Written by Sarah Parker, AWT member and multi-talented senior freelance writer and content marketerI

There’s nothing worse than psyching yourself up to attend a networking event only to leave feeling like you’ve wasted your time. While it takes a little bit of work to truly find the spaces and people you connect with the most, this list should get you started without having to comb through 1,000 events on Eventbrite. 

Whether you’re new to Austin (welcome!) or just getting back out there with in-person networking (it has been a year for layoffs), I hope this list can also be helpful to you. And either way, come say hi if you see me* at one of these events! 

Lady Bird Talent’s Hire Women Week + coffee meetups   

A community intent on helping women find the jobs and leadership roles they want in the tech industry, Lady Bird Talent offers virtual and in-person networking events. While this year’s Hire Women Week has already passed (keep an eye out for the next one in 2024) they have an upcoming in person Yoga + Coffee Meetup at the Airstream.

If you’re not a yogi, don’t sweat it, that part is optional. Just show up for the coffee and conversation! 

FIESTA’s Gathering Together F3

Held monthly, these smaller events are an offshoot of the larger FIESTA community and bring together female founders, funders, and those simply looking for friends. Be ready for a mix of general networking, small group discussions, and specific time to put your asks out there – those can be anything from looking for your next role to looking for new friends to go out on the town with. 

For details and to RSVP for the October event, check out the listing on Meetup. 

WCA’s Connect Over Cocktails 

Women Communicatos of Austin is a professional group and community aimed at bringing together women in communication roles across industries; everything from marketing to PR, journalism, and more. For those in the tech industry, it can be a refreshing break to hear what fellow comms professionals are dealing with in other spaces! 

Keep an eye on their events page for the next Connect Over Cocktails – they’re usually held the first Wednesday of every month – and join the conversation. Your first one is free! 

Meego’s Austin Freelancer Monthly Meetup

If you’re a freelancer, the free monthly meetup from Meego is a great way to network with the colleagues you won’t find in your home office hiding behind your ficus. Build up your referral network, find fellow freelancers to co-work with when you need to get out of the house, or just have a great time talking shop. 

Check out the Eventbrite page to find the next meetup and join the Meego team to check out new spaces around town. 

Out in Tech ATX Monthly Mixer

Looking to meet new friends? Searching for new opportunities? Or simply looking to be in a queer space with other fellow humans? Look no further than the Out in Tech ATX Monthly Mixer – everyone is welcome! 

Get the details and RSVP on Eventbrite. 

More networking resources 

Didn’t see anything that spoke to you? Check out these other events and resources to find more networking opportunities around town:  

• Austin Tech Happy Hour

• BASHH (Big Ass Social Happy Hour) 

• Austin Business Woman events 

• AWT events page 

• FIESTA Community Calendar 

*I’m the 5’10” redhead who is probably talking about my large dog

If you'd like to contribute to the AWT blog, please connect with Leslie M. Dill via LinkedIn or email publicrelations@awtaustin.org

Noopur Gupta

Speed Round Questions

College Major: Computer Science (Interactive Intelligence Major)

Favorite Quote/Mantra: "Make small steps a big priority!"

App you can't live without: YouTube (it has music and my favorite podcasts)

Hobby you'd like to explore more: "Speaking engagements and dancing!"

Tammy Hunter

Speed Round Questions

College major: Chemistry

Favorite Quote/Mantra: "C'est la vie!"

App you can't live without: Spotify

Hobby you'd like to explore more: Baking

_____________________________________________________________________________________

In celebration of Women's History Month, who are the women who've made the biggest impact on your life?

TH: "My grandma, and my multiple female bosses."

What has been your most meaningful learning opportunity in your career?

TH: "Accepting working on an automation project that was all data entry, as it exposed me to project management."

What technological advances are you most excited about?

TH: "Solar batteries."

What advice would you give to your younger self and to young women starting their first full-time position?

TH: "Let yourself take chances. Take on the little tasks as they are learning opportunities for other areas of the company." 

