FSU’s College of Communication and Information is teaming up with Randstad Technologies and Women in Technology International (WITI) to bring a panel discussion with industry leaders to the Turnbull Conference Center on June 20th. From 5:30pm to 8:15pm, students, alumni, and community members interested in pursuing tech careers will have the chance to network and participate in a conversation about opportunities for women in the male-dominated STEM fields.  This event is designed to launch WITI in Tallahassee and find people interested in leadership roles.

WITI is an international organization whose mission is “to empower women worldwide to achieve unimagined possibilities and transformations through technology, leadership, and economic prosperity.” Through this network of accomplished women, WITI’s programs provide resources and help to women in STEM fields.

“CCI is very supportive of this initiative because having another strong network for women will support some of the work we’ve already been doing,” said CCI Associate Dean Ebe Randeree. “Through the College’s hosting of the Women in Leadership conference (now in it’s fifth year) and the student organization WISE (Women in IT/ICT Sharing Experiences), we’ve been looking to build opportunities for career development for our students and alumni. WITI will be a great addition to our existing portfolio of opportunities for our students.”

“Women play a vital role in IT and can fill a much need gap by bringing a fresh perspective and new ideas to tackle challenges,” said CCI alumna Wendi Cannon (B.S. Information Studies, 2000), the Director of IT at FSU’s College of Medicine and the immediate past president of Taltech (Tallahassee technology alliance). She will be one of the four women speaking on the panel. “I’ve had almost 20 years being a minority in the tech industry and I’ve see first hand the positive impact women can have in the industry. Organizations like WITI are great because they highlight the need for women in tech, facilitate connections among working professionals and help give women confidence in who they are. I’m really looking forward to learning from the other panelists and connecting with women in tech in our community.”

Another CCI alumna speaking on the panel is Sarah Tyson Alfano (B.A. Communication and Mass Media Studies, 2009). She is a Social Media Manager at SalterMitchell PR with experience in digital storytelling. Sarah said, “We’re at a point where technology touches our lives daily, no matter your field. My career began in communications and evolved to include a focus on tech as the way we communicate began to change. I’m excited to have WITI in Tallahassee to help women share their experiences in STEM careers and encourage other women to prepare for STEM opportunities.”

For details about Wednesday’s event and to register, click here. FSU students can attend for free using code “talrand620.”