Coming Soon: ConnectCentral 2018

Despite overwhelming data on the value of gender diversity in corporations from the entry level through to the C-suite, women continue to be underrepresented in the technology industry, especially in leadership roles, both in the U.S. and throughout the world. Recent data shared on Bloomberg show that women hold about 25% of tech jobs in the U.S., but women are over half of the American workforce. Why aren’t women better represented throughout the field of technology?

Many articles, books, and speeches have addressed the “women’s issue” of representation in technology, but the issues at hand are not just women’s. Without partnership from men, who make up a majority of tech leadership, nothing will change. All leaders in tech companies need education on why diversity matters and on how to realize it in their companies. I’ve shared data before on why it’s of value for all of tech to “woman up.” We know it’s worth it from the top all the way down to our bottom lines. So how do we make it happen?

Companies must commit actively to a diverse workplace, including through the education of leaders on issues like unconscious bias that may be affecting the hiring, retention, and advancement of women in their workplaces. Tech leaders have to go beyond that to manifest a future in which diversity can be better realized because there are more women in STEAM pursuits. Leaders must engage outside of their companies in order to have a real impact. One way in which to do this is via the encouragement of more young women toward STEAM pursuits. At the upcoming ConnectCentral 2018 event, Reshma Saujani of Girls Who Code will take our keynote stage to share with us how she’s done just that.

Also at ConnectCentral 2018, I’ll be moderating a panel with insights into what it means to be a woman in technology today and on how to “woman up” for success in the workplace.

If you’re interested in these important topics and more, click here for details and to register.