Women’s career advancement in technology fields is frequently stalling by mid-career due to a confluence of social and gender related events, according to the report, Climbing the Technical Ladder by the Clayman Institute for Gender Research in collaboration with the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology. The study highlights the challenges and opportunities women perceive as they navigate mid-career changes. According to the report, women in technology-related roles state that by mid-career their skill, passion and interest in the field remains high, while the opportunities and mentorship they need to take the next level in their careers can stagnate. Since 2014, Market Street Talent has joined forces with inclusion consulting firm BDS Insight and the non- profit Diversity Workforce Coalition to celebrate and highlight women in technology.
This fall, at 5pm on October 4th at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth, NH, they will host a free event promoting women’s career development in tech. “For us, the event allows us to share with our clients some of the industry leaders and best practices that will help them continue to have a competitive advantage in their talent acquisition. For our candidates, the event is a great way to learn more about specific companies where they may be pursuing opportunities.” said Jennifer Gray, founder and President of Market Street Talent which has been recognized for their unique “better together” approach to IT placement. This year the “Women in Tech Lift and Climb” event will feature April Gill, Vice President of Analytics at Welltok, delivering keynote remarks on self- care and self- awareness as critical professional skills. Following her remarks a round robin networking event will be held allowing guests to connect with prior “Women In Tech” participants including Leslie Buckley and Colleen Cone of Comcast, Kelley Muir of Direct Capital, and Sharon Morrison of Liberty Mutual. Accomplished thought leaders in STEM education including Dr. Lauren Provost, Suzanne Snow from Project Lead the Way, and the New Heights FIRST Robotics all-girls team will also be participating. Additionally, there will be placement advisors and inclusion experts for managers or companies seeking ways to leverage women technologists’ talents in their organizations.
The theme for this year’s event, Lift and Climb, comes from the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs agenda back in 1896. At the time they described their activities of self- improvement, advocacy, and community support as “Lifting while we climb” and since 1896 the phrase and ethos has seen renewed interest and emphasis, particularly involving women’s professional ascent.
“Our thought this year is to acknowledge the ways all attendees can contribute to a dynamic ecosystem of women leadership across industries. Technology is a powerful vehicle and women’s engagement with these roles and companies opens the doors to a variety of communities that otherwise might not have access. We are our most powerful career development resource and this event is about unlocking that power for NH women.” says event co-sponsor Dr. Loretta Brady, an organizational development psychologist committed to inclusion.
The keynote speaker this year is Ms. April Gill, an accomplished healthcare technology expert involved in a number of initiatives designed to improve population health through the use of advanced big data strategies and ecosystem technology. Her remarks will highlight her recipe for career advancement in technology: self-care and self -awareness. “I am looking forward to sharing remarks this year. I have attended the Women in Tech events in years past and found a group of professionals who are devoted to nurturing opportunities. I know how essential this work is and am honored to share some insights I have learned over my career.” said April Gill.
The combination of industry professionals and the event format offer a unique opportunity for technologists at every stage of their career to gain insights from talented thought leaders. Says human resource expert Karen Van Wormer, of KVW consulting and the Diversity Workforce Coalition “Companies already know the power of affinity groups in promoting leadership among their workers, but not every company has these for women in technology so this event is a unique opportunity to make important contacts that will sustain you no matter where your career in tech might lead.”
The event remains free for registration. The new venue, 3S Artspace, allows for partners to display information and demonstrations and this year Alpha Loft, Diversity Workforce Coalition, Future Tech Women, FIRST Robotics and Market Street Talent representatives will have space to meet with those interested in exploring resources for themselves or their students. For more information about event registration visit https://womenintechliftandclimb.splashthat.com/ or contact Tori Leavitt of Market Street Talent at vleavitt@marketstreettalent.com.