Digital Corps Students Attend WWiT Conference
(From left) Emily Mixter, Viveka Melo, Leah Callahan, Jackson Warren. Not Pictured: Beka Lockwood.
In the midst of midterms, projects, and all things Corps, five students took a step back and attended this year’s Women Working in Technology (WWiT) Conference. For ten years, WWiT has supported and informed individuals, from undergraduate students to professionals, about technology-centered careers. Although guests were predominantly working women, our very own Beka Lockwood, Vivika Melo, Leah Callahan, Emily Mixter, and Jackson Warner attended the event this March.
The conference consisted of workshops presented by professionals in all areas of technology. In addition to these presentations and breakout sessions, guests had the opportunity to network and meet those who now hold jobs in their desired careers. Breakout sessions were highly interactive and helped participants better understand themselves and those around them.
Beka Lockwood, a UX Team Apprentice, really enjoyed the event with her co-workers. Beka said, “I thought it was really neat to meet so many women in technology fields that I want to be in one day.” Not only did Beka gain valuable experience from networking, she also benefited from the breakout sessions. Her favorite break-out session was Self-Aware and Successful presented by Becky Perez, Director of Diabetes IT at Eli Lilly. In this presentation, participants were asked questions about diversity and moved about the room depending on their answer. Beka liked seeing ways she deviated from the norm of society with her fellow working women.
Jackson Warren, our Graduate Assistant and student of the CCiM Department, volunteered as the Sales Team Coordinator for WWiT. As one of the few men in the program, Jackson’s favorite breakout season was Career Chat: Advanced Leadership presented by Michelle Shaw. “It was helpful to learn about pauses and stepping back in daily life and also taking career pauses,” said Jackson, “Sometimes professionals need to know how to look holistically at their career and where they desire to be in five or ten years.”
Other speakers this year included: Lauren Koenig (Travel with Interesting People CEO), Sarah Stefl (PayPal Creative Communications Manager), and Melanie Howe (Addison Avenue Marketing President).
The conference may be called Women Working in Technology, but the content and experience does not target one specific gender. Between workshops about STEM careers, networking and leadership, the day is full of valuable information.
If you want to learn more about WWiT, visit their website or contact Kirsten Smith at kirstensmith@bsu.edu.
