Editor’s note: WRAL TechWire’s weekly Deep Dive feature this week focuses on challenges facing women in technology.

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NEW BERN – The “Women in Tech Equation:  Solving for W,” was the common thread weaved through each element of the NC TECH 2022 Summit for Women in Tech held recently in New Bern at the Riverfront Convention Center.

With workforce statistics, specifically around the tech sector being repeated over and over again, there is work to be done to improve the percentages of women in tech jobs and leadership roles.

This year’s Summit for Women in Tech, which was supported by presenting sponsor Blue Cross NC and many additional sponsors, provided attendees with key takeaways on how they could work to improve these statistics and strengthen the state’s tech industry.

Attendees and presenters discussed how to bring more women into tech, in an effort to fill the large number of open positions across the state.  These efforts included:

  • Engagement with non-profits that focus on girls and STEM,
  • Upskilling and reskilling non-tech women for tech roles,
  • Mentorship and sponsorship; and
  • Ensuring women and other under-represented populations are included in product design.

How is your company doing on diversity? NC TECH, partners launches benchmark initiative

Key points

The agenda for this year’s Summit for Women in Tech featured strong and diverse women including two fantastic keynote speakers.

The opening keynote was Savita Raj, former Chief Program Officer for the Girl Scouts of the USA, who shared insights and stories about her own engagement through programs such as FIRST Robotics and Girl Scouting.

Laurie Ruettimann, bestselling author and closing keynote, shared her perspective on “Betting on You” and taking control of your career.

In addition, the event included Motivational Moments from Anne Hungate, Head of Strategy Delivery with VacoBuilt, and Dante Anderson, Chief Business Officer of Digital Enterprise Solutions with Cisco.  Additionally, more than a dozen women served on three unique panel discussions focusing on the future of technology, negotiating your value and the pathways, and choices women make when navigating into tech.  The event culminated with a powerful call to action delivered by MetLife’s Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Robin Gordon.

Durham, Raleigh appear in top 7 rankings nationally in new ‘Tech Innovation Index’

Not just panels and speakers

In addition to the valuable program content, equally important was the chance for women from across the state to be able to gather, network and build relationships.  Upon arriving in New Bern, many attendees took advantage of excursions including a tour of Tryon Palace, a trolley tour of historical landmarks, visits to local breweries, boat trips and golf lessons. The event was intentionally planned to be a ‘destination’ event so attendees were able to relax and enjoy beautiful, historic New Bern.  The Summit also featured a networking reception and small dinners hosted by women IT executives from across the state.

While this was NC TECH’s third Summit, it was the first time it was able to be held in-person.  Feedback has been exceptional, stressing the importance of having an event for women in tech and business professionals to gather, learn, and support each other.

More information about NC TECH and efforts around Women in Tech, and more broadly, Diversity + Inclusion in Tech, can be found online.

NC TECH released the second “Tech Innovation Index” on Wednesday during a live presentation.  The first index ranked both Durham and Raleigh among the top seven metropolitan statistical areas in the nation.

Durham, Raleigh crack top 10 metros in new tech innovation study

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Editor’s Note: This column was written by Tracy Sternberg, director of programs and sponsorship for NC TECH, the North Carolina Technology Association.  It has been lightly edited for clarity.  NC TECH’s Michelle Calton also authored a recent column for WRAL TechWire ahead of this event.