. Her honesty, candor, and some self deprecating humor has pulled readers into her world of fashion which is relevant, relate-able, and fun. Her captivating and witty writing style along with her knowledge of the industry (mainly through being a shopaholic and world traveler) makes readers feel like they are like minded fashionistas too with the same realities. “I knew I wanted to wear makeup as long as I could remember, but applying it was always another story.”

Jennine has taken a life long passion and grown it through the beautiful, intricate, and accessible world of technology. The Coveted has been featured on Glamour, IQONs, Modepass, and Pronto and she has since founded the Independent Fashion Bloggers Network. It is what can happen when you combine passion, talent, and technology and it could be you! Fashion Police and Fashion Criminals alike will benefit from learning about Jennine’s path to blogging success.

She has a chronic dilemma though “….muffin top! Every time I wear jeans, it always boils down to a choice between muffin top or saggy bottom.” Jennine’s dedication to denim has inspired another blog called Eat Sleep Denim. Where will this end? What is the future for Jennine? How will she scale her business? I’m excited to find the answers at the Girls in Tech event July 21^st. Are you?

A special thanks to our hosts Sandbox Suites, Bay Area’s premier provider of affordable, flexible, on-demand shared office space for entrepreneurs, independent professionals and small businesses.  What better place to corral a group of budding entrepreneurs?

Blogger Spotlight: Jennine Jacob of The Coveted

Wednesday, July 21, 2010 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (PT)

Sandbox Suites 123 10th Street, San Francisco

Get all the details and buy your tickets now by clicking HERE

Time and again, studies reveal lower percentages of women in technical domain. There is a lot of on-going effort around the world to influence women to launch their careers in some technical field in order to bridge the gap. This decades-old question still lingering around indicates that the traditional approach to lure women into technical field is not effective and, emphasize the need for a new approach altogether.

Christine recently posted “AAUW Releases Report: “Why So Few? Women in Science, Tech, Engineering and Mathematics” at Girls in Tech blog. AAUW’s report highlights how ‘social belief system and learning environment’ affects initial mindset of the young girls.

I vividly remember during high-school, we were a class with 100 (approx) girls and, of these only 10% decided to choose a career in engineering, and relatively small percentage (4%) successfully sought a technical career. Looking back in time, and discussing this topic with a few girls who abandoned their goals midway, I figured that they were not comfortable in choosing a career in a field where women would be scarce, but most importantly that, they had some sort of inherent fear. Many girls doubted whether they could do well at math or physics, and did not wish to pursue the fundamental coursework required as basis for an advance degree in technical a field for example, engineering.

Along with positive encouragement at home and school (as AAUW report suggests, and I blindly second), there is profound need for an early exposure to technology as well. Most students have their first ‘real’ rendezvous during undergrad or graduate coursework. But, isn’t this kind of late, when most of us are already committed to our fields of specialization? I strongly feel that such opportunities of getting to taste technology should come at an earlier stage, which I prefer to call career forming age of students (junior-high school to high school), when almost all of us are faced with the question – “What do you aspire to be?”

A hands-on experience will allow these young minds make a better decision, and definitely break the ice. Those who are discomforted by the need to take basic courses like math, physics, chemistry or computers, will get a chance to see all of these in action, and hopefully get inspired and, overcome the fear factor!
Girls in Technology’s Mentorship Program shook hands with Iridiscent and launched Technovation Challenge 2010, aimed at providing a unique opportunity to high-school girls to learn directly from distinguished female entrepreneurs and professionals and get inspired! The success of this event underscores the importance of this cause.

As Managing Director of Minneapolis Chapter, I vow to bring this effort to state of Minnesota soon, and request others to spread the word. The desire to pursue a career in technological field will definitely grow deeper if winded at the right time. And, we will see professional demographics of women in technology change.

May 19, 2010
6:00 pm	to	8:00 pm

Topic: Leadership challenges in the 21^st century

• The need for transformational leadership
• Global governance and business implications
• Gender differences in leadership and the unique role of women in leadership

(Note: It will be a very interactive event, so be ready to get inspired and energized)

Guest Speaker: Annette M. Nemetz, MBA, PhD (in progress)-Assistant Professor of Management, School of Business, George Fox University

WHEN: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM(event starts at 6:15pm, so don’t be late)

WHERE: Candy http://www.candyportland.com/ 904 Northwest Couch Street Portland, OR 97209

RSVP: WE ARE SOLD OUT! Space is limited to 25. If you are not GIT PDX member and  interested in attending pls drop me an email at ivo@girlsintech.net

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?invites&eid=118946584796890

Cost: Free for GIT PDX members; $10 for non-member (pay cash at the door)
Event and door prizes are sponsored by 24Notion

For more info about Girls in Tech Portland, go to http://bit.ly/bAZb4H

Biography:

Annette M. Nemetz, MBA, PhD (in progress)-Assistant Professor of Management, School of Business, George Fox University

Ms. Nemetz currently teaches undergraduate and graduate business courses in strategy, leadership, international management, operations and marketing. Her research interests are leadership, international and domestic economic development, global governance and the effectiveness of the intersection of business strategy and government policy.

