In the fast-paced world of technology, innovation thrives on diversity. Yet, the representation of women in tech has historically been far from equal. As we navigate the digital age, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of women’s participation in this field, not just for the sake of equity and inclusion, but for the advancement of technology itself. At WebArc, the majority of our team is made up of brilliant women; on International Women’s Day, we want to celebrate the achievements of women in tech while acknowledging that there’s still much progress to be made.
Importance of Women’s Representation in Tech
While women in tech have made enormous strides in the last several decades, equality is still far away. We should take immediate steps to reduce gaps in hiring, retention, and education so that the girls of today can be the tech leaders of tomorrow. According to data from Women Tech Network, women in tech are 1.6 times more likely to be laid off than men. Additionally, while over 50% of men who majored in computer science were employed to work within that sector, the same is true for just 38% of women. Other prominent issues for women in tech include a lack of advancement opportunities, lower pay, and poor work culture.
Diversity, inclusion, and representation are crucial to elevate opportunities for women in tech workplaces. Through achievements and intelligence, women have demonstrated time and time again that they deserve a seat at the table. By consciously reflecting on hiring practices, mentorship programs, and advancement tracks, tech companies can make significant strides forward in expanding and elevating their workforce to include more women. Our commitment to equitable hiring practices and to facilitating continuing education and professional development helps all our team members grow and find their next steps.
Women of WebArc: A Spotlight on our Women Team Members
As a tech team comprised primarily of women, we could not be more proud of our team’s dedication and achievements. Find a brief bio for each of those amazing team members below.
- Michele Jones, COO: Also known as Michele Butcher-Jones, Michele joined WebArc after serving as the documents release lead on the WordPress version 5.6 women-led release team and continues to share knowledge by speaking at WordCamps and promoting the Open Source Project. Find her full bio here.
- Jen Aschenbrenner, Support Desk Manager: After a decade of customer support experience, Jen’s move to web support is relatively recent. We are so grateful to have her on our team and are constantly impressed by her ability to find smart solutions to customer problems. Find her full bio here.
- Chantelle Gossner, Digital Marketing Project Manager: After graduating in Political Science, Chantelle pivoted to project management, SEO, and digital marketing and has been with WebArc ever since. Chantelle is a staunch advocate for women’s inclusion in STEM and everywhere else.
Celebrating Women’s Achievements in Tech – A History of Excellence
There’s no shortage of history when it comes to amazing women in the tech space. So many of our inventors, innovators, and pioneers have been women. Here are just a few that come to mind:
- Ada Lovelace: Perhaps the most famous example of a woman pioneering in tech, Lovelace is known as the first computer programmer. Her interest in early computers opened the door for much of the technology we benefit from today.
- Dr. Shirley Jackson: The first woman to receive a Ph.D. in physics in MIT’s history, Dr. Shirley Jackson went on to make breakthroughs in theoretical physics, served in key positions in nuclear research and regulations, and has spoken out about the need for women and minorities in STEM.
- Kate Crawford: Researcher and writer Kate Crawford has spent decades studying the impact that artificial intelligence have on environmental, social, and political systems. As AI moves more and more into corporate and public use, voices like Crawford’s will shape our perspectives and regulations.
While they have been historically undervalued and often even excluded, it’s clear that women bring valuable talents and viewpoints to the table and that having women in STEM leadership is not just necessary but crucial.
Although we are only one tiny piece of the puzzle, we believe that the individual threads that make up the tech tapestry have the power to effect change. By deciding to empower and make space for women through both formal and informal means, we can continue to diversify and elevate the technology industry. From our team to yours, happy International Women’s Day – keep striving for inclusion and greatness!