Nicole Pletka

Speed Round Questions

College major: Anthropology with a specialization in Archaeology

Favorite high school summer job/internship: Family-run, local pizza place

Favorite quote/mantra: "To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded." -Emerson

App you can't live without: 1Password

Hobby you'd like to explore more: Carpentry

_______________________________________________________________________________________

In celebration on Women's History Month, who are the women who have made the biggest impact on your life?

NP: "My mom and my sister. I feel very fortunate to have been raised by strong women with strong opinions. I'm a pretty outspoken person, but believe it or not, I've always been the quiet on in the family." Also Joan Jett. That woman stood behind her convictions and didn't let anyone tell her how a woman should act, or sing, or dress.

What has been your most meaningful learning opportunity in your career? How has it shaped you in your current position?

NP: "Getting fired from a really toxic place. I had never been fired before and I was shocked when it happened. I learned a lot about how much of my self-esteem was tied to my career and how important it is to be able to articulate what matters to me. I realized that hard work and great results are not what always matters to the people at the top. I was never going to be respected there because my principles about how people should be treated were not shared with leadership. From then on, I always remember that my values are far more important than a paycheck. My confidence comes from who I am, and what I believe, not where I work and what I do."

What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing women in the workforce today?

NP: "I think one of the biggest challenges for everyone is related to how quickly technology is evolving. It can feel very difficult to stay well versed in the current trends when everything moves so fast."

What technological advances are you most excited about?

NP: "I'm really excited to see more focus on  sustainable technology. I started my career in environmental consulting, and I love seeing more integration with environmental science."

What advice would you give to your younger self, and to young women getting their first full-time position?

NP: "Don’t stop going out. Find organizations and activities you like and keep showing up. Even if you don’t know what to say to people, just keep attending. It takes being seen 5 or more times before people start expecting you. Then you start noticing the other regulars. Then it starts getting easier. This is true for networking, hobbies, exercise, and quite literally anything."

Lastly, do you have any favorite female-focused charities or causes you'd like people to know more about?

NP: "I’m a big fan of Herizon Music. Thea Wood creates a Newsletter and podcast spotlighting women's contributions to modern music and industry trends affecting women who work on stage, on air, and behind the scenes. I’m not a musician, but I’m a Riot Grrl at heart. (fyi – not a typo… this was a 1990s revolution that you are probably too young to know about.)

Emily Gupton

Speed Round Questions

College Major: Undergrad: BS in Neuroscience and BS in Business Administration - both from the University of Texas at Dallas / Executive MBA from Texas Woman's University / Digital Transformation Certificate from MIT

Favorite high school/summer job: Working at a French bakery with half my high school friends our senior year. We had a blast, ate lots of good snack and learned a lot about interacting with people.

Favorite Quote/Mantra: "Be the change you wish to see in the world" -Mahatma Gandhi and "This too shall pass".

App you can't live without: New York Times Games - got to get that Wordle in each day! Work related: Monday.

Hobby you'd like to explore more: Playing the clarinet.

______________________________________________________________________

In celebration of Women's History Month, who are the women who've made the biggest impact on your life?

EG: My mom is one of them for sure. She raised me as a single mother and chose a continued career path as a teacher so we could have summers and long breaks off together. She is an avid believer in equity for all and taught me so many things growing up. Beth Goff-McMillan, my CEO at FOLIO, was such an inspiration for me when I moved to Austin. She is heavily involved in the community in many ways - from donating money and time, to angel investing in female-founded startups, to speaking at different engagements, and serving as a mentor for others in Austin. Beth's involvement and encouragement for me to do the same allowed me to grow tremendously as a human, and executive, and champion of women in technology. She will forever hold a special place in my heart. The third group - the Austin Women in Technology board. Whether still on the board, or not, being connected to this group of women has inspired me in so many ways.

What has been your most meaningful learning opportunity in your career? How has it shaped you in your current position?

EG: When Beth and I decided to build FOLIO to sell to the greater commercial real estate, design, and furniture market, I had to figure out what it takes to build a technology product and technology company. I took classes at MIT to prepare and joined Austin Women in Technology to find a community to support my new endeavor. Transitioning into this role as COO + product owner of FOLIO has taught me a lot about technology in general, fundraising, managing tons of different stakeholders, and so much more.

What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing women in the workforce today?

