Projects & Services
Education
Artificial Intelligence Made Simple
(K-12/Parents & Guardians)
School-aged girls and/or their parents/guardians/educators learn about technology and artificial intelligence and how they are used in the real world. Understand A.I. implications. No technical background required.
We offer 1-2 hour hands-on engaging sessions (virtual anywhere in the U.S. or in-person in Chicago Western Suburbs) for school-aged children, with emphasis on girls, and their parents/guardians to open their eyes to the power of technology, especially in the field of artificial intelligence, and how they apply to the real world. Level is adapted to the audience.
We continue to create and adopt tech-based, fun-filled, hands-on projects/games to spark interest among school-aged children, with emphasis on girls, and their parents/guardians. Examples include facial recognition using Google kits, and hands-on A.I. game for novices.
Education
Conversations: Tech Careers, Curricula and Activities
(grade 6-12, College, Parents & Guardians)
Professional and university women (and men) share their technology journey, career advice, insights on choosing majors and classes, navigating internships, and area activities relating to tech.
We offer 1 hour panel and/or round-table discussions (virtual for anywhere in the U.S. or in-person in Chicago Western Suburbs) for school groups, communities and organizations. We have a team of professional and college women of varying levels of experience, industry background who serve as resources for discussion panels and talks. They have a passion for technology, and for sharing their experience and advice for the next generation.
For a recent panel event, we included a video of three amazing young professionals sharing their experience and advice with middle and high school girls. Watch here.
Workplace Policies
Illinois-Based Coalition of Corporations
With the support of elected officials, enact policies and share practices to make the tech workplace welcoming for women.
Technology creators have immense impact, making decisions affecting every aspect of our lives. As such, we must have a technology workforce that reflects the population it serves. Furthermore, studies have shown positive financial outcomes and impact on the economy with an inclusive workforce. Yet, women are vastly underrepresented in technology jobs, especially women of color. 27% of computing jobs are held by women.
With the support of IL Senator Laura Ellman (District 21) and IL Representative Janet Yang Rohr (District 41), we have created a bill in the Illinois Legislature, SB2682. The bill will result in the creation of a task force to increase hiring, retention and promotion of women in tech roles in Illinois businesses. This bill is essential in raising awareness of the value women bring to tech and to the need for a diverse tech workforce.
On May 26, 2024, SB 2682 passed both houses unanimously with 6 sponsoring Senators and 27 sponsoring Representatives. On August 9, 2024, Governor Pritzker signed the bill into law, creating Public Act 103-0912.
The task force will start in January 2025 and will be in effect for 3 years, producing a final report to the Governor in December 2028.