I recently got to share my journey with WORK180, highlighting the importance of mentoring and sponsorship in my career. Mentoring and sponsorship are critical in seeing more people achieve their career goals, which I found so valuable as a woman in STEM. Check out my story below!

????????????????????? ???????????? ???????????????? ???? ????????: ?????? ?????? ???? ?????????????? ?????????? ?????????????????????????? ???? ????????? ?? Forbes’ recent article highlights a pressing disparity: while women constitute 47% of the total workforce, they hold only 25% of tech roles. These statistics emphasise the need for the industry to foster equal opportunities. Despite progress, the gender gap in the tech industry persists. It’s clear that more work needs to be done. The path forward lies in proactive initiatives such as: 1?? Establish mentorship and sponsorship programs specifically designed to support women and other underrepresented groups. 2?? Offer unbiased training and development opportunities that are accessible to all employees 3?? Implement unbiased performance reviews and promotion processes 4?? Create clear career progression paths to allow all employees to understand their potential growth within the organisation. 5?? Outline steps needed to achieve career advancement. 6?? Actively encourage employees to pursue leadership and development programs. #GenderEquality #WomenInTech #DiversityInTech

Women's History Nugget on Sponsorship: Research shows that most of us undervalue the role of sponsorship in our careers. As women, we don't develop the neccessary relationships that build on sponsorship. The Key word here is develop....Some will even argue that sponsorship, not mentorship will land you a seat at the table. According to Ann Hewlett, author of Forget a Mentor, Find a Sponsor, sponsors have three attributes:? 1.They believe in your potential and are prepared to take a bet on you. 2.They have a voice at the table.? 3. They provide you the cover you need to take the risks necessary to succeed. When we sponsor women in the workplace, it fosters an environment of inclusion.Research still shows that?women?are missing out?on?early advancement opportunities, creating tension throughout?their careers. For?women, particularly?women?of color, to advance into senior leadership, they need to be?sponsored. Pause today, and consider recommending a particular woman for a specific role higher up in the organization, for a key assignment, or for a new role with your company, board, or organization. #theroadahead #makehistrory #womenhistorymonth #sponsorship #successforwomen

Diversity in Tech Hiring: Breaking Down Barriers for Underrepresented Groups The tech industry's lack of diversity is a pressing concern, with underrepresented groups facing significant barriers to entry and advancement. To foster a more inclusive environment, organizations must adopt proactive strategies to break down these barriers and attract diverse talent. Key Strategies: 1. Blind Hiring Practices: Remove identifiable information from resumes to reduce unconscious bias. 2. Diverse Interview Panels: Ensure interview teams reflect the diversity you aim to achieve. 3. Inclusive Job Descriptions: Use language that appeals to underrepresented groups and highlights company values. 4. Targeted Outreach Initiatives: Partner with organizations and networks supporting underrepresented groups. 5. Mentorship and Sponsorship Programs: Provide support and advocacy for underrepresented employees. Focus Areas: 1. Gender Diversity: Address the underrepresentation of women in tech. 2. Racial and Ethnic Diversity: Increase representation of Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian professionals. 3. Accessibility and Disability Inclusion: Ensure accommodations and equal opportunities for professionals with disabilities. By implementing these strategies, tech organizations can break down barriers and create a more inclusive environment, driving innovation and success through diverse perspectives and talent.

Women often miss out on sponsorship opportunities because we aren't always part of the late-night chats with senior leadership. However, sponsorship is key for career advancement, especially for women, given the ongoing gender bias in corporate environments. So, how can you find sponsors to support your career journey? Let me know about your journey on getting sponsorship opportunities. #WomenInLeadership #CareerAdvancement #GenderBias #SponsorshipMatters #WomenEmpowerment #ProfessionalGrowth #InclusiveWorkplace #LeadershipSupport

