A new organization is coming to Jacksonville to bring much-needed support to female entrepreneurs and women in technology.
The Jacksonville chapter of Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship held its first meeting Tuesday night, bringing together about 17 women from diverse backgrounds.
The organization is relatively new to Florida. Founder and CEO Rachel Canipe founded the organization in 2022, with offices in Tampa, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and now Jacksonville.
“We have an unwavering mission to provide ambitious women across Florida with access to community, networking, peer mentorship, and educational opportunities, but we are committed to providing ambitious women across Florida with access to community, networking, peer mentorship, and educational opportunities. There are no physical barriers,” Canipe said.
Canipe said she founded the organization to help women succeed after experiencing many challenges during her more than 10-year career in the technology industry. These issues range from lack of representation to cultural issues to gender discrimination.
“I always hope that these situations will improve over time, and they certainly have, but to encourage the full participation of women in fields such as technology and entrepreneurship, It's not so much that you have to look at it,” Canipe said.
More women participating could lead to more impactful products and businesses that benefit a wider range of society, she said.
Members of the new chapter feel there is a need for a professional organization like this in Northeast Florida. Camille Wilson, co-chair of the chapter, said she has lived in Jacksonville for 15 years and has never seen another organization focused on women like this.
“There are other communities for women, but not for technology. It's a very isolating world for women,” Wilson said.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, women hold 22.9% of jobs in computer, engineering and science fields in Duval County. Compared to the metropolitan areas where Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship chapters are located, only Orange County has a lower employment rate for women, at 22.3%.
If you are interested in joining the Jacksonville chapter of this organization, please visit our LinkedIn page. There is a “Sign Up” icon at the top.
Lead image: Members of the new Jacksonville chapter of Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship enjoy the chapter's first meeting on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Wicked Barley in Jacksonville. l Stephen Ponson WJCT News 89.9.
