Last night at the TechFlash: Women In Tech event we were able to meet some great women in the tech industry. Bing was there in full effect giving away all sorts of Bing goods and chit chatting in the hallways.

After a jammed packed social hour of eating, drinking and mingling we all headed into the main room where a panel of very talented and insightful women continued the discussion. Shahla Aly, vice president at Microsoft kicked it off talking about the declining number of women in the tech industry and what we as a community can do to help spark interest in the younger generation. She highlighted some of the work Microsoft does with high school girls through a program called Digigirlz and really called on us to help change the declining trend of women in tech. The panel of women then discussed the importance of mentoring and sponsorships for those of us already in the tech to help sustain the current employment numbers as well as the need to early education for young girls in middle   school and high school.

It was a great event to recognize the 100 top women in tech (waaahooo Betsy!) and to discuss some of the issues surrounding being a woman in the technology industry.

I am looking forward to the next event already!!

Kristin Meldahl – A woman in tech

 

If you are interested in the next TechFlash events:

PSBJ’s Women of Influence Awards on Nov. 19, 2009; register here.
TechFlash Holiday Party & Birthday Bash on Dec. 9, 2009; register here.