Why Women Belong In Tech

One thing we know about the near future: women in tech leadership positions will increase. How that will play out was on the minds of everyone this morning at Bisnow’s Women in Technology panel at the Willard. 

With the interconnectedness of tech, women can offer so much more to the conversation about user experience, says EverFi COO Tammy Wincup. So much about tech is personal, from how it’s playing a role in education and healthcare to how it’s connecting like-minded people through mobile apps. Early stage tech companies are addictive to work for, adds Tammy, because of the ability to build something from scratch. 

newBrandAnalytics CEO Kristin Mulner says some women don’t have the pressure of pleasing an audience like some men do. So the energy she has to generate to overcome failures is less of someone who has an audience. Revolution SVP Song Pak says it’s so important for women to rely on a network of people as a sounding board or cheerleader. And setting expectations early and letting co-workers know them is also important, says Curbed co-founder and Vox Media VP Alexis Junega. That way co-workers aren't questioning how long you're working and when. She adopted more flexible hours after having a baby two years ago. 

BeClose CEO Liddy Manson says women need to mentor the next generation about taking time off: “If you don’t have balance when you’re young, you won’t have balance in the long run.” Information Experts CEO Marissa Levin also stressed seeking mentorship and coaching. She belongs to several groups of business leaders who meet regularly and talk candidly about everything from running a company to dealing with family issues. Chesapeake Regional Tech Council executive director Kris Valerio Shock was our wonderful moderator.