The big deal about Indiana Women IN Tech Week
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The tech industry has long been an arena dominated by men, leaving many women underrepresented, underpaid, and undervalued. While strides have been made to improve gender equality in tech, much work remains. That is why Indiana Women IN Tech Week is so crucial. As someone who participated in this incredible week, which took place Sept. 15-22, I can confidently say it is more than just a calendar event—it is a movement.
Thanks to the foresight and dedication of co-founders Linda Calvin and Kara Kavensky, along with the support of Governor Eric Holcomb, Indiana is not just talking about equity in tech; it is taking tangible action. From Sunday through Sunday, Indiana Women IN Tech Week offered numerous events focused on education, empowerment, and connection for women in technology at various stages of their careers. It showcased the powerful potential of women in tech when they are given the tools and support to thrive, and it underscored the importance of ongoing, year-round initiatives to uplift women in this field.
CTRL + ALT + EMPOWER: A Women in Tech Mentorship Event
On Monday, Sept. 16, I had the honor of participating in a panel discussion focusing on the critical relationships between mentors and mentees. Hosted by Eight Eleven Group, this event provided a range of actionable advice for mentors to better guide their mentees. One thing that stood out was the clear delineation between the roles of a mentor, sponsor, and connector—each uniquely valuable in their own right but serving different purposes in a mentee’s career growth. This distinction helped both mentors and mentees gain clarity on expectations. The mentors were appreciative of the practical strategies offered to help foster productive relationships, while the mentees left with a better understanding of how to actively seek and leverage guidance from these critical figures.
Aside from the panel, the day was filled with memorable moments. Pass the Torch for Women organization was available for mentors and mentees to sign up to be matched for professional growth. Attendees had access to free professional headshots, LinkedIn profile feedback, and even a custom Linda Calvin Tech Jean jacket raffle. While these perks were exciting, the most important takeaway was the realization that there is a vast community of women in tech who need mentorship. The demand for mentorship is immense, and this week illuminated just how many women in tech are hungry for growth but are often left unsupported.
Uncorking the Mystery of Sponsoring Black Women in Tech: How to tap into a Talented Diverse Pipeline.
The momentum continued on Wednesday, Sept. 18, when Angel Henry of Amulet Consortium and I co-hosted an event centered around sponsors and protégés. This event, sponsored by Brooksource, offered an innovative and interactive experience by incorporating four skits, each depicting different stages of a tech career—early career, mid-career, executive level, and career change. Each skit served as a vivid illustration of the challenges and opportunities women face at different career junctures. We spotlighted how important it is to have not just mentors but sponsors, those individuals who will advocate for you in rooms where decisions about your career are made.
Each participant also received a copy of Angel Henry’s award-winning book, “Dents in the Ceiling”, which provided even deeper insights into the experiences of women of color navigating corporate America. What moved me the most was the overwhelming response from attendees after the event. Women lined up, eager to share their stories, ask questions, and, most importantly, express how inspired they were to take action in their own careers. It was a humbling experience to realize how many lives could be transformed simply by giving women the tools they need to succeed.
A Week That Mattered—And Should Continue
Indiana Women IN Tech Week is not just a week of networking and free resources; it is a call to action. Throughout the week, events were held across Indiana, creating spaces for women to connect, learn, and support one another. From Sunday to Saturday, IWIT Week engaged hundreds of women, providing them with access to information, mentorship, sponsorship, and opportunities that they may not otherwise have had.
But why stop here? The need for Indiana Women IN Tech Week to continue and expand cannot be overstated. Women in technology face unique barriers to entry and advancement. Initiatives like Indiana Women IN Tech Week provides critical infrastructure for women and girls to overcome bias and barriers, offering mentorship, sponsorship, and community. This week is not just important for women; it is important for the industry. Studies have repeatedly shown that diverse teams outperform their homogenous counterparts. By continuing to uplift women in tech, Indiana is positioning itself as a forward-thinking hub for innovation and inclusion.
So, to everyone who participated, supported, or even just observed the events of Indiana Women IN Tech Week, I say this: let’s keep going. Let’s make it bigger. Let’s ensure that each year we reach more women and girls, create more opportunities, and that we dismantle more barriers. Women in tech in Indiana are ready to lead, and with the continued support of events like this, there’s no limit to what we can achieve. Cheers to another year of progress and to making Indiana Women IN Tech Week a cornerstone for future generations.