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FORT WAYNE, Ind., Sept. 6, 2024 — Women IN Tech Week 2024, a statewide initiative
dedicated to empowering and inspiring women to explore careers in technology, kicks off this
September with events in Fort Wayne designed to support women at every stage of their
professional journey. This initiative highlights the need for greater diversity in the tech industry and aims to break down barriers that prevent women from advancing in the field.
The week begins with the Celebratory Kickoff Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15 in the Summit Room at Ceruti’s, 6601 Innovation Blvd, Fort Wayne. Tickets for the brunch are $35 and available through Eventbrite.
Sponsored by Ceruti’s, Corsica Technologies, Reusser, Kate Maxwell LLC, Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC), and XenTegra, the brunch will feature a panel discussion with local women in tech who will share their career journeys, challenges, and successes. Attendees will gain insights into the tech field, build meaningful connections, and find inspiration.
“All are welcome to attend the brunch, designed to support, encourage, and uplift women in the community. Whether you are just starting or are an established professional, you’ll walk away with a sense of empowerment,” says Lindsay Lott, founder of Fort Wayne Tech and leader of Women IN Tech Week for Northeast Indiana.
Fort Wayne is also the first city in Indiana to receive a mayoral proclamation declaring Sept. 15 as Women IN Tech Day, marking the official kickoff of Women IN Tech Week 2024. Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker’s proclamation will spotlight the women in tech across the region, elevating the conversation about diversity and representation.
The week will conclude with a Family-Friendly Career & Resource Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Allen County Public Library Main Branch, 900 Library Plaza. Supported by Allen County Public Library, NIIC and JH Specialty, the fair will feature resume reviews, mock interviews, and interactive STEM activities for children. This event aims to make tech careers more accessible, especially for women and caregivers, by providing an inclusive environment.
Women IN Tech Week originated as a statewide initiative, co-led by Chief Impact Officer for
Reboot Representation Linda Calvin, and Kara Kavensky, a corporate communications expert. Their efforts secured a proclamation from Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, recognizing the critical need for supporting women in technology throughout Indiana.
When referencing the significance of the initiative, Lott said, “We want to show that women are not only capable of excelling in tech, but we are vital contributors to innovation, leadership, and progress. By creating spaces where women and girls can connect, learn, and grow, we’re fostering a more inclusive and diverse tech community.”
The Indiana Tech Ecosystem is vibrant and growing, and we are fortunate to have a number of high-profile women in technology and engineering leading the way across our state – and
beyond. Women IN Tech Week aims to bring those leaders to light so that others can be
inspired by their example. Kate Maxwell, a Microsoft executive and #1 Woman in Tech in the
World in 2023 (Technology Magazine) is one such Indiana-based leader. As a computer
scientist and software engineer by trade, and as Worldwide Public Sector industry leader, Kate knows all too well what it is like to be the only woman in the room. As a woman leading in a historically male-dominated field, Kate openly shares her journey – including the struggles – and creates opportunities for other women to see themselves reflected in her stories. As Kate frequently notes, “It is hard to be what you can’t see, so we have an obligation to be seen so other women can see themselves here in tech. There is room for all of us at this table, and the world needs us, now more than ever.”
Kate is a proud sponsor of the Women IN Tech Week kickoff brunch on September 15th, and she has also brought The Maxwell Scholarship for Women in Computing and Engineering to Indiana, with the 2024 scholarship recipient to be announced during Women IN Tech Week. For more details on the scholarship and how to apply, visit The Maxwell Scholarship.
For more information on how to get involved locally, visit www.fortwaynetech.org/women-in-tech-week and www.indianawomenintechweek.com for more information about the initiative and to see events statewide.
About Women IN Tech Week
Women IN Tech Week is a statewide initiative aimed at elevating and supporting women in
technology. Through a series of events, workshops, and career fairs, the initiative seeks to
inspire women to pursue and advance their careers in tech, fostering a more inclusive and
diverse tech industry across Indiana. Visit the website at www.fortwaynetech.org/women-in-tech
to learn more, or email info@fortwaynetech.org.
MEDIA CONTACT
Lindsay Lott
Fort Wayne Tech
260-278-1348
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