In order to help raise funds for the National Center for Women in Technology’s 2011 and their Award for Aspirations in Computing, which recognizes young women in high school for their computing-related achievements and interests, today online social media and technology communities will seek to raise $25,000 by reaching out to their networks. The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing generates visibility for these women in their local communities and encourages their continued interest in computing, while also attracting the attention and support of educational and corporate institutions.
As a computer engineer, I personally think it’s important to encourage women to consider a career in technology. Consider:
- Women-run tech startups generate more revenue per invested capital and fail less then those led by men, according to New York Entrepreneur Week
- “Gender diversity [is] particularly valuable where innovation is key,” according to studies by Illuminate Ventures.
- “Companies, including information technology, with the highest percentages of women board directors outperformed those with the least by 66%,” according to research by Catalyst.
Even from my own experiences, I know that being a woman in a technology field can sometimes be difficult (which is why I’m helping to organize Girls in Tech Detroit), but it’s important to support diversity in order for companies to innovate and succeed.
How can you help?
Donations would be awesome! Also, share this post with your friends and family, tweet about it, post on Facebook and other social networks. Get the word out! Thanks!