Honoring Women's History Month
3/18/2024 2:39:34 PM
In honor of Women's History Month, MNIT is spotlighting local groups, businesses, and initiatives actively advancing gender equality in the tech industry. These entities are not merely discussing inclusivity; they are taking tangible steps to achieve it.
Dedicated groups and individuals are effecting change within Minnesota's tech and IT sectors, project by project. Through mentorship programs, educational outreach initiatives, and strategies to engage allies, these advocates are dismantling barriers and reshaping the industry.
Let's delve into the concrete efforts of these local advocates, striving to create a tech community in Minnesota where women not only belong but thrive.
Committed to fostering an inclusive community, the Women Changemakers ERG tackles workplace issues faced by women, providing invaluable tools and resources while equipping colleagues to better support their female counterparts.
Beyond professional and personal development opportunities, Women Changemakers serves as a powerful advocate for women by organizing various programs, events, and activities.
With their Lunch and Learn series, with topics ranging from speaking up for yourself to tackling tough social justice issues, Women Changemakers are creating the necessary conversations that aim to enhance the overall professional and personal development of all State employees.
Women Leading in Technology (WLiT), a community operating under MnTech, dedicates itself to promoting, educating, and empowering women in the technology sector throughout Minnesota.
WLiT actively fosters inclusive and welcoming events for both women and men interested in advancing gender diversity in technology. The organization's mission, emphasizing "Connect, Educate, and Reach Back," underscores community-building through networking and open conversations.
The WLiT community focuses on key objectives, including:
MnTech (through the MnTech Foundation) also operates Aspirations in Computing (MN AiC). They provide awards, scholarships, and paid internships to high school girls showing promise in tech. Their goal is to support future technology practitioners by providing recognition and resources to underrepresented individuals pursuing STEM careers.
Since 2012, over 800 young women students have received valuable recognition and support through MN AiC. They offer opportunities to collaborate as an internship partner, offer job shadows, serve as a mentor, and host learning experiences.
We spoke with MnTech's VP of Programming and Membership, Molly Doyle who noted two of their early career talent development programs which also support women in their technology careers:
Related: MNIT’s CIO, Tarek Tomes will be presenting at MnTech’s Tech Connect 2024 on May 8, 2024. Don’t miss his presentation, "AI Governance for Government: Innovating Digital Services with AI for Minnesotans." Tarek will discuss Minnesota's AI strategy, its impact on workforce capabilities, and the diverse applications of AI across industries.
The Minnesota Technology Network (MTN.org) spearheads Minnesota Women in Tech, a community-driven initiative fostering unity, shared experiences, and learning opportunities among women in the tech sector.
Minnesota Women in Tech prioritizes continuous growth through educational sessions, mentoring, and interactive experiences.
By bringing together women, allies, innovators, and tech enthusiasts, the initiative actively shapes a brighter future through technology and creativity.
University of Minnesota’s Women in Technology (WIT) provides mentorship, networking, and educational opportunities with a goal of empowering women at all stages of their tech careers.
Through four committees: communications, events, finance & fundraising, and mentorship, WIT is building inclusivity and support within the tech community.
By offering a range of events, from panel discussions to mentorship sessions and educational presentations, WIT aims to provide valuable insights and resources for women in tech.
Minnesota Women in Tech offers monthly tech meetups, educational sessions, career mentoring, and networking opportunities, including the annual Pioneer MN Women in Tech awards.
The group aims to build a supportive network for women in technology, providing opportunities to learn new skills and gain real-world experience. With a focus on networking and education, Minnesota Women in Tech caters to women working in or interested in the tech industry. They are developing a one-to-one mentoring program for women of all ages, from youth partners to seasoned professionals.
Additionally, they host a LinkedIn community where members can learn about or share networking and educational opportunities related to women in tech.
Their latest event, Women and the Future of MN Tech: A Women's Month Media Collaboration showcases the impact of Minnesota Women in Tech on the state's tech sector. Attendees are invited to share their insights on the future role of women in shaping technology trends.
Women Who Code originated in 2011 as a grassroots effort to improve the tech industry experience for women engineers. It evolved into a global non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women in technology careers.
Women Who Code Twin Cities launched in 2015. The community has since flourished, providing career advancement opportunities for engineers and garnering support from many nationwide companies.
Director Dana Hazen emphasizes the network's role in supporting women in the tech industry and fostering a vibrant community. In their blog on equal pay for women, they offer tangible steps people can take to demand equal pay for women in tech such as:
Although not based in Minnesota, the Women in Tech Global Conference (WTGC) offers valuable opportunities for women aiming to broaden their horizons and enhance their skills in the tech industry.
Sponsored by WomenTech Network and the Coding Girls Foundation, WTGC provides a highly active platform to:
WTGC focuses on sharing knowledge, experiences, and thought leadership in emerging technologies and powerful personal stories. They are a resource for building professional development opportunities and empowering women in tech through leadership development, mentorship, and networking events.
Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) actively promotes equity in the technology sector and empowers women in the tech industry. For further information, refer to MNIT’s 2023 Annual Report for our equity statement.
As a crucial part of the solution to reducing racial, economic, and other disparities, MNIT is committed to serving all Minnesotans. To achieve this goal, we are taking several key steps:
Through these efforts, MNIT is actively working to build a more inclusive and equitable tech landscape while empowering women to thrive in the industry.
One of the most powerful resources for promoting gender equity in tech and supporting women in the workplace is each other. Potential allies are everywhere. Individuals who are not women may not realize they are allies until they receive an invitation to engage in allyship.
Together, we have the power to encourage more people to explore the distinctive strengths that women bring. By helping others understand the experiences and challenges women face, we can create a supportive culture of equality and empowerment for women in our workplaces, homes, and communities.
Disclaimer: Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) is not endorsing any of the non-MNIT-affiliated individuals or organizations listed here. Reference to any specific individuals or organizations is not intended to endorse those individuals or organizations, the views expressed by those individuals or organizations, or products or services offered by those individuals or organizations. The views expressed the referenced individuals or organizations are their own and the appearance of those individuals or organizations in this blog post does not imply an endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by MNIT. If you have questions about this disclaimer, please contact MNIT’s General Counsel.
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