By BETH SAVAGE ZITO
Special to the Sun
Women in Tech of Mississippi: A Newly Formed Group of Women is Bridging the Tech Gap and Empowering the Next Generation of Women in Tech
Recently launched “Women in Tech of Mississippi” (WITMS) is aimed at increasing the number of women in technology fields through awareness initiatives, training and certification programs, and connection. The technology sector, historically populated by men (women make up less than 30% of the global tech workforce) is creating initiatives to bring women into technology.
As the technology world has expanded, opportunities abound in cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, software development, hardware design, AI, Data & Analytics and other areas. Whether in sales, marketing, engineering, or management, there are myriad positions, giving them the ability to create a career in the tech industry. Many women have already embraced these roles. WITMS wants to make sure that all women and girls are aware of these tech career possibilities – fun, engaging, and rewarding opportunities.
One of the initiatives of Women in Tech of Mississippi is Girls in Tech. It is designed to introduce girls to STEM studies and related career paths. Attracting girls into technology from an early age is essential to create a more inclusive future for the tech industry. This program is driven by women with experience in STEM or established tech careers, offering girls opportunities for mentorship, support, guidance, and education to pursue careers in technology. Encouraging girls to explore technology from a young age is crucial for fostering interest.
Research indicates that girls introduced to STEM subjects early in their education are more likely to pursue careers in the tech industry. Sharie Mims, Chapter President of Women in Tech Mississippi says, “It is important to show girls that technology is not only accessible but also an exciting and rewarding career path. Girls need to see women in technology to envision themselves in similar roles. Mentorship programs, female tech leaders, and showcasing successful women in STEM fields can inspire the next generation. When girls have role models who look like them, they are more likely to believe they can succeed in tech careers. Our goal is to see more women graduate in STEM-related fields and enter the technology industry.”
WITMS is growing its membership daily, and sponsors are also coming alongside them to support the initiatives. Corporations play a pivotal role by sponsoring initiatives that support women in technology, which benefits both society and their bottom line. Business Communications, Inc., or BCI, and NexTech, two local IT companies, support the program to help WITMS to expand their programs and reach more women and girls interested in technology careers. BCI CEO, Johnathan Hollingshead said about the program, “Diverse teams are proven to foster more innovation. With different perspectives and ideas, diverse teams approach problems creatively and come up with more robust solutions. By investing in initiatives that bring more women into the tech field, companies like BCI can create a pipeline of talent that enhances their ability to innovate and stay competitive.”
NexTech’s Vice President, Clint Sims, commented, “Programs that help girls and women gain the skills necessary for tech careers expands the available talent pool and, in turn, helps corporations when they hire those talented individuals, resulting in greater innovation, growth, and success. I certainly want my daughter to know about all the possibilities for a career in technology.”
Attracting girls into the technology field is not just about achieving gender equality — it’s about ensuring that the future of technology is built by a diverse group of people who can bring new ideas and perspectives to the table. We all have a have a crucial role to play in making this happen. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the tech industry—and the world—will benefit from the full participation of women.
To find out more about Women in Technology programs, please visit the website at www.womenintechms.org or email womenintechms@gmail.com
For sponsorship information, please contact Beth Savage Zito at 980-257-7260 or email bsavage@nextechpartners.com.
