Five New Chapters Support Growth of Women in Technology Industry; Organization Aims to Increase Membership to 10,000 in 2009
SAN FRANCISCO – January 13, 2009 – Girls in Tech, the premier social network enterprise focused on the empowerment of women in technology, today launched four new U.S. chapters: Austin, Boston, Los Angeles, and Portland, Ore.; and the first Girls in Tech European chapter in London, UK. With the expansion, the organization now represents some of the most influential and inspirational women in the technology industry. The new chapters will serve to engage the local community of women in tech, as well as highlight the specific industry concerns in each geographic region. Girls in Tech plans to double its current membership in the coming year, as well as continue expansion worldwide.
Founded in 2007, Girls in Tech offers a variety of resources and tools, including conferences, networking functions and educational workshops, for women to further enhance their careers in technology. “Providing women with tools to help support their growth within a male-dominated industry is even more important now given the current economic conditions,” said Adriana Gascoigne, founder, Girls in Tech. “The companies that are hiring are looking to diversify their workforce, and women have a huge opportunity to break through and level the playing field.”
Recent statistics show that women are looking to other professions or are leaving the technology field at twice the rate of men (Center for Work-Life Policy), and that the majority of women in the industry hold entry- or mid-level positions. Girls in Tech aims to elevate the status of women in these fields and provides a place for women to cultivate ideas around their careers and business concepts involving technology.
“This is a critical time in our country, and women can be more competitive in the technology field without losing their femininity or who they really are,” added Gascoigne. “With the addition of the new national and international chapters, we hope to inspire and empower women to take the next step and enjoy even more success in the technology field.”
In addition to new chapters, Girls in Tech plans to launch several new programs, including Girls in Tech TV and Girls in Tech University, which will further enhance the organization’s support for women within the tech industry.
For more information on local chapters, contact:
San Francisco Adriana Gascoigne, Founder Adriana@girlsintech.net
Lucia Giacomantonio, Managing Director luciagiaa@gmail.com
Austin Kristine Gloria, Managing Director gloriakt1@gmail.com
Boston Kate Brodock, Managing Director kate@othersidegroup.com
London Amanda Rose, Managing Director amanda@amandarose.com
Los Angeles Robyn Cohen, Managing Director missro73@gmail.com
Portland, Ore. Ivo Lukas, Managing Director ivo.lukas@hotmail.com About Girls in Tech Girls in Tech is a social network enterprise focused on the engagement, education and empowerment of like-minded, professional, intelligent and influential women in technology. Founded in February 2007 by Adriana Gascoigne, Girls in Tech offers a variety of resources and tools for women to supplement and further enhance their professional careers and aspirations in technology, including educational workshops and lectures, networking functions, round table discussions, conferences, social engagements, and recruitment events. Visit us at www.girlsintech.net.
