More than 300 attendees attend WNY Women in Tech event

For the first time, the conference is a half-day conference that includes panel discussions, as well as workshops and breakout rooms hosted by employers involved in the technology industry. Additionally, for the first time, the event's keynote speakers were from outside the region, providing an even wider range of perspectives.

This was also the largest number of visitors ever. Approximately 600 professionals, novices to technology, people in technology jobs, students, and women supporters had registered for the event, and at least 300 of them were in attendance by the time the event began in the late afternoon.

While the numbers are improving, women still make up just over a quarter of the U.S. tech workforce, even though they make up more than half of the country's workforce. This makes events like this all the more important.

“The interest is there and there is a strong desire to participate and be involved,” said Sarah Tambakhchi Ripa, president and CEO of TechBuffalo, which co-sponsored the event with Be in Buffalo and 43North. I think so,” he said.

Julie Elberfed, CEO of Atlanta-based Women Who Code, says that because women are underrepresented in the tech industry, they can sometimes feel isolated at work. But such events help bring women together and feel energized and supported, said Elverfed, one of the event's three keynote speakers.

The event provided an opportunity to further develop technology and professional skills, connect with peers facing similar challenges, and explore diverse career paths in the technology field.

“Whenever I'm asked to share my thoughts and insights, I'm always happy to participate,” says the actress, who has spent the past decade passionately engaged in the conversation surrounding women, their underrepresentation, and some of the women in tech. Elverfed said. Obstacles and exclusionary tactics that exist.

“It's great to see communities like Buffalo coming together around this topic,” she added. “I think this collaboration between companies that shows real support is critical to changing the industry.”

Julie Samuels, president and executive director of Tech:NYC, and Holliday Sims, a computer science student at the University at Buffalo who is the student face of UB's efforts in artificial intelligence, also gave keynote addresses.

The event began with a panel discussion on regional tech hub designation in a packed venue, followed by workshops and breakout rooms where attendees received feedback and had the opportunity to participate in a Q&A.

Discussion topics included salary negotiations, non-traditional starts in technology, and the use of artificial intelligence. Employers participating in the event include M&T Tech, Moog, Rich Products, Villa Maria, Delaware North, Lighthouse Technology Services, Lakelet Capital, National Grid, and Ingram Micro.

“We are honored to champion women within and beyond our startup ecosystem and pave the way for the next generation of female technology leaders,” said Colleen Heidinger, president of 43North. . “We are honored to see this event grow, but we know this is just the beginning.”

Buffalo startup Aille Design has been named a top 10 finalist in Barclays Small Business Big Wins, a national competition for small business owners, and needs the public's help to win $60,000 in prize money .

The competition aims to highlight and recognize small and medium-sized enterprises that have shown innovation and resilience, especially in adapting to economic conditions. Aille Design is a Braille fashion brand focused on inclusive fashion for the visually impaired and representatives of the disabled community.

Until April 19, the public can vote for Aille Design every day at BarclaysSmallBizBigWins.com. Winners will be announced the week of May 1, coinciding with National Small Business Week. Buffalo's Frank Gourmet Hot Dogs won this contest in 2020.

The company's founder, Alexa Jovanovic, said Isle Design is in growth mode, with major brands and organizations reaching out to the company to gain expertise on the subject and collaborate with brands. Ta. In recent months, Aille Design has sold branded braille products to Amazon, Wendy's, and the NBA-G League to promote accessibility efforts.

The e-commerce brand uses intricate, fully legible Braille beadwork at its core to create inclusive, adaptable, and stylish clothing that can be worn by anyone. Allie Design also includes her Alexa husband, Jake Walsh, and is located in her office space at The Foundry on Buffalo's East Side.

“We have an even bigger opportunity to acquire globally recognized brands this year, and we urgently need to expand our team and local manufacturing capacity,” Jovanovic said. “Winning $60,000 will give us instant peace of mind as we expand our business, but it goes beyond that. This win is an opportunity to create ample growth and job opportunities for Buffalo.”

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The Buffalo Next team provides a complete picture of regional economic revitalization. Email your tips to [email protected] or contact Buffalo Next editor David Robinson at 716-849-4435.