DETROIT – Although women are often lead adopters of
technology, the percentage of women in technology ranges from 15- to 20-percent – this dichotomy was explored May 13 at Grand Circus by a panel of women that
discussed navigating a male dominated technology industry. The panel covered
topics from mentorship to getting hit on in the workplace.
Educational discussions such as this were highlighted by
Chioke Mose-Telesford who also shared with the audience upcoming events they
can attend through Grand Circus and at other locations in Detroit. As the
Director of community programs for Grand Circus, Mose-Telesford works hard to
promote these events to students and collaborators.
Other panelists included Amy Luke, Tifani Sadek, Antonella
Soloman, and Chandra Floyd. The event started and ended with opportunity for
everyone in attendance to network and connect with the panelists.
Grand Circus is just one avenue for women to create
communities based on common experience in technology. There are many
organizations in Michigan that work in different capacities to unite female
talent in technology careers.
For example, the Michigan Council for Women in Technology
(MCWT) is a large Michigan based organization aiming to inspire, advance and
retain women in Michigan’s technology community. Grassroot efforts, like this
panel at Grand Circus, is just one of the ways support systems are strengthening
the bonds between technical women across the state.
Mentorship was discussed as a key way to help guide your
career in a male dominated field through any adversity. One method shared by
the panel was 10 minute drills where employees have the chance to present their
projects to upper management. This way, employees can boast and promote their
work. Women also could gain sponsorships and feedback on their projects, which,
in turn, promotes innovation and gives opportunities for women to showcase
their work.
The panel also provided great advice about how to ask for a
raise and negotiate salaries. The panel suggested that when you move to a new
company, look to negotiate a signing bonus to strengthen the overall deal.
Other general advice provided is to be aggressive and direct about your desire
for a promotion.
Heather Michalak is the Business Validation and Operations
Manager for OnStar and shared lots of good practical examples with the
audience. “It’s not about being female, it’s about being confident you can do
the job,” she said.
For most women, the biggest challenge is balancing work and
life. Although working mothers are always trying to balance home and work, they
also set a good example for their children about the value of hard work. It is also
important that women make time for themselves when balancing work and life, the
panelists said.
One interesting suggestion given was for children to use
Google calendar to enter their own activities to share among other family
members. They learn to collaborating at a young age, are held responsible for their
own schedules, and accountable to maintain their calendars.
The panel also explored the common issue of women dealing
with their emotions in the workplace. They suggested deterring negative
emotions as much as possible and understanding each women’s trigger points. At
the end of the day, how someone reacts in a meeting or situation becomes part
of her brand.
It is these shared experiences happening every day that
allow better integration and support for women in male-dominated fields.
Hopefully, each effort will combine to help raise interest and maintain more
women in the technology field.
Associate Editor Nicole Johnson leads MITechNews.Com’s
efforts to foster STEM education, as well as provides coverage for her fellow
women in computing. If you have a story idea for Nicole, emailto:[email protected].
Follow Nicole on Twitter: @tech_nicole
