Editor’s note: UP Global, the entrepreneurship organization that is bringing its annual summit to the Triangle next year, is aiming to help more women become entrepreneurs. WRAL TechWire Insider Jason Parker has the story.

KANSAS CITY – I’m on the road this week, participating in the UP Global Summit in Kansas City. More to come later in the week on the entrepreneurial activities in the city and the impact of Google Fiber on the entrepreneurial community, but the focus of the day as the Summit opened Wednesday was on diversity initiatives.

An interesting data point was presented at a meeting of the Startup Weekend team last year: Nearly 80% of all participants were male. That’s a huge disparity.

Startling.

Since that meeting, said Claire Topalian, who runs communications, content, and Startup Women initiatives at UP Global, the organization has focused on inclusion initiatives.

“Diversity should be key component of entrepreneurial communities,” said Topalian. “It makes good business sense.”

A more diverse community, and an entrepreneurial community that is truly representative of its larger geographic region “will have a better sense of innovation,” said Topalian, “building a stronger community together.”

We’ve published updates around “Triangle Startup Weekend: Women.” Triangle organizer Liz Tracy – also the community manager of HQ Raleigh – anticipates more than 50 attendees, possibly as many as 70, as registration remains open.

“It’s an incredible event,” said Tracy. “We’re thrilled at the incredible support from the Triangle’s entrepreneurial community.”

With partnerships with Marbles Kids Museum, a performance from Kidznotes, and food from some of Raleigh’s finest culinary locals, there’s a lot of promise for the Triangle’s first Startup Weekend: Women.

It’s one of 33 events, nationwide, on the docket for UP Global and community organizers.

“We are tackling this concept of inclusion across the country,” said Topalian. “What might our communities look like in 10 years?”

To learn more about Triangle Startup Weekend: Women event, visit the event page on the UP Global Website: http://www.up.co/communities/usa/triangle/startup-weekend/3867.