Women in IT Week | Breaking Through The Digital Ceiling Panel

** You must register here (https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/vancouver-women-in-it-week-breaking-through-the-digital-ceiling-tickets-24444155126) in order to attend!**

Lower numbers of women in tech, both in technical roles as well as having founder and/or leadership roles, is a prevalent discussion both within the industry and in mainstream media. Join Lighthouse Labs (http://www.lighthouselabs.ca) and our diverse group of panelists as we start an important conversation around why it’s important to increase diversity in the industry and workplaces, and most importantly what can we do to encourage women to consider careers in tech?

Moderator

Sylvia Walker-Wavell, Lighthouse Labs GM

A diverse background, including being a clinical hypnotherapist! Sylvia has always had a passion for technology and often has a personal project on the go where she is self teaching herself to code.

Panelists

Keith Ippel, Co-Founder Spring University, Spring.is

Keith has been in Vancouver’s tech industry since 2011 and has mentored and is an advisor to countless tech companies, many led by women. He is passionate about helping entrepreneurs who have high growth potential and want to help make the world a better place!

Amber Spencer, Lighthouse Labs Alumni, Software Developer at Men’s Health Foundation

Amber’s background is anything but technical! She eventually found her way to Lighthouse Labs where she is quickly has grown her experience from Jr-Int level developer. She will be sharing her experiences on why it took so long to discover her passion for tech, what trends she sees working in the industry and what advice she would give to encourage more women to pursue careers in tech

Bethany Foote, Director of Software Development, Hootsuite

CompSci Degree combined with 15+ years experience in the tech industry first as a developer and then moving into management roles, Bethany is passionate about building diverse teams and workplaces and is a mentor at YWCA.

Sarah Blackmore, Director of People and Talent Development, Bench

Sarah is responsible for developing & implementing the long term people growth & happiness strategy. At Bench they believe in diverse teams and actively look for “benchmates” that bring their own perspective to the team vs. fitting into their mold.

Leslie Collins, People and Culture Manager, Unbounce

Leslie is particularly passionate about empowering women in business and tech! Currently she volunteers to mentor young women through the Glass Ceiling Demolition Company and the Minerva Project. Committed to increasing the number of women in tech she is championing a diversity initiative at Unbounce.