Most recently, Ms. Nemetz was Executive Vice President at Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, a marketing and public relations firm. Major clients included Microsoft, AMD, BMC Software, MasterCard and Amazon. Prior employment included executive roles in two startups; management roles at Sun Microsystems and Sequent Computer Systems (now IBM); and engineering roles at ABB/Combustion Engineering Inc.  Her professional career spans 20 years in the information technology industry and 7 years in the energy industry. Ms. Nemetz has lived in Oregon for 19 years. She is married and has a 15 year old daughter.

EVENT DATE: Thursday May 13, 2010 – 7:00-9:00pm

LOCATION:
2313 1st Ave
Seattle, WA

============
Girls in Tech Seattle cordially invites you to celebrate its official Seattle, WA Launch party on Thursday May 13, 2010 at Twist Restaurant Lounge from 7:00-9:00pm in the PIG room.

Technology is a thriving economy in the US and globally; because of this phenomenon Girls in Tech was established to engage and empower women, tout their achievements in the tech sector, provide resources and educational programs to inspire careers in technology and entrepreneurialism.

It is with excitement and dedication that we invite you to join us, as we recognize and celebrate the women in Seattle that are changing the world through technology and innovation.

There will be a $5.00 admittance fee at the door.

Drink Specials/Happy Hour Specials – ALL NIGHT!
$2.50 Bud Lites
$3.00 House Red AND White Wine
$5.00 Pomegranate Martini
$3.00 Chips and Salsa
$5.00 Warm Chocolate Cake – my fav!;)

And More!

Pssst…this event is co-ed. Gents are welcome too!

Would like to thank @24Notion, @sipintostyle, @yelpseattle, @popchips just to name a few who have generously donated amazing schwag for the schwag bags!

We hope to see you there!

Ellen K
Managing Director, Seattle, Girls in Tech
http://girlsintech.net/

May 20, 2010 6:00 pm

to

May 21, 2010 12:00 am

This year 24notion and Girls in Tech Portland is the partner/co-sponsor of National Center for Women & Information Technology. NCWIT believe that inspiring more women to choose careers in IT isn’t about parity; it’s a compelling issue of innovation, competitiveness, and workforce sustainability. In a global economy, gender diversity in IT means a larger and more competitive workforce; in a world dependent on innovation, it means the ability to design technology that is as broad and creative as the people it serves.

The NCWIT Symons Innovator Award promotes women’s participation in information technology and entrepreneurship by honoring an outstanding woman who has successfully built and funded an IT business. By recognizing women IT entrepreneurs, the NCWIT Symons Innovator Award hopes to inspire others to pursue IT entrepreneurship, and increase awareness about the importance of women’s participation in IT innovation and business. This year, we are please to announced the 2010 NCWIT Symons Innovator Award Winner is Kim Polese, CEO of SpikeSource, Co-founder of Marimba, and the original product manager of Java at Sun Microsystems.

Be sure to join us for the 2010 NCWIT Innovator Award celebration, 6:30-8:30PM, Thursday, May 20, at the OHSU South Waterfront Atrium in Portland, Oregon. Many thanks to our local host, the Software Association of Oregon, guests will enjoy fine cocktails and decadent treats, the lovely musical styling of local vocalist Sarah Billings, and the opportunity to ride Portland’s famous Aerial Tram to experience a breathtaking view of the city at night. We invite you to purchase tickets early as space is limited at this venue.

KEY FACTS:

• Girls represented just 17 percent of Advanced Placement computer science (CS) exam-takers in 2008; that’s the lowest female representation of any AP exam.
• In 2008 women earned only 18 percent of all CS degrees. Back in 1985, women earned 37 percent of CS degrees.
• Women hold more than half of all professional occupations in the U.S. but fewer than 24 percent of all computing-related occupations.
• Only 16 percent of Fortune 500 technology companies have women corporate officers.
• A study on U.S. technology patenting reveals that patents created by mixed-gender teams are the most highly cited (an indicator of their innovation and usefulness); yet women were involved in only 9 percent of U.S. tech patents.

Learn more about Girls in Tech Portland

Learn more about 24Notion / tweet with us @24notion and @mssonicflare

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!