Apr 25 2019 10:18 AM - edited Nov 06 2019 09:15 PM
Q: What is #WomenITPros?
A: #WomenITPros supports women in tech jobs that don't involve coding - and there are lots of them, from helping deploy the code in technical consulting, running the code in IT operations, or even supporting the development of code in roles like program management, technical writing, and technical marketing! There are lots of groups out there for women interesting in coding, like www.womenwhocode.com and girlswhocode.com, and code.likeagirl.io and they are doing awesome and important work. #WomenITpros is a grassroots, volunteer initiative to show women that they can make a real contribution to the tech world without ever writing a line of code. Join us to learn more about the many options that are available, learn skills, and meet and support other women on the ITPro path. Because if we give women the impression that they have to code to work in tech, we're missing out on talent!
Q: Is the group just for women?
A: No! We welcome anyone of any gender identity! Our mission is to support any humans who work, or want to work, in the ITPro world and identify partly or wholly as women, or even as any neutral gender. If you embrace diversity, if you want to learn more, if you want to support us, you are welcome here! #AlliesWelcome!
Q: Do I have to be an ITPro to participate?
A: No, we welcome anyone who is interested to drop by and say hi and network with us. If you're not an ITPro but might like to be one, we encourage you to post here about where you are on your journey and ask for the help you need! And if you code, or like helping women learn to code, that's OK, too - you're welcome here!
Q: What do you mean by "ITPro"?
A: The primary focus of this community is people who enable and support delivery of IT products and services, doing work like:
Q: How do I join #WomenITPros?
A: It's not really a club, more of a "virtual watering hole". But here are some suggestions on how to get involved:
Q: Is this just a Microsoft thing?
A: This space to organize on this wonderful humans of IT community is sponsored by Microsoft, but the discussion is not exclusive to Microsoft. Anyone can join us! Getting more women into tech, and making women feel welcome in tech, is much more important than drawing company lines. If you have suggestions and connections for speakers or topics for anything ITPro-related, let us know. We are open to all individual and companies, and discussing any kind of tech product, service, career advice, mentoring... tell us your ideas!
Q: What if I have more questions?
A: I'm Cathy and I facilitate the #WomenITPros community. Send me a private message, @ me here, or tweet me at @CxPCathy. We look forward to getting to know you!
Remember, tech is about more than coding, and there's a place for you and your skills in the ITPro world!