Let's get acquainted
A community that helped women in New York tech find friends, or at least an ally, one small, social, no-pressure event at a time.
About
It's uncomfortable being the outsider. We've all been there: walking into a room where everybody else seems to know each other and nobody gives you a second glance. Or worse, they give you a second glance and still decide not to say hi. Ouch!
The technology and startup scenes can be even more intimidating, especially to women. How do you break the ice when it feels like you're the only one in the room who doesn't know the inside scoop?
NYTechWomen started as a meet-up group to help people find friends, or at least an ally, as you navigate your next step as a technologist. Instead of being centered around a speaker or topic, our events were focused on mentorship, sharing, and education in a social and open environment to help people relax and be themselves. The first event was named, simply, Let's Get Acquainted. We thought that sounded frickin' nice, and so did our members.
As NYTechWomen evolved and membership grew, we began to host more targeted events aimed to bring awareness to the number of smart, strong women in this industry. It was still the same simple concept: relax and get to know each other, but with a shared purpose. Let's give each other a leg up and let's go get 'em!
Some of the nights we remember
- May 8, 2012Social Hour at Vapiano
- Aug 9, 2012ffVC Social Hour
- Sep 6, 2012Ignite Your Ambition at Patch AOL
- Sep 23, 2012Shoot for Success
- Oct 3, 2012FDM Group event
- Oct 22, 2012Mentorship Program Kickoff
- Nov 2012#ManicMonday Social Hour
- Dec 3, 2012Our first birthday party
- Feb 17, 2013Social Media Week Social Sunday
- Dec 7, 2013Collaborative Design Day: To Work, To Learn, and To Party! The launch of Bella Minds
Plus monthly #ManicMondays, NY Tech Meetup pre-meetups, and a peer-to-peer mentorship program.
The name techwomen.co was chosen on purpose. New York was meant to be the first of many: ny.techwomen.co, then fl.techwomen.co, ca.techwomen.co, and wherever else women wanted a room of their own.
Organizers
Jennifer Shaw
Founder. Equal parts social connector, digital analyst, and adult-focused educator.
Jovena Whatmoor
Founder of Skillfer, placing women technologists in roles with room to grow.
Michelle Knittel
Director of Business Development, sponsorships and partnerships.
Viola Pirri
Director of Product.
Jen Marie Robustelli
Director of Community, building and engaging the membership.