NWrWIC

The Northwest Regional Women in Computing (NWrWIC) Celebration focuses on empowering and encouraging women to enter the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields, particularly computer science. The conference brings together students from universities and high schools, with industry leaders from the private and public sectors to engage and inspire the next generation of leaders to play an active role in shaping the future of computing and technology.

The 2013 conference, to be held in October, is the second annual event.  Our mission is to encourage women to pursue and build successful careers in computing and technology by improving their educational experience and engagement with industry leaders.  With less than 30% of STEM jobs filled by women, the industry is lacking full representation of the world’s views.  This lack of diversity inhibits industry’s innovation potential.  Our effort recognizes and empowers women who are part of the computing industry and celebrates all who are supporters of them.

“The Northwest Regional Women in Computing Conference was extremely inspiring and a pivotal turning point in my interest in the field of computer science and bioinformatics. The exposure to many aspects of the this field was so refreshing and encouraging with insight to the various areas of specialty beyond what one thinks of when they hear the words “computer science”. I loved the opportunity to hear how OHSU is using computer science to further their discoveries and research capabilities. Through the panel discussions and conversing with successful female scientists, it was extremely encouraging and eye opening knowing the magnitude and positional force that women hold in this male dominated field. This exposure gave me the confidence that I would be successful as a young woman in such a field, especially with the support of the multifarious, extremely successful women I met through the Regional conference.”

– Ashleigh Pilkerton
Pacific University

Our Vision:

Our vision is to grow this effort to include more women in the pipeline of future computing and technology professionals. With our supporters’ funding, we will:

• Provide a full day of programs led by inspirational industry leaders and hands-on workshops that support our “Future of Technology” theme
• Connect educational leaders and industry professionals with students to cultivate the next generation of leaders in computing and technology
• Provide collaborative, hands-on learning opportunities for students facilitated by students
• Facilitate a career fair in which various institutions, companies and organizations come together to share opportunities with students

INCORPORATING THOUGHT LEADERSHIP, KEYNOTE SPEAKERS (YOU), PANEL DISCUSSIONS, AND WORKSHOPS

Our primary focus is on providing an inspirational, hands-on, one day event aimed at encouraging students and industry leaders to support gender diversity in the fields of computing and technology. We also gear the conference workshops towards parents, community leaders and principals so that they may gain a better understanding of the importance of what computer science is, its related fields, and the associated opportunities.