WWCode and Intelliware: Partnering to Champion Women in STEM
Women Who code is the world’s largest and most active women in tech nonprofit with a membership exceeding 100,000 and global Networks in 60 cities and 20 countries. This is work that is made possible thanks to partners that believe in our cause and join with us to inspire women everywhere to succeed in technology.
Recently, Intelliware Development became the first company to participate in our Network Sponsorship program in support of WWCode Toronto. We sat down with Caren DesBrisay, VP, Human Resources at Intelliware, to discuss this partnership in more detail and see how supporting Women Who Code has helped her company achieve their goals.
How do you think your company benefited from sponsoring the WWCode Toronto Network?
Sponsoring Women Who Code Toronto was a great way for Intelliware to get involved in the Toronto Tech Community. We were able to provide our support to women in STEM fields across the city, while networking with others who aspire to improve the ratio of women in tech-related careers.
Why do you think it's important to support Women Who Code?
Women Who Code is a great organization that focuses on providing resources to both women and men in the tech community. The community events connect like minded individuals in STEM careers to one another through technical events, learning programs and leadership opportunities. Without Women Who Code, support, resources and events for women in the tech community would be much hard to find. If we are going to do anything to increase the representation of women in technology companies, we have to take action now.
The Women Who Code Toronto Network Sponsorship included a media partnership, enhanced branding, recruitment assistance and a local community event with the Network. How did that event go? What were some of the highlights?
Our partnership with Women Who Code Toronto provided us with the ability to voice our stance on the importance of championing Women in STEM. We hosted over 100 like minded individuals from across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in our office to hear our Chief Technologist, BC Holmes, discuss one of the most talked about topics in FinTech, understanding Blockchain. The event went better than expected. We had a full house of visitors, including the highest number of men ever in attendance at a Women Who Code Toronto Event.
What would you say to other companies that are considering sponsoring a network?
Knowing how important diversity is to success, it’s important to encourage more women to realize that technology is a viable profession, leading to a rewarding, enjoyable career. Now is the time for tech companies to champion Women in STEM as it’s the foundation for our future workforce.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
It’s important to close the gender gap in STEM – Women in technology represent a small fraction of the overall technology landscape. Women represent half the population, they should have more than the now current 20% presence in tech jobs. They are underrepresented by employment, but still represent at least half the technical user base. We need their voices as we create technical products and services. By supporting Women Who Code, organizations can help women learn valuable skills to put them on the path to close that gender gap.
Intelliware is an avid supporter of the WWCode community and would love for likeminded people to join their team. Apply here!