The Past, Present and Future of Women in Technology — Brandy Semore

Brandy Semore has over fifteen years of management experience in various fields with a strong grounding in internet, data center operations and business management strategies. She graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and holds a MBA from Oklahoma City University, with an emphasis in project management and is PMP certified with the Project Management Institute.

Beyond being a working mom delicately balancing her career with her family – she is passionate in helping and serving others. Brandy is dedicated to coaching others in managing successful projects, regardless of one’s background or training, as seen from her blog articles Project Success: Six Factors. She is also an advocate for equal pay and equal opportunity for women working in technology. She serves as the volunteer President and Executive Director for Oklahoma Women in Technology (OKWIT), which she co-founded in March 2016. Since its inception, OKWIT has attained over 350 members and expanded from the OKC metro area into Tulsa. She is also the Director of Operations for Pinnacle Business System, a information technology solutions provider.

Show notes at http://hellotechpros.com/brandy-semore-technology/

• When you have women in leadership positions in technology, businesses see an increase in productivity and profit.
• Sometimes men stop talking shop when women workers walk in the room.
• Women built the first computer.
• In the 1980s, women dropped out out of tech jobs and STEM degrees.
• 35% of computing jobs filled by female workers in the U.S has dropped to 26% today.
• Women as a whole have to be guarded about what they say about their careers to not damage the relationships with their male colleagues.
• Many women in technology are introverts and don't like speaking out.
• Groups like OKWIT are connecting women in a safe environment to talk about these issues.
  • Women are starting to feel empowered. They are asking for raises, asking for promotions and getting in leadership.
• Women in technology starts at home as parents. Introduce girls to technology, Legos, telescopes, microscopes, Scratch camps.
• High school admins need to introduce girls to tech opportunities and STEM activities.
• Collegiate professors and administrators need to make females feel comfortable and welcome.
• Don't say things to make a girl feel bad about herself for being interested in STEM.
• When planning an offsite event, include activities that are more inclusive.
• Men tend to ask for raises and promotions more while women wait. Managers need to be aware of this and look across the entire talent pool.

• OKWIT
• Ada Lovelace
• Scratch
• Osmo Starter Kit
• Osmo Genius Kit
• Osmo Coding Kit