The challenges of attaining equal representation and retaining women in technology are two highly discussed issues in the high tech industry today. Many organizations are focused on inspiring girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); and on providing sustainable support for women to advance their careers. Regardless, it is predicted that more than half of the career women employed in STEM-related fields will leave the tech industry in their mid-thirties. With this in mind, IEEE and the UN Foundation convened a Women in Tech summit at SXSW 2015 with key thought leaders, innovators, and supporters. The goal of this conversation was to develop solutions towards building a robust pipeline for women in tech. With multiple great organizations working on all aspects of the pipeline, from youth exposure to elevating senior leadership, there is power in connecting all of these innovative groups and organizations to explore deep and meaningful ways to work together. The curated guest list included thought leaders from key organizations across the tech, educational, private and public spectrum, including IEEE, the UN Foundation, Cisco and others.
IEEE @ SXSW 2015: From youth exposure to elevating senior leadership, there is power in connecting all of these innovative groups and organizations to explore deep and meaningful ways to work together.