Help us understand how we can better serve you by participating in our public survey. Your feedback is crucial, and we especially encourage women to share their perspectives. Take the Survey: https://lnkd.in/dPzVJECX What We’ve Learned So Far: Mentorship: The majority of respondents are interested in connecting with a mentor. Events: There is a strong interest in technology-focused and start-up focused events. Networking: Many are looking for networking opportunities through workshops and informal mixers. Your voice matters! Help us create a more inclusive and supportive community by sharing your thoughts. #OPENSiliconValley #YourVoiceMatters #PublicSurvey #CommunityFeedback #WomenInFocus #MentorshipMatters #TechEvents #StartUpEvents #NetworkingOpportunities #InclusiveCommunity #SupportiveCommunity

???????? ???????? ???? ???????????????? ?????? ????????????????’?? ?????????? + ???????????? ??????????'?? ?????????????? ?????????? ???????? ???????????????????? ??????????! This is a free, structured virtual networking event. We’ll make new connections and network while discussing the networking "theme" of mentorship. In case you’re wondering if attendance is worth your limited time, here’s what past attendees (we run this event monthly) have told us about previous events: ???? “You must come to this meeting with women engineers! You will feel you can relate to the topics and even if you don't want advice, you can add value with your experience!” ?? “Be ready for a power hour! Look forward to meeting incredible colleagues! Come with your stories, goals, and tips, and leave INSPIRED and part of a supportive community!” ????“Stephanie excels at providing a warm, welcoming space for STEM women to make meaningful connections.” This is our way of creating a pocket of #womensupportingwomen and #alliessupportingwomen in the STEM fields that’s free and accessible to any woman who needs it, even and ESPECIALLY if you feel isolated at work. We're also not recording this event, so attendees can share in a safe (and brave!) space. Register via the QR code or the link in the comments. This event is open to all women and allies in STEM. Know someone who would benefit from this event? Tag them in the comments or forward this post to them. ???? #STEMMentorship #WomenInSTEM #MentorshipMatters #NetworkingEvent #WomenEmpoweringWomen

It is #internationalwomensday ! And while that might be stating the obvious (given the plethora of posts I have seen), did you know the theme this year is Inspire Inclusion? This theme issues a call to action to celebrate diversity and empowerment of women....and this includes recognition that there is work to be done! We have a great challenge before us to further #genderequity in #technology careers: ?? Despite significant gains in STEM degree attainment, only 26% of the computing workforce is female. ?? Women are promoted at a slower rate than men, especially in technical roles where only 52 women are promoted to the level of manager for every 100 men. ?? Women of color are especially underrepresented in tech, especially in leadership positions. What can you do to support women in tech? Here are three steps to start: ?? Reflect: consider whose perspective is being centered by cultural standards and definitions of what success or leadership looks like (interrogate the presence of bias!). Shift from cultural fit, to cultural add. ?? Connect & celebrate: look at your network and seek to include and celebrate the achievements of diverse women. Share your information widely and seek to provide sponsorship opportunities. ?? Foster inclusion: actively ensure your interactions and the environment in which you work is inclusive and welcoming. Consider how you are representing and meeting the needs of diverse women and how you are contributing to an environment where everyone can thrive and feel belonging. ?? Celebrating diversity and empowerment of women requires ACTION, every day. What will you do to answer the call?

Are you a member of any local organization? If so, how has it impacted your career? Personally, being part of Women in Tech Miami has been an enriching experience. I have had the opportunity to connect with many impressive women in tech roles from various companies and industries in Miami who have opened doors for collaboration and expertise sharing. Moreover, it has helped me build a community with others who understand the unique challenges and rewards of our careers. I would love to read about your experiences and inform others of potential networking opportunities. ?????? #WomenInTech | #NetworkingOpportunities | #ProfessionalGrowth | #LocalOrganizations

Together, mentors and sponsors in the workplace can create a more equitable space where women can thrive and contribute to their fullest potential. Role models are so important. Read more in our blog about the true power of mentorship ad sponsorship: https://bit.ly/3PhwDZw #careermentors #sponsorsincareers #femalerolemodels