Want to Better Support Inclusivity in IT? Join the ‘Allyship That Makes an Impact’ Webinar

On Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, from 2-3 p.m., Women in Technology at UCI (WIT@UCI) is hosting a webinar on “Allyship That Makes an Impact: How to Support Women in IT.”

“We designed an event around allyship as a key step to having an open dialogue on the challenges women and underrepresented minorities experience in the workplace ,” says Shohreh Bozorgmehri, WIT@UCI founder and director of the Student and Academic Services Division of UCI’s Office of Information Technology (OIT). “We invited an expert, author Karen Catlin, to talk about key actionable steps toward a culture change by creating an inclusive environment through supportive allies.”

Catlin will provide the keynote, drawing form her book, Better Allies: Everyday Actions to Create Inclusive, Engaging Workplaces. She will then lead a fireside chat with Jennifer Wong-Ma, associate professor of teaching in the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences (ICS), and Jason Valdry, assistant dean in the Claire Trevor School of the Arts. The discussion will cover the challenges faced by women and other underrepresented employees, and how each of us can act as better allies.

“One of WIT@UCI’s goals is helping women and underrepresented minorities thrive as leaders and innovators,” says Bozorgmehri. “Allyship is a critical factor to reach this mission.”

Everyone, regardless of gender, is invited to join the discussion, so be sure to register today. You can also download an allyship virtual background to help spread the word about the event on Wednesday.

“I plan to attend,” says ICS Dean Marios Papaefthymiou, “and hope you will be able to join.”