CWRU Women in Tech 2019 Fall Mixer Builds Connections

On the evening of Tuesday, September 24, dozens of Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) technology and engineering students gathered at historic Guilford House to meet one another, socialize and share stories of their ongoing journey toward careers in the science and technology fields. The event was sponsored by Women in Tech, a growing initiative that fosters learning and growth in the fields of technology through mentorship and professional learning opportunities.  With crucial support from Craig Newmark, double alumnus (CIT ’75, GRS ’77, computer science), founder of craigslist.org and an active philanthropist, Women in Tech was designed to support and educate female leaders in technology by giving women access to a strong, supportive community of peers and mentors, both in-person and online.

“We know that female representation in the technology fields is not equal; this initiative, with the help of Craig and other key supporters, is designed to change that." -Evren Gurkan Cavusoglu, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Faculty Director for the Women in Tech Initiative

The evening featured an ice-breaker exercise designed to better acquaint students with one another, as well as remarks by several students that touched on their current studies and future plans. Newmark has been a vocal advocate for the advancement of women in technology and ensuring that women have equal opportunities in computer and science fields. He has provided previous support for students in the Case School of Engineering to attend international conferences, including the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing and the Society of Women in Engineering’s WE17, events that give students opportunities to connect with their colleagues across the country to celebrate and connect women in technological fields.

Perspectives: What CWRU Women in Tech Means to Me

“Women in Tech has helped me build connections and access resources and opportunities that are hugely beneficial.”  – Mia Gorczyca, senior (double major in computer science and dance) “The Women in Tech initiative has provided support and helped me develop relationships that are really beneficial. As it continues to grow, I think additional mentorship opportunities would be incredibly helpful.”  – Anna Sedlackova, senior (computer science)

“Women in Tech has connected me with other female students and faculty members through events like this. I look forward to more events and learning opportunities through this initiative.”  – Hilary Qin, senior (electrical engineering) “Through my involvement in this initiative, I’ve had the chance to meet professionals and gain exposure to the computer science community and tech world. It’s also provided great networking and knowledge-building opportunities. I’d love to see alumni get involved in the future so that participants can learn from them as well.”  – Maryan Iqbal, sophomore (computer science major)

“During my freshman year, I found my major very challenging, and I relied on lots of male friends to help me get through difficult computer science classes. Now, Women in Tech has helped me meet other female students and expand my network. It’s been rewarding both in terms of my studies as well as personally.” – Roslyn Yang, junior (computer science) “I almost never see female students in my classes, so this initiative has been a great way to meet other female students in my area of study and gain access to panels, seminars and other events that have proven really valuable. I believe it’s a really important program here; from personal experience, I can say that the impact it’s having is tremendous.” – Emily Howell, junior (double major in computer science and applied mathematics)

“This initiative has been a huge help in connecting me with other female students in my classes whom I may never have otherwise met. It’s also helped connect me to female faculty members, who have given me great motivation to pursue my studies, as well as future master’s studies in biomedical applications of electrical engineering.”  –    Nicole Munson, senior (electrical engineering) “The female-male ratio in computer science and engineering classes here is quite skewed toward males, so I was really excited to hear about this initiative. In the future, I think integrating events, workshops and learning opportunities around helping female students build career skills would be helpful, as well as offering mentorships.”  – Lindsey Greenwood, junior (double major in biomedical engineering and computer science)

Women in Tech Initiative is an initiative at Case Western Reserve University that aims to support and educate female leaders in technology and engineering by giving women access to a strong, supportive community of peers, both in person and online. For more information about Women in Tech, visit www.case.edu/womenintech .

Learn about upcoming events and opportunities to engage with the Initiative by following us on social media. ‌ ‌