Women in Technology of Tennessee

Overview

Women in Technology of Tennessee (WiTT) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting women in the technology sector through scholarships, education, community outreach, and networking. Founded in 1999, WiTT began as a small group of female leaders in the Nashville area and has since expanded to encompass hundreds of members across Middle Tennessee.

Mission and Objectives

WiTT's mission is to equip women to shape the future of technology. This involves fostering a supportive community where women can share experiences, explore career opportunities, and empower younger generations. The organization focuses on four key areas:

• Scholarships: WiTT offers financial support to encourage more women to pursue careers in technology. Notably, they have awarded over $200,000 in scholarships to support high school and college students, as well as women returning to education[2].
• Education: WiTT organizes educational events and programs aimed at promoting STEM education among school-age girls and promoting professional development for women in tech careers[3].
• Community Outreach: The organization engages with local communities to raise awareness about technology careers for women and to facilitate networking opportunities[1].
• Networking: WiTT provides platforms for professional women in technology to connect, share insights, and mentor one another[3].

Programs and Initiatives

WiTT is involved in several initiatives that support its mission:

• WiTT College Scholarship: This scholarship, established in 2020, is designed for graduating female high school seniors in the Nashville metro area who plan to pursue technology-related fields[2].
• K-12 Educational Programs: WiTT partners with schools to introduce young girls to technology careers and offers mentorships and educational resources[3].
• University Partnerships: The organization collaborates with universities to provide mentorship opportunities for female students studying technology-related fields[3].
• Endowment and Teacher Fund: WiTT has established an endowment to support female technology students and a teacher fund to assist educators in acquiring technology resources for classrooms[3].

Leadership and Impact

Meg Chamblee, Executive Vice President at UDig, serves as the current president of WiTT. Under her leadership, WiTT has expanded its membership and strengthened its community presence. The organization has seen significant growth in its membership, reaching a high of 260 members, with over 800 unique attendees at its events annually[3].

Through its efforts, WiTT aims to address the underrepresentation of women in technology fields and inspire young women to pursue tech careers. The organization continues to play a vital role in promoting gender diversity in the technology industry across Tennessee.