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Women in Technology event shares stories of challenge, success in career paths
Added: (Mon Jun 23 2008)
Providence, RI – June 18th, 2008 – “Bucky Beaver” teeth, dogs, golf, honeybees and singing in the car were the unlikely subtopics last week as Tech Collective hosted the third installment of its Women in Technology series at Twin River Casino.
The event, subtitled “Stories of Transformation - Risk for Reward” welcomed over 40 people and featured three women from dynamic professional technology backgrounds. They discussed their professional careers and the journey they took to get there – from the quirky little moments to the great achievements to the staggering roadblocks.
Lee A. Silvestre, Vice President of Mission Innovation for Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS), recalled an experience in the beginnings of her career in which she was wearing a red business coat. While she was talking with a group of her peers – all male – Lee’s boss – also male – walked up to the group and stated without reservation how unprofessional it was for women to wear red. And they “should learn” the proper code of dress for business. The next day, a dress code guide was on her desk.
“It was a nice coat!” Lee recalls with both feelings of pride and insult. “…For the next 13 years I was with that company, I wore everything red I could find! And I don’t even like red!” Lee laughs at the story now, seeing it as a stepping stone in teaching her to be a woman in her field. And to stand out with her own, female voice. “Voices need to be heard across the whole diversity spectrum,” she says.
Valerie Littlefield, Organizational Quality Services Manager for AIPSO noted how, upon returning to her alma mater university for a career fair just a few short months ago, she was shocked to see a line of students applying for positions at a “major discount retailer” while her team and other IT companies stood at their booths “eating candy.” When Valerie attended the university, IT was the number two career choice. A far cry from those nearly 20 years ago, IT is now second to last in enrollment levels.
It is through these stories, Melissa Punchak, Manager of Community Development for Tech Collective, explains, that the Women in Technology series works to offer a forum of inspiration for women and to raise awareness of the opportunities and diversity within the technology industry: “Tech Collective’s Women in Technology Events are both exhilarating and inspirational. The women on the panel at each event bring a high level of experience, professionalism, motivation, energy and – above all – class. And the events are tailored to women at all levels in all fields.”
“Ask yourself two questions: How do I spend my time? and How should I spend my time? I can guarantee one is here and the other is here,” Jean Pelletier, Vice President of Human Resources, Systems and Services for GTECH, gestures with her arms spread apart. “The space in between is a blank sheet of paper. What you do with it is up to you.”
G-Tech sponsored the event. It was facilitated by Lisa Bergeron, President of Leading Women SENE. The next Women in Technology event will be held on October 23rd, 2008.
About Tech Collective:
Tech Collective is the technology industry association of Rhode Island. Focusing on Community Building and Workforce Development, we are driving technology growth, innovation and prosperity by uniting industry, government and education. Tech Collective builds and strengthens community by creating partnerships and offering thought-provoking forums as well as organizing state-wide participation in events like BIO2007, GRRL Tech and Technology Laureate’s Night. In promoting and developing a highly-skilled Rhode Island workforce, Tech Collective also drives technology-based education and training programs for students in grades K -16 as well as for incumbent and transitioning workers. For more information about Tech Collective initiatives and events, visit www.tech-collective.org.
Contact:
Giselle LaFrance
Communications Specialist
Tech Collective
glafrance@tech-collective.org