EG: The balance of "work from home" and "return to office" seems to be a struggle, especially for working moms (and dads). The ability to have flexible schedules to accommodate the needs of kiddos is so important in keeping women in the workforce and helping them move up the ladder. In addition, giving women the tools, mentors, and clear path required to move up the career ladder is still a struggle. The stats say it all - for every 100 men promoted from entry-level jobs to managed positions, only 87 women get promoted and only 73 women of color get promoted. In addition, 1 in 4 c-suite leaders are women, while 1 in 16 c-suite leaders are women of color. We still have work to do to create equity for all.

What technological advances are you most excited about?

EG: Oh man. So many! There are crazy things happening with genetic-driven medicine, biotech, and other deep science technology that are coming at us at a rapid pace. Local companies like InSyBio, Neurox1, and Triumvira are doing amazing work in the biotech and health tech spaces. It will be interested to see where AI and machine learning head as we move forward in time.

What advice would you give to your younger self, and to young women getting their first full-time position?

EG: Be confident and be curious. Getting your first full-time gig out of school can be scary. Have confidence in yourself and be curious about the role and what you need to learn to advance in the position or keep up with the changing pace of technology and general workforce trends. You've got this!

Lastly, do you have any favorite female-focused charities or causes you'd like people to know more about?

EG:  Outside of Austin Women in Technology, Girlstart, Girls Empowerment Network, and WiSTEM do great things for our next generation of females and female leaders. Check them out and get involved today!

Shea Cuthbertson - President

Speed Round Questions

College major? Psychology

Favorite summer job/internship? I worked as a waitress at a Seaside Resort & Inn in Maine one summer.

Favorite quote/mantra? "If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun!" - Audrey Hepburn

App you can't live without? The new journal app on the most recent iPhone update.

_____________________________________________________________

What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing women in the workforce today?

SC: I think the biggest challenges women are facing in the workplace today are a lack of equal pay, representation in leadership roles and opportunities for advancement. They are also still being asked questions like "how much time are you dedicating to taking care of your kids vs. your husband/partner?" or "how do you manage having a career and a family?" I would be surprised if men were getting asked these same questions.

What technological advances are you most excited about?

SC: Artificial Intelligence 

What advice would you give to your younger self, and to young women getting their first full-time position?

SC: Choose a job that you like and feel purpose in doing. You devote a ton of your life to your career and being unhappy should be a non-negotiable. Life is too short to work a job you hate, report to a manager that doesn't treat you fairly or work for a company that doesn't align with your values.

Taryn Wise - Membership Director

Speed Round Questions

College major? Marketing

Favorite summer job/internship? I had an internship in college where I worked for a fashion merchandising company supporting some of their clothing brands at Dillard’s and Von Maur. It was such an eye-opening experience as a soon-to-be graduate to learn all about the beginning of the e-commerce world.

Favorite Quote/Mantra? “Embrace the journey, trust the process.”

App you can’t live without? LinkedIn. I use this every day in my job and networking with fellow AWT members.

Hobby you’d like to explore more? I’ve been learning French this year and getting involved in the French community in Austin. 

_____________________________________________________________________________

What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing women in the workforce today?

TW: Key challenges for women in the workforce include gender pay gaps, lack of representation in leadership roles and balancing career and family responsibilities. Addressing these issues requires ongoing efforts to promote equality, diversity and inclusion.  

What technological advances are you most excited about? 

TW: I think the most exciting technology advances are the developments in AI, quantum computing and advancements in renewable energy. These innovations have the potential to reshape various industries and positively impact our daily lives.

What advice would you give to your younger self, and to young women getting their first full time position?

TW: I like this question! I’ve been sharing this with a lot of younger folks as some great guidelines for someone starting their first full-time position, I'd recommend:

1. Learn Continuously: Stay curious and be open to learning. Embrace new challenges and seek opportunities for professional development.
2. Build Relationships:  Cultivate positive relationships with colleagues. Networking can open doors and create a supportive work environment.
3. Communicate Effectively: Clear communication is crucial. Listen actively, express your ideas confidently, and seek feedback to improve.
4. Time Management: Develop effective time management skills. Prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
5. Adaptability: Be adaptable and open to change. The professional landscape evolves, and flexibility is a valuable trait.

