NWrWIC

Mission

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.

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.

Connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nwrwic

“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.”

Committee

Ivo Lukas, Co-Chair

Ivo Lukas is the Founder/CEO for 24Notion. 24Notion is the first global creative marketing/digital PR & lifestyle agency with special emphasis on giving back to the global communities. With a broad understanding the art of non- traditional marketing, new media, communications and social influence, 24Notion uniquely understands how to connect your brand strategy with the right consumer. We know how to merge ideation with innovative solutions, producing an integrated approach that effectively blurs the line of interactive advertising, public relations and marketing. 24Notion ranked #12 in Corporate Philanthropy nominated by Portland Business Journal Book of List.

Ivo is passionate about leading, nurturing and mentoring the next generation, especially young girls, whose aspire to be in technology. She is the advocate of encouraging positive, inspiring and improving lives of the young girls to gain an entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills. She is leading the Global Girls in Tech mentorship program with goals to support young girls ages K-12, college professionals and young entrepreneurs on the importance of math, tech and science at a young age that will embrace, collaborate and promote growth and success for young girls to stay in the technology sector.

She won a few awards and nominated as Women of Influence of 2013 by PBJ; Classy award philanthropist of 2012; Huffington Post “Passionistas”- women of influence 2011; Top women in business Twitter must follows 2012; NAAMBA Global Emerging Leaders under 40; Digital/Multicultural Entrepreneur of the week by MMTC; Interactive Media Awards-Outstanding achievement awards; PR News Corporate social responsibility Awards, Excellence Award winner of best Authenticity of fresh innovative idea/category. She is an advocate of non-profit organizations that encourage the empowerment of next generation leaders.

Connect with her @MsSonicflare @24notion

Pamela Harrison, Chair of Industry Relations, Co-founder

Pamela is a Software Evangelist at Intel who helps customers make their mobile apps work. She earned her BA in Language at the University of California, and her MS in Computer Science at the California State University. She loves the exciting, intense industry experience, as well as working with others to create great products.  In her spare time she enjoys participating in hackathons, tech meetup groups, and playing with new technology such as Intel’s new Perceptual Computing SDK which recognizes finger gestures.

Aside from software development, Pamela is passionate about sharing her love of software with others.  As well as co-chairing the NWrWIC Conference for women in computing, she is very active in tech education with both students and professors.  She has attended OGPC (the Oregon Games Project Challenge) over the last few years as presenter, judge, and coach.  She is active with the regional committee of the NCWIT Aspirations Award.  She coached a high school girls FIRST robotics team for 3 years, the PacBots from Tigard High School, and still participates as a software/hardware inspector at the FTC competitions.  She has taught robotics at G2CS, a summer camp for 7th and 8th grade girls.

Pamela would love to speak with you at the conference, please do not hesitate to say hello and ask any questions you have.

 Jenny Pessa, Program Manager, Co-founder

Jenny Pessa received her BS in Computer Science at Washington State University in 2014 and a BS in Forest Resources Ecosystems Management in 2001 from the University of Idaho. She returned to school after a successful career in forestry where she developed SQL and Access databases for use with GIS and wildlife and fishery data. During her time in forestry, Jenny became a silviculture forester responsible for the reforestation management of over 63,000 acres of a private industry tree farm. Jenny is passionate about volunteering and has worked as a tutor in the SW Washington MESA Summer Scholars program as well as being one of the founding members of the successful NWRWIC conference. In her free time, Jenny enjoys spending time with her husband and 4 children and perfecting her gorgeous yard. Her favorite activity at any time of the year is to take long walks and explore the beaches of the Oregon Coast.

Marea Cobb, Branding Committee Chair, Co-founder

Marea Cobb is a Data Scientist at Intel who works on developing algorithms to intelligently decide how to allocate compute resources. She received her B.S. in Biology from Washington State University and her M.S. in Biomedical and Health Informatics from the University of Washington.  Outside of school she enjoys playing soccer, computer games, and cooking. She is one of the original organizers of the NWrWIC conference.