A Resource Guide for Women in Tech

A Resource Guide for Women in Tech

By Mariah Wagner On August 17, 2021 · In

Updated: April 18, 2023

Originally published, March 25, 2019. Updated August 17, 2021. 4.5 min. read.

Despite comprising 47% of the US labor force, women in technology are largely underrepresented. Women currently hold 25% of IT jobs. Women of color account for far less, with Asian women comprising just 5% of that number and Black and Hispanic women 3% and 1%, respectively. Further, women in tech have a turnover rate of nearly twice that of their male counterparts.

Being a woman in tech remains an uphill battle, but it’s one that you don’t have to fight alone. Whether you’re in IT management, a technology professional, or pursuing a STEM degree, there are many resources for women to connect with peers and grow as IT professionals. Here’s a look at some of the Tri-State networking organizations available to you, your peers, and your employees.

Area Women in Tech Networking Groups

New York, Connecticut, and northern New Jersey have many chapters of larger organizations and networking groups. They serve to connect women in the IT industry.

Women in Tech International is the world’s leading trade association dedicated to women in business and technology. It has chapters in Fairfield County, CT, New Jersey, and New York City. Specifically, WITI offers programs and partnerships designed to provide connections, resources, opportunities, and a supportive environment to women in tech throughout the US and across the globe.

Last year, Benchmark IT started WITS: Women in Tech Stamford. WITS is an ongoing Meetup group for women interested in furthering their technology career, learning about hot or emerging technology topics, or networking with area technology professionals. Due to COVID-19, the group has been meeting virtually, and new Meetups for Fall 2021 are being scheduled.

Here are a few of the local groups dedicated to the unique challenges that women in technology face every day:

  • WITS: Women in Tech Stamford
  • Girls in Tech NYC
  • Women Who Code NYC
  • Women In Innovation (Westchester (NY) and Fairfield (CT) Counties)

While not geared exclusively to women, Benchmark IT’s Stamford BIT: Business Intelligence and Technologies is for people interested in Business Intelligence and Data Science. Currently, the group has over 370 members. If you build it, they will come!

Women in Tech Conferences

National and regional conferences provide a larger forum to share knowledge. These conferences promote discussion on the growth and issues facing women in technology.
They’re a bigger time and financial commitment but can pay off with great opportunities. You can expand your knowledge base, learn new skills, and network with industry peers and entrepreneurs.

Two upcoming New York City conferences for women in tech:

Further afield, you can register for the 2021 Women in Tech Festival in October. This event celebrates women in STEM, business, and leadership who inspire and engage other women.
Also, in October, the Wonder Women in Tech national hybrid conference will offer interactive experiences, conversations, and solutions from thought leaders.

From September 27th through October 1st, the world’s largest gathering of women in tech will gather for the annual Grace Hopper Celebration (vGHC 21). The virtual conference promises over 240 speakers, 100 sessions, and 15 tracks. This celebration brings the research and career interests of women in technology to the forefront.

Grow Your Women in Tech Talent Pipeline

Women in tech and their employers can become involved in organizations dedicated to closing the gender gap and encouraging female students’ STEM education and career opportunities.
Women in Technology and Entrepreneurship in New York (WiTNY) hopes to close the gender gap by encouraging more women to pursue STEM education. They partner with universities, government, and nonprofit agencies to execute initiatives throughout the New York area. The group hosts events, participates in community outreach, and connects young women with internships at area universities like Cornell and the City University of New York.

Girls Who Code‘s mission is to end the gender gap in technology and build the largest pipeline of future female engineers in the United States. The organization currently has over 8,500 programs worldwide. They continue to grow and are on track to close the gender gap in new entry-level technology jobs by 2030. They actively seek volunteers and partner companies to help fuel their ambitious mission.

The Future of Women in Tech

The percentage of women CIOs and CTOs is already higher than that of female CEOs and CFOs. And the increased focus on diversity and inclusion across the US can only help fuel the future for women in tech.

Women in Tech

Several studies and surveys reveal that women tech leaders are equal to their male counterparts in innovation, ambition, intelligence, honesty, and decision making. Female tech leaders also score higher than their male counterparts in team building, project organization, emotional intelligence, and empathy.

Continued diversity is crucial in tech. A 2020 McKinsey report reveals that diverse companies hire better talent and have higher engagement and retention rates than companies without a diversity and inclusion ethic. A Harvard Business Review report showed that companies with women in at least 30 percent of their C-suite earned one percent more in net margin than less diverse companies. That translates to an incremental 15 percent increase in profit for the average company.

By connecting and supporting local women in tech, you’re going beyond furthering your career. As a result, you’re assisting in these efforts and making the tech industry a better, more inclusive place for all.

About Benchmark IT –Technology Talent

Benchmark IT offers technology consulting, executive search, and direct hire recruitment and staffing services. We service a wide range of clients and industries throughout the metro New York area and beyond. Our proprietary recruitment process, and dedication to precision, ethics, and personalized service sets us apart from other recruiting firms. As a result, Benchmark IT has become a trusted partner among Fortune-ranked companies, mid-market, start-up, and growth-phase firms since 2007. For additional information, visit: www.bmarkits.com.

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