About the Author: Leslie M. Dill is a seasoned marketing professional with experience spanning over four industries. Leslie holds a BS in Business Administration and Marketing from Creighton University and is currently Department Manager at the University of Texas at Austin. Connect with Leslie on LinkedIn. 

November was a busy month for Austin and all of us at Austin Women in Technology. We embarked on a week filled with collaboration, celebration, and meaningful exchanges.

Giving Thanks at Girlsgiving

The month started with our impactful Girlsgiving fundraiser at Industry Eastside, organized by AWT’s Sponsorship Director, Erin Connell, and her chairs, Hailey Cohan and Micala Osuna. The event was not just a fundraiser; it was a testament to the positive influence AWT has had on the lives of its members. The generous raffle contributions from partners like Julie Ahmad, Salon Sway, Blenders, Kendra Scott, and more, coupled with the delightful food and ambiance provided by Industry, made the event truly special.

We are excited as we look to 2024 to continue supporting our members and outreach partners, which include Code2Collge, Girls Empowerment Network, Dress for Success, and Girlstart. Our heartfelt thanks go to our members, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners whose unwavering support makes serving our members and the Austin community possible. Thank you!

Becoming a ConnectHER at Austin Startup Week

The momentum continued with our engaging participation in the Women In Tech track at Austin Startup Week. Our workshop, “Becoming a ConnectHER,” led by Community Partnerships Director, Emily Gupton, was a resounding success. During the workshop, 35 Community Leaders paired up with 35 participants for seven-minute sessions of “speed networking”, where participants had the opportunity to tap into the experience and expertise of the Community Leaders with which they were paired. AWT has its deepest gratitude for the 35 fantastic Community Leaders who willingly gave their time to support the participants and help them along their professional journey.

Takeaways from the conversations with our Community Leaders are summarized below, which further demonstrate the importance of organizations like Austin Women in Technology, FIESTA, Austin Forum on Technology & Society, KS WELI, DivInc, and so many others that provide networking, support, resources, and more to underserved populations.

Startup Challenges and Fundraising Difficulty

Founders are struggling to pitch their startups effectively and secure funding. 

What you can do: 

• Find targeted workshops or mentorship programs focusing on refining pitches and developing successful fundraising strategies.
• Enhance communication skills, particularly in pitching and presenting ideas.
• If you’re in Austin, attend a FIESTA at Capital Factory and apply to pitch to venture capital firms.
• Find a founder and/or funder community, like FIESTA, DivInc, and so many more to build community and find reliable resources.

Lack of Community and Non-Transactional Relationships

Many participants expressed a desire for a more robust, supportive community and meaningful mentorship opportunities, rather than purely transactional relationships.

What you can do:

• Find community! Join an organization like Ausitn Women in Technology, Austin Technology Council, the Austin Forum on Technology and Society, or so many others, to build true relationships.
• Network before you need it! Don’t wait until you are job hunting or need help landing a big client to get out and meet people. Building meaningful relationships takes time. Start now, even if it’s slow and steady.
• Ask for help. Be willing to return the favor. Women struggle with asking for help. If you need it, ask! We are in the same boat together, and more than likely, you will find someone in your community who has faced similar struggles, challenges, and questions. Offer your support, services, or insights when asked. Supporting one another is a two-way street if you want meaningful relationships and community.

Diversifying Hiring Practices – Takeaways at the CEO Summit

At the Austin Technology Council’s CEO Summit, AWT's president elect, Nicole Pletka, led a panel that delved into the crucial topic of diversity in the workplace, discussing how a mix of cultural, ethnic, and gender perspectives significantly enhances creativity and problem-solving. This conversation was a significant step in understanding and implementing practices that promote diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry.

Diversity's Impact on Innovation

The panelists underscored the immense value of diversity in fostering idea generation and creativity. They backed this with academic research and their personal experiences, illustrating how varied groups approach problem-solving in uniquely effective ways.

Addressing the "Broken Rung"

A significant issue highlighted was the disparity in promotion rates for women in technology, particularly at the first step from entry-level to manager, often termed the "broken rung”. Data from McKinsey and Company revealed that for every 100 men promoted at this stage, only 87 women advanced, with even fewer people of color progressing.

