Program Schedule: Thursday, October 18 - Session 6
Mentoring Makes MAGIC for Middle and High School Girls
Location: Salon VIII
Presenters: Ira Pramanick (Sun Microsystems), Robin Wilensky (Sun Microsystems), Meenakshi Kaul-Basu (Sun Microsystems), Sue Young (Sun Microsystems), Foz Saeed (Sun Microsystems)
The percentage of women in technology continues to decline today. To address this problem systemically, we propose MoreActiveGirlsInComputing, a nationwide mentorship program for middle and high school girls, run by women in technology. The BOF session on MAGIC would focus on challenges, implementation and resourcese, for MAGIC. We expect this session to attract all GHC participants — anybody who believes that more girls should go into computing!
Where Have All the Women Gone?
Location: Camellia and Dogwood
BOF Lead: Ginny McCright (IBM), Vicki Morey (IBM)
Studies show that there are few women in technical positions. Additionally, the women who are in technical occupations do not climb the career ladder to leadership positions in the numbers expected. Research has found that traditional female behaviors are not as valued in corporate culture. This topic seeks to discuss these issues,talk about strategies women can use to succeed and exchange ideas about changing the culture in which we work.
Computer Science Recruitment for the 21st Century
Location: Narcissus and Orange Blossom
BOF Leads: Laura N. Woodard (UMR Computer Science Dept.), Kristen L Loesch (UMR Computer Science Dept.)
This project created a tool to aid in reversing the trend of decreasing interested in Computer Science (CS) among American students, particularly females, by targeting elementary schools students before they form opinions about math, science, and computers in general. Our tool is software that showcases the social relevancy of CS, emphasizing female appeal, through a series of highly visual games & puzzles, illustrating the careers of CS alumni.
Exploring Careers in Technology
Location: Salon I and II
BOF Lead: Louise Hemond-Wilson (IBM)
“What can someone do with a computer science degree besides write code?” Many college students and young professionals shrug their shoulders in uncertainty when asked this question. This Birds of a Feather session brings together veteran professionals, neophytes and students to explore the numerous career opportunities open to engineering degree holders. The group will also discuss complementary experiences and coursework appropriate for pursuing some of these career opportunities.
Working with a Virtual Team in a Global Company
Location: South Ballroom
Presenters: Sylvia Lam (IBM), Lynn M Koch (IBM), BJ Wishinsky (Cadence Design Systems)
With the world being flattened per the rapid growth of technology, global companies must transform their business to take advantage of a diverse and global workforce. In an environment of remote workers and virtual offices, it can often be a challenge to create a successful team environment. Please join us for an opportunity to learn about successful strategies for communicating, maintaining visibility and collaborating with global virtual teams.
Challenges faced when forming a new “Women in Computing” group
Location: Salon III
BOF Leads: Niharika Joglekar (Microsoft), Randee Bierlein (Microsoft)
One of the ways to treat the problem of decreasing number of women in Computing professions is to form “Women in Computing” groups in the Universities. We will share lessons learned and success stories about MSU Women in Computing. We hope that others with same goals will benefit from this session and it will make them aware of the road ahead.
Survival Skills for the Graduate Student
Location: Salon VI and VII
Presenters: Shannon Duvall (Elon University), Michele Pagnotta (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
This presentation will equip women with skills to improve mental well-being during graduate school using Linehan’s Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques. We will present easy, effective skills that can be applied to everyday situations in graduate school. These skills can help women stay focused, have effective interactions with advisors, make good decisions, balance school with personal life, cultivate self-confidence and assertiveness, and defuse worry, anxiety, and guilt.