Women in Technology International

Women in Technology International is a leading global organization dedicated to empowering women in business and technology. Founded in the late 1980s, it has grown into a premier network providing professional development, mentorship, and advocacy. Its programs and summits connect thousands of members worldwide, fostering innovation and leadership. The organization is renowned for its influential Hall of Fame and research on gender parity in the tech industry.

History

The organization was established in 1989 by Carolyn Leighton, who identified a critical need for a supportive network for women in the burgeoning Silicon Valley and broader technology sector. Its formation coincided with pivotal moments like the rise of the personal computer and the early commercial Internet, periods when female representation was notably low. Initial gatherings, often held in the San Francisco Bay Area, quickly evolved into formal conferences and networking events. Throughout the 1990s, it expanded its reach, launching its official website and beginning to host major annual summits, including the influential WITI Summit. Key early supporters and partners included executives from companies like IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and Apple Inc., helping to cement its credibility and influence within the global technology community.

Mission and activities

The core mission is to advance women through technology and to innovate the future of business. This is executed through a multifaceted portfolio of programs designed for career growth and corporate transformation. Central activities include the WITI Professional Network, which offers online resources, webinars, and local chapter events in cities like Los Angeles, New York City, and London. The organization hosts several flagship events annually, most notably the WITI Summit and the WITI Hall of Fame awards ceremony, which honor luminaries such as Sheryl Sandberg and Meg Whitman. Other key initiatives include executive mentorship programs, strategic advisory services for corporations like Deloitte and Microsoft, and the publication of benchmark studies on topics like the gender pay gap and diversity in STEM.

Impact and recognition

The organization has had a substantial impact on the landscape for women in technology, directly contributing to increased visibility and opportunity. Its research reports, such as those on women in leadership roles, are frequently cited in media outlets like Forbes and The Wall Street Journal. The prestigious WITI Hall of Fame has inducted hundreds of pioneers, including Grace Hopper, Anita Borg, and Ursula Burns, creating a powerful legacy of role models. Its advocacy has influenced policy discussions and corporate diversity initiatives at organizations including the National Center for Women & Information Technology and the AnitaB.org. Testimonials from members often cite critical career advancements, successful startup company launches, and valuable connections made through its networks.

Leadership and organization

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and led by its founder, Carolyn Leighton, who serves as Chair and CEO. The executive team includes seasoned professionals with backgrounds at major firms like Google and Cisco Systems. A global network of ambassadors and regional directors manages activities across North America, Europe, and Asia. Strategic guidance is also provided by an advisory council comprising leaders from academia, such as MIT, and industry, including Intel and Salesforce. The organizational structure supports a membership model that includes individual professionals, corporate partners, and university affiliates, all coordinated from its headquarters in San Diego.

Related initiatives and partnerships

The organization collaborates with a wide array of institutions to amplify its reach and efficacy. It maintains strategic partnerships with entities like the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. It is a founding partner of initiatives such as the Girls in Tech global movement and supports allied programs like Black Girls Code and Technovation. Corporate alliances with AT&T, Amazon, and Accenture enable sponsored events and scholarship funds. Furthermore, it often co-hosts events with organizations like the World Economic Forum and participates in international conferences such as the Grace Hopper Celebration, creating a synergistic ecosystem aimed at advancing women worldwide.

Category:Women's organizations in the United States Category:Technology organizations based in California Category:Organizations established in 1989