Practical Strategies for Building a Diverse Workforce

The discussion provided actionable advice for organizations seeking to improve diversity.

• Partnering with community organizations like Austin Women in Technology, Capital Area Workforce Solutions, AUTMHQ, and KS WELI to discover diverse candidates.
• Employing anti-bias tools to create gender-neutral job descriptions.
• Using DEI-trained staff or consultants to ensure job postings are inclusive.

Retaining and Promoting Diverse Talent

Advice extended to retaining and advancing current employees. Understanding and addressing micro-aggressions that can drive staff away is crucial. Panelists suggested leveraging Employee Resource Groups and community groups to empower staff, emphasizing the importance of listening to their experiences and implementing their feedback.

In closing, the experiences and insights gained throughout November have been invaluable. They have not only reinforced our commitment to supporting and empowering women in technology but have also highlighted the power of community and collaboration in driving positive change. Stay tuned for upcoming AWT and community partner events as we round out 2023 and move into 2024.

Welcome to the second edition of Austin Women in Technology’s Community Partner Blog Series! As the lively energy of ACL and Formula One begins to mellow, Austin finds itself gearing up for the holiday season. Before we get there, the early days of November are full of amazing events and initiatives that resonate with our mission and promise to be memorable. 
We're both proud and excited to co-host and co-sponsor some of these initiatives alongside our community partners. Moreover, as we continually strive to amplify our reach and impact, we're thrilled to introduce new partnerships with Rise, UN World Logic Day, and more! Dive into the details below to learn about upcoming events and initiatives in Austin's wonderful community.
Questions? Interested in becoming a community partner? Reach out to our Director of Community Partnerships + Team at partnerships@awtaustin.org. 

Co-Hosted and Co-Sponsored Events

Austin Technology Council CEO Summit
We love partnering with Thom Singer and the Austin Technology Council. We are excited for the upcoming 2023 CEO Summit on Monday 11/06/23, where our very own Nicole Pletka is moderating a panel called "Building Inclusive Employment Practices: Addressing Biases and Promoting Diversity". The panel will feature 

• Joy Wiggins, Founder and CEO, Equity and Inclusion Consulting LLC
• Ronnie Sheth, CEO, Senen Group
• Vaishali Jadhav, Leadership and Team Development Facilitator, Sanrekhana, LLC and Kendra Scott Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute
• Kitty McLeod, Chief Solutions Officer & Master Facilitator, Illumine Wellness

Austin Startup Week & Women in Tech Day 
We are so pumped for Capital Factory's Austin Startup Week happening Monday 11/06/23 to Friday 11/10/23. Jam-packed full of topical tracks, panels, fireside chats, and interactive sessions, it promises to be a week full of networking, making meaningful connections, and learning new things. 
Our Community Partnerships Director, Emily Gupton, is excited to host a workshop on Women in Tech Day, Monday 11/06/23 called "Become a ConnectHER: Speed Networking with Austin Women in Technology". A shout out to all of the community leaders who volunteered their time to connect with participants interested in learning more about the importance of networking, collaboration, and find out how the community has impacted this amazing group of female and female-identifying leaders in the Austin community. 
Register for Austin Startup Week and learn more HERE. 

Girls Empowerment Network Radiant G Conference
Austin Women in Technology loves being able to give back to the community. Girls Empowerment Network is one of our outreach partners, and the AWT board is excited to host a workshop for young ladies in the community at the Radiant G Conferences on Saturday 11/04/23. 
The Radiant G Conferences are statewide, multi-city events designed especially for thousands of girls in grades 3-8 and the people who care about them. With a community building opening rally, an empowering dance party, and dynamic break-out sessions delivered both by our organization and our network of subject matter experts, girls get to be totally in charge of their day. They walk away inspired by what’s possible and with a new belief in their personal power. 

UN World Logic Day
Austin Women in Technology is proud to be a community partner of the upcoming January 2024 event, UN World Logic Day. Together with the United Nations, UNESCO, and Logictry, we will bring together over 1,500 people to discuss the future of technology, society, decision making, and more. Join us this year to engage, collaborate with, and learn alongside the decision makers building a brighter future together.

