So the buzz around the Web 2.0 conference in New York City is: why should an organization fostering growth within the tech sector as it pertains to women and girls name the organization “GIRLS IN TECH” – well, here is a clean-cut answer to that question: In February 2007, when we were figuring out what to name the organization, we thought of a few key words that would be representative of the Girls in Tech brand, the events that we were to produce and people that we would attract - “FUN,” “SMART,” “EDUCATIONAL,” “ENGAGING,” “CUTTING EDGE,” “MENTORING,” “EMPOWERING,” “WEB 2.0,” “FEMININE,” “NETWORKING.”
We felt that the word “Girls” provided a more ubiquitous platform for women of all ages to be a part of an organization that strives to educate, mentor and empower current leaders in tech as well as help aspiring women and girls in tech pave a path to a successful career in technology. We strongly believe that a very well-rounded woman is a powerful woman, focusing on an industry that is exciting, thriving and innovative and dedicating attention to what it means to be a girl or a woman – yes, some tech girls like to shop, achieve a higher education, wear make-up, play instruments, become authors, cook, and have kids (to name a few activities).
Using the word “woman” to describe the organization, as noted by Sarah Lacy, is a bit “too formal” and we wanted the overarching theme to encompass a sense of passion, fun, excitement and empowerment. Basically, enjoying every minute of every day that YOU work in or to your career in technology.
After all, “GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN (in tech)!”
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