Celebrating International Women in IT Day: Empowering the Future of Technology
In an era where technology is shaping every aspect of our lives, the importance of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry cannot be overstated. International Women in IT Day, observed on the fourth Thursday of April, is a celebration of girls and women who are making strides in the field of information technology (IT). It's a day to recognize their achievements, inspire future generations, and advocate for greater gender diversity in tech.
At ShineForth, we believe that diversity is not just a buzzword but a fundamental aspect of innovation and progress. We take pride in celebrating International Women in IT Day and supporting initiatives that encourage more girls to pursue careers in IT and related fields.
Why International Women in IT Day Matters
Empowering Girls: This day serves as a platform to empower girls and young women, encouraging them to explore opportunities in IT. By highlighting the achievements of women in tech, we inspire confidence and ambition in the next generation.
Driving Innovation: Women bring unique perspectives, creativity, and problem-solving skills to the IT sector. Celebrating International Women in IT Day encourages girls to use their innovative potential, driving progress and advancements in technology.
Promoting Diversity: International Women in IT Day matters because it promotes diversity in the tech industry. Encouraging girls to pursue careers in IT helps create a more inclusive and varied workforce, bringing different perspectives and ideas to the table.
Building a Supportive Community: This day fosters a supportive community for girls interested in IT. It connects them with mentors, role models, and peers who share similar passions and aspirations, providing a network of encouragement and collaboration.
Spotlighting Women in IT
Shonna Dorsey, the Executive Director of the Nebraska Tech Collaborative (NTC), is a seasoned IT professional with over 20 years of experience. Holding degrees in Management Information Systems, she has served in diverse tech roles and co-founded startups. Shonna is a vocal advocate for tech education and community development, recognized with awards like the AIM Tech Community Builder of the Year and InformationWeek's Women in Technology Award. Her leadership in the NTC and roles on tech-focused boards highlight her commitment to advancing tech opportunities and diversity in the industry.
Sally Bunnell is an accomplished woman known for her innovative contributions to the travel and media industries. With a digital nomad background spanning 113 countries, Sally founded Navi Savi, a video-based travel platform revolutionizing the discovery and itinerary building experience. Prior to this, she spent over 15 years as a Senior Vice President at a Record Label & Media Company, where she specialized in creating and marketing video content for Gen X and Z audiences, demonstrating her expertise in leveraging technology to enhance consumer experiences and reach new audiences globally.
Companies Who are Celebrating Girls in Technology
There are a number of resources dedicated to helping girls who are interested in the technology industry. Here are a few:
Girls in Tech- Founded in 2007 by Adriana Gascoigne, Girls in Tech is a nonprofit organization with a global reach of more than 110,000 members across 35 chapters. Through mentorship, networking opportunities, and educational initiatives, Girls in Tech aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment where every individual is accepted, confident, and valued.
Girls Who Code- An organization that focuses on reaching girls globally, providing online resources, campaigns, in-person programs like the Summer Immersion Program and Clubs, and advocating for diversity and inclusion in tech.
National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT)- A prominent organization dedicated to increasing the meaningful participation of girls and women in computing, leveraging research-backed initiatives and a thriving community to promote diversity and inclusion in the tech industry from K-12 through career stages. Their work aims to ensure that technical roles and innovations are representative of and beneficial to diverse populations.
Women in Technology International (WITI)- Established in 1989, this organization fouses on fostering professional growth, building communities, and promoting diversity in the tech industry through a global network of over 2 million professionals and partnerships with companies worldwide. They offer a range of services, including virtual events, professional development workshops, coaching sessions, and AI training, to support women's contributions and leadership in technology and innovation globally.
Women Who Code- With over 360,000 diverse technologists globally, they provide resources, communities, and support, aiming to create a tech industry where women and historically excluded individuals thrive. They focus on empowering women with skills, building a global community for networking, educating companies on inclusion, and developing role models in engineering.
Join Us in Celebrating International Girls in IT Day
At ShineForth, we believe that a diverse and inclusive tech industry is a stronger and more innovative one. Let's celebrate International Women in IT Day and work towards a future where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to succeed in IT and beyond.