Programming themes include:

• The Future of AI, Technology, & Business
• The Future of Decision Making
• The Future of Innovation with Venture Capital, Next Gen Communities & Investing
• The Future of Healthcare & Access
• The Future of Sustainability & Climate

Register by 11/01 for early bird pricing. SIGN UP TODAY! 

Other Community Happenings in November

Whether you're seeking learning opportunities, networking events, or just a dose of inspiration, there's something for everyone. For a detailed overview of these events, do visit our community calendar.

Austin Technology Incubator & ACC - EnergyTech For All Summit - November 02, 2023
The summit will delve into crucial themes of making energy technology accessible and affordable, while also breaking down the barriers that have hindered certain groups.
Anticipate captivating talks, thought-provoking panel discussions, and dynamic speed mentoring sessions. Let's collaborate to fuel innovation and steer transformative change in the EnergyTech landscape.
Register HERE. This event is FREE. 

Austin Forum on Technology & Society - Debate on Digital Privacy, Trust, Responsibility, and Ethics - November 07, 2023
Our lives have become increasingly dependent on computing and networking technologies and on the digital data exchanged on our behalf for virtually every aspect of our lives. Powerful analytics and AI methods coupled with cheap, large-scale computing and storage enable companies to develop detailed profiles of everyone, collecting and exchanging data behind the scenes in ways that are often invisible to most people. Thus, we are entrusting the well-being of our companies, organizations, schools, and lives to the digital practices of many companies—with a rapid growth in their capabilities for analysis. It is difficult-to-impossible for proper regulation to keep up to ensure proper usage of this data—and what is ‘proper?’ What should be regulated and how, and what should not (and what are the alternatives)?
Join us for a spirited debate event in which we will explore all sides to the challenging questions in the areas of digital identity and privacy, data monetization and trust, and the responsibilities and ethical considerations we have to consider to determine what is and isn’t fair, proper, legal, and safe. Register HERE. This event is FREE.

Women Building Wealth – November 11, 2023
Women Building Wealth is a one-day workshop on Saturday, November 11, 2023, for women ready to take the next step on their financial journey. Combining valuable insights and practical knowledge from experts on budgeting, investing, home buying and refinancing, we are creating a space to connect with other ambitious women to talk about financial success.
Featuring amazing speakers, including Cristina Silingardi, Monica Muñoz Andry, and Juanita Valarie Neidig.
Use code AWT for $10 off the ticket price! 

Agile Austin - Keep Austin Agile 2024
Agile Austin's Keep Austin Agile (KAA) Conference is an immersive gathering of Agile practitioners, leaders, and enthusiasts, dedicated to exploring the dynamic synergy between Agile methodologies and the Growth Mindset philosophy. Our primary goals include fostering a deep understanding of Agile Growth Mindset, inspiring mindset transformation, offering practical tools for immediate application, facilitating networking and collaboration, presenting diverse perspectives, and promoting interactive learning.
Nominate or apply to be a speaker HERE.
Register to volunteer for the conference HERE.
Get early bird tickets HERE. 

More Upcoming Community Events

• 11/01/23 to 11/05/23: AfroTech Conference. 
• Wednesday 11/01/23: KS WELI EmpowerHER Hour: Empowerment Through Mentorship.
• Tuesday 11/07/23: DivInc & ECN: Meet The Cohort Happy Hour
• Thursday 11/09/23: Agile Austin: Leveraging an Agile Mindset to Succeed in a Changing World.
• Tuesday 11/14/23:   FIESTA.
• Thursday 11/16/23: Austin Forum on Technology & Society: Life Beyond Earth: The Synergy of Energy and Space Exploration.
• Saturday 11/18/23: Service Dogs Inc. - Mighty Texas Dog Walk.  

As the year winds down, the momentum at Austin Women in Technology is only picking up. November is set to be a testament to the collective strength, passion, and commitment of our community. With events that empower, enlighten, and engage, we're on a steadfast mission to redefine the narrative around women in tech. Let's come together, partake in these events, and push the envelope a bit further. Here's to a November filled with knowledge, growth, and memorable moments!