Charleston Celebrates a Decade of Empowering Women in Tech
Charleston, S.C. – The vibrant city of Charleston is buzzing with excitement as a *local organization*, dedicated to uplifting women in technology, marks a significant milestone—it’s been 10 years since the inception of the Charleston Women in Tech organization!
Founded in 2014, the organization started with a humble group of women but has since blossomed into a community of over 4,000 members. This growth is a testament to the ever-increasing need for initiatives aimed at *bridging the gender gap* in STEM fields: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. To celebrate this amazing journey, the organization is hosting a free anniversary event, inviting everyone interested in learning more about their work. The festivities will take place on Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Red Palm Tavern located on Romney Street. Those planning to attend are encouraged to register online, ensuring there will be enough space for everyone eager to join in the fun!
Focus on Gender Equality in STEM
The statistics regarding women’s representation in STEM are both enlightening and disheartening. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, women occupy only 26% of all jobs in STEM fields as of 2022. Breaking it down further, women hold just 15% of engineering positions while dominating the social sciences at 61%. This disparity highlights a pressing need for change, and the Charleston Women in Tech is stepping up to help make that happen.
As Executive Director Suzie Rybicki notes, narrowing these gender gaps is essential for providing women with *a seat at the table*—especially as companies increasingly turn towards technology to drive their operations. “Even if you look at Boeing for instance, they have a huge technology arm to what they do and that’s true for most companies here too,” she explains. “So we always say technology is the future for sure and will continue to need tech jobs within the market.”
Building Bridges through Networking and Mentorship
So how does the organization tackle this challenge? By offering a variety of programs that connect women who are either already in tech or aspiring to enter the field. These programs include annual events focusing on professional development and mentorship opportunities. Rybicki emphasizes the importance of these gatherings, especially for those who may still be on the fence about what exactly they want to pursue within technology. “We had a lot of people that just didn’t really know what they were interested in,” she shares. “They just knew they were pretty creative…they wanted to get into the technology space so we’ve had some amazing mentors that were able to teach them about user experience.”
Future Plans to Expand Impact
But the Charleston Women in Tech isn’t stopping here! They plan to expand their reach further across South Carolina, collaborating with the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness and other women in tech organizations in nearby cities. The goal is to implement best practices that can help fortify their efforts statewide.
Among the exciting initiatives on the horizon is the return of a local school program called **‘Code On.’** Aimed at introducing coding skills to students in underserved communities, this program is set to launch in the spring of 2025, continuing the organization’s commitment to fostering early interest in technology among future generations.
A Bright Future for Women in Tech
As Charleston celebrates this incredible milestone, it’s clear that the Charleston Women in Tech is not just about helping women thrive in their current roles but also about paving the way for future generations. The enthusiasm surrounding the organization resonates throughout the community, and with continued support and collaboration, there’s no telling how far they can go in closing the gender gap in STEM.
