Mentoring Women in Technology

I’m creating a way to combine what I do professionally with what I do philanthropically, developing materials, press kits, industry and advocacy outreach, and skill based programs to teach professional women who are also interested in mentoring teenage and young women. These programs will help them develop professional skills in the world of I.T., and will also help them learn self-confidence in a primarily male field, this is not limited only to I.T. only, but life skills that they may not be experiencing, or receiving elsewhere.  I would like to do this by establishing a 501c3, create events and programs raising awareness, by speaking publicly to companies, to partner with and secure financial support and sponsorship, at schools and universities, to get the word out to those who are looking for this kind of mentorship, and by securing editorial and media interviews. 

As a woman in the IT field, I’ve long been conscious of the unique challenges of this environment, and I’m interested in ways in which we can get more women to consider IT as a career and in mentoring all students who are beginning their journeys as IT professionals. Some of you know that I’ve been mentoring a young lady for several months now, she spends 1 or 2 days every week with me. Seeing her learn how to handle herself in professional situations has been incredibly fulfilling. Stay tuned to my blog for more details about the work I’m doing.

This year when I travel to TechEd in Orlando, I’d love to be able to set up some meetings with other professionals who are active in this cause. Do you know any professionals thatwould be interested in having a conversation with me while they’re in Orlando? I’d truly appreciate being put in touch with other people who share my passion for this cause, as I’m looking to make giving back a bigger part of my business and my life.