WIT is holding a Free New and Prospective Member Reception prior to the April WIT.Connect. This meeting is targeted to: all new members who have joined; other members who have never attended a new member orientation; anyone who is considering joining WIT and would like learn more about our organization (feel free to bring a friend!)

Don't miss the 11th Annual Women in Technology Leadership Awards. WIT will recognize 39 finalists across 10 categories, including four new award categories. Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on May 20, 2010 at the Ritz Carlton, Tysons Corner. Tickets and tables are available for the Leadership Awards Banquet.

As part of WIT’s mission to advance women in technology from the classroom to the boardroom by providing advocacy, leadership development, networking, mentoring and technology education; WIT is co-sponsoring the first Women in the Boardroom event here in the Washington D.C. area.

Women in the Boardroom is a two-hour executive leadership event designed to assist in the preparation for board service - better qualifying and connecting attendees with the right resources. Our panelists are executives with for-profit board experience and a desire to share their knowledge and necessary tools for serving as a director. Topics of discussion include the role of being a director, differences of a non-profit, private and public board, board selection process, being an effective board member, and positioning yourself for board service/taking the next step. More details about this event.

WBO’s Strategic Growth Symposium will set you and your business up for future success. Our speakers will highlight key areas that can make a difference in the growth of your company:

• When and how to set up an Advisory Board
• What are the ins and outs of expanding into Government Contracting
• How to protect your Intellectual Property
• How to leverage gender-based communications differences to boost your confidence and achieve what you want.

This is a WBO member event. WBO members may bring guests for an additional fee. More information about this event.

"Suited for Change is not just about suits...it's about changing the fabric of women's lives." WIT members are invited to join Suited for Change on May 5, 2010 from 6-9 p.m. at the Naval Heritage Center. The 18th anniversary celebration will feature great good, friends and fun, plus the opportunity to bid on fantastic items in the live and silent auctions. More info at www.suitedforchange.org.

Ready to Work consists of an encouragement network hour led by Ardel Fleeson, followed by a job search skills practicum, facilitated by Workforce Development Committee member and Certified Career Coach Judy Brannock. Each session includes tips, observations, realities, good news, and food for thought for the job seeker. More information about this event.

Please join the Executive Women’s SIG for one of our most enjoyable events at the lovely 2941 Restaurant in Falls Church. Set in among luxuriously landscaped woods, the restaurant features elaborately designed waterfalls, Koi ponds, and fountains that one can enjoy from many vantage points. We can network on their patio with beautiful views and delicious gourmet food. Let’s get together and catch up with old friends and meet new colleagues.

This event is limited to Executive Women plus guests. Attendees do not have to be EW SIG members. However, attendees must be in a director or higher level position (VP, GM, President, CEO, CTO, CIO, Exec., etc.). More information about this event.

Since 1998, the WIT Mentor-Protégé Program has linked professional women mentors and protégés for networking and learning. WIT Members who are considering career-changes, professional growth or exploring other avenues for success are encouraged to apply.

We are currently accepting applications for new Protégés in the Mentor-Protégé Program 25. Full details are on the WIT Web site at http://www.womenintechnology.org/content.asp?contentid=59. Applications are due by May 1, and the orientation will take place on Tuesday evening, June 9, 2010, with monthly sessions continuing through November.

Thirty Protégés are accepted into this cornerstone WIT program. If you are seeking to expand your horizons, learn from other successful women, and re-energize your career, this is the program for you. Women interested in participating as a Protégé can apply online.

We are also seeking new Mentors. If you are willing to share your time, experience and insights with other professional women, please apply online.

Forty percent of today’s women and minority chemists and chemical engineers say they were discouraged from pursuing a STEM career (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) at some point in their lives. U.S. colleges are cited as the leading place in the American education system where discouragement happens (60%) and college professors as the individuals most likely responsible for the discouragement (44%). The U.S. K-12 education system falls short, too. On average, the survey respondents give it a “D” for the job it does to encourage minorities to study STEM subjects and a “D+” for girls. (Bayer Facts of Science Education XIV survey, March 2010).

To register for events, visit www.womenintechnology.org and log in with your user name and password. Once logged in, click on the RSVP Now link by the event for which you wish to register.

If you are not a current member of WIT℠, please register by using the register without logging in link.

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