DETROIT – Studies show that there are fewer women in technology careers than compared to men. Increasing the number of women in these STEM fields means providing them with information on STEM careers and providing a community so they can stay in the field.And most of these resources are just a click away.

These resources provide everything from professional development to podcasts to keep you connected to the pulse of women in technology. They provide service opportunities and board positions that can help grow leadership skills outside the workplace.

Here is my list of some of the resources for women in technology to get connected, network, and get the skills they need to grow their careers:

Michigan Council of Women In Technology and the MCWT Foundation (MCWT)- The MCWT is a non-profit dedicated to correcting the growing gender-disparity gap in IT. This ultimately strengthens Michigan and its companies by encouraging workplace diversity, innovation and competitiveness. The offer a variety of enablement programs, sessions, and volunteer opportunities.

Website: http://www.mcwt.org/

Inforum Michigan: Inforum is the only professional organization in Michigan – and one of a few in the country ? that combines strategic connections, proven professional development programs, a respected forum for new ideas, and original research to accelerate careers for women and boost talent initiatives for companies. Through Inforum and the inGage programs, there are many offerings for women and women entrepreneurs.

Contact: https://www.inforummichigan.org/home

Digital Divas ? This new podcast series will tell stories of the women in technology so their experiences can be captured and shared. There will be a variety of shows ranging from highlighting influential women in technology to round table discussion with female technology leaders on hot topics.

Contact Info: http://www.digitaldivas3.com

Grow – Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) is a service focused on women at various stages of business ownership. We are the entrepreneurial resource to help women take the next step, empowering and supporting them with professional expertise for a lifetime.

Contact: http://www.growbusiness.org/

Resources Beyond Michigan

WIT Campaign – A campaign that celebrates people in the digital world. Read inspiring quotes from women all over the world.

http://www.womenintechcampaign.com/

Girl Develop it – Girl Develop It is a nonprofit organization that exists to provide affordable and accessible programs to women who want to learn web and software development through mentorship and hands-on instruction.

http://www.girldevelopit.com/

Women 2.0 – Women 2.0 is the world?s largest community-driven media brand designed for the next generation of technology leaders. Women 2.0 creates content, community and events for aspiring and current innovators in technology.

http://women2.com/

For even more links for Female tech entrepreneurs,

Click on Michipreneur.Com

Additional Technology Organizations

IT in the D – IT in the D is where technology professionals in Metro Detroit can network, read, and listen to the latest tech news. Networking Detroit one beer at a time, IT in the D publishes an award winning blog, has helped facilitate 1000+ hires from their monthly events, and publishes a weekly podcast like you’ve never heard before.

Contact info: http://www.itinthed.com/ , Bob Waltenspiel, [email protected]

Michipreneur – Michipreneur is an online publication built to empower entrepreneurs, encourage investment, strengthen small business, and foster talent retention in Michigan. We publish news, resources, events, funding information and more for Michigan startups and businesses.

Contact info: http://www.michipreneur.com , Amanda Lewan, [email protected]

Midwest Technology Leaders (MTL) – The Midwest based annual technology symposium brings together technology leaders from all over to discuss leading trends and innovations. This is the only Midwest-based IT executive symposium that combines an influential, exclusive audience and access to distinguished speakers, while supporting the advancement of information technology in the region.

Contact info: http://www.xchange-events.com/mtl13/

Tech 248 – An initiative of Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson to harness the power of the 2,000 tech companies in Oakland County. Accelerating Growth in the Tech Industry tech248 helps tech companies collaborate and attract, develop and retain talent while promoting Oakland County as a global technology hub.

Contact: http://www.advantageoakland.com/Expand/Tech248/Pages/default.aspx

Bamboo Detroit – A community of creatives working together in Downtown Detroit. Bamboo Detroit offers co-working space, shared resources and creative services, and a community of support for your business.

Contact: bamboodetroit.com, [email protected]

Social Media Association of Michigan ? Promotes social media as an impactful communication vehicle through state-wide education, adoption of social platforms and dissemination of successful social media solutions in public and private sectors.

Contact: http://www.smami.org

Thanks to Digital Divas (http://www.digitaldivas3.com/resources/) for helping provide information cited here.

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, email [email protected] Follow Nicole on Twitter: @tech_nicole