The Women in Technology Summit (WiTS) – a series of conferences that take place in various regions of the continental U.S. to empower women of all ages – visited Chicago last month. It captured the WiTS mission “to support the community of women currently working in technology and to help pave the way for women, and young women, who want to enter the industry.”
Technology embraces being untraditional. As such, the setting of WiTS was perfect – Chicago’s 1871. The venue’s floor boasted large open spaces and small tables, which encouraged teamwork and making new connections. The casual setting’s shared space and graffitied accent walls gathered people into unpremeditated conversations that inspired one another.
All attendees were passionate about addressing the gender gap of women in the STEM workforce and, to that end, share resources. The summit was meant to foster innovation, heighten understanding and provide myriad resources.
For example, TechGirlz, a non-profit which provides free technology courses to middle-school aged girls, was present at the event to recruit students, parents and even some volunteer instructors. Proceeds of WiTS were generously donated to TechGirlz to help its presence in Chicago, Philadelphia and hopefully some new locations throughout the U.S.
There was something for everyone here; with presentations on tech topics such as artificial intelligence, smart cities, wearable tech or implanted technological devices in medicine. Because of its wide-ranging agenda, the lectures were able to cater to various audiences and advance each mind.
WiTS was not merely an event, it was a means to develop. The resources, genuine networking and altruistic prerogative brought bright minds who want to promote change. The lack of women in STEM will exist for only so long with inspiration like this.
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