Roughly one quarter of the workforce in information and communications technology is female. And, the higher up the career-ladder you look, the more that percentage recedes - only about 5% of the CEOs in Canada's largest technology firms are women.
Why does this matter?
The technology industry is fueled by innovation. Diversity of experience and thought are clear pathways to sustained innovation.
Research consistently demonstrates that diverse companies produce stronger results than homogenous ones. And the correlation between female engagement and corporate performance and good governance is well documented.
So what's stopping women from playing a larger and more influential role in tech? What's the best strategy for building a successful career? What are leading employers doing to create more diverse and inclusive workforces?
Two organizations dedicated to building a stronger, more innovative Canadian technology industry are joining forces to present a forum in the Edmonton community to examine these and other issues related to the importance of diversity in the workplace.
Who should attend?
Students planning their careers and women in other disciplines considering a career change will hear directly from some of the leading women executives in technology in Alberta and Canada about the forces that shaped their journey to leadership.
Women in technology careers will hear the latest ideas about career strategies that work for women, from more flexibility in the work placement to executive career sponsorship.
Employers looking for a competitive advantage in building an innovative and diverse workforce will have an opportunity to asses their programs and practices in comparison to best practices throughout the industry.
Everyone - women and men will - benefit from this provocative and enriching day-long opportunity for insight and networking.
Featuring
Katherine Emberley, President Business, Brands and Communications, Shaw
Jaime Leverton, General Manager, VP - Canada and APAC, Cogeco Peer 1
Zainul Mawji, Vice-president Home Solutions and Complementary Channels, Telus
Lisa Carroll, Senior Vice-president, National Capital Region, CGI
Lisa Lyons, President, Kids Can Press
Program Highlights
Closing the Gender Gap, recommendations from a new report on the leading strategies for gender diversity in the tech industry.
Women on Corporate Boards - Why it Matters, How to Prepare
Mentorship and Sponsorship for a Dynamic Career
WCT held a similar event in Calgary with Angela Brown (CEO of Moneris) in conversation with Lisa Carroll, VP National Capital Region, CGI. Watch the highlights to get an idea of the conversation.
ITAC and WCT gratefully acknowledge funding support for this program. The Province of Alberta is working in partnership with the Government of Canada to provide employment support programs and services. Funding provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada-Alberta Job Fund. Additional sponsorship also comes from CGI.