Girls In Tech

Booz & Company has put out its annual report on Technology Industry trends that they see for the upcoming year.  We wanted to share these with you; and direct you to this very insightful article.

The letter begins:

“We offer you this look back at 2011, a glimpse into what we believe will be the major trends in the technology industry in 2012 and beyond, and an overview of the capabilities needed to succeed as those trends gather speed in the years ahead.

Past Is Prologue

The technology industry has long been characterized by change, but 2011 stands out as a year of shocks and surprises-and we expect more in 2012. Former industry leaders have been stumbling in the face of missed trends, while others have made enormous gains in creating new value. Asian players like Samsung, Huawei, and HTC are rising fast, even as service disasters humble several established providers. And many of the largest global companies have faced unprecedented leadership challenges.”

They go on to discuss, digitization, renewed large-scale M & A, and the urgency to build capabilities within corporations now — including deep customer insights and the effects of digitization on the ICT ecosystem, in general.   Further, they also touch on a topic which is very key today, as Congress, Secretary Clinton and others are mulling over and deciding on the future of our freedoms on the web.  Here is an excerpt:

“Effective governmental interaction: Finally, given how quickly digitization is taking place — not just in technology but in every industry — it is no surprise that governmental efforts to affect the process are gaining momentum. The Internet is a case in point: The possibility of stronger regulation of both privacy and copyright protection has the potential to affect how personal data is collected and content is created and distributed. And this in turn could have a serious impact on the Internet’s primary economic engine — paid advertising. Similarly, issues involving content, patents, and other forms of intellectual property are affecting not just how companies earn revenues but the M&A landscape as well; Google’s recent purchase of Motorola Mobility, as noted, is widely viewed as a move primarily to control the company’s many valuable mobile telephony patents. In light of such impacts, a final, crucial capability every technology company will need involves ensuring a clear understanding of the policy and legal environment in which it operates, and developing an effective voice for influencing the future course of that environment.”

The letter is a combined effort, posted by principal and partners: Alex Koster (Principal), Toshiya Imai, Dr. Pierre Peladeau, Matthew Le Merle, and Kenny Kurtzman.

To read the full letter by the partners, you may view it on their website, here.

(Quotes and photo courtesy of:  Booz & Company)

Tags: Booz & Company, Christine Oneto, digitization, innovation, technology, Trends
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It’s that favorite time of year when you get to vote for your favorite startups, entrepreneurs, apps and devices for the ever popular Crunchies!   But, did you ever stop to think where they got that cool, fine-crafted logo? Answer:  DESIGN about TOWN, the local design firm designing several other edgy logos seen on both tech and non-tech companies , as well as conferences such as FailCon and TC Disrupt.  The woman behind the company, Solana Crawford, is the powerhouse who started the firm which takes a unique approach to all design projects, big and small, that they undertake.

I caught up with Solana in her San Francisco office, recently, and I was quite interested to find out about her path that led her to such a place as her now award-winning company – a place far-removed from her native Argentina.  With over 17 years of experience in the print design and advertising fields, over 12 years in the web design and interactive world, she also has a strong background and focus in terms of Design Practice and Consulting.

Read all about her Start in the Field of Graphic/Web Design, all About DESIGN about TOWN, and On Giving Back in her Community.  All of this, as well as some more of those award-winning logos in this month’s Spotlight …

(And don’t forget to put in your Crunchies nomination by December 13th. :: Event takes place Tuesday, the 31st of January.)

Tags: Christine Oneto, Crunchies, design, DESIGN about TOWN, Disrupt, FailCon, Solana Crawford
Posted in All Chapters, Girls In Tech | 1 Comment »

We wanted to highlight this great video, a panel put on by Glamour/Conde Naste and moderated by All Things D’s own Kara Swisher.

You might ask: “What is a magazine like Glamour doing moderating such a panel?” To answer this, Editor Cindi Leive answers this way:  “Nothing is more glamorous than a woman with skills to make our world run more smoothly.”  Further, she adds: “We’ve always gone where the women are!”  I see this as a good sign!

With Hilary Mason of Bitly (their chief scientist), Stacy Brown-Philpot, director of Google-owned and operated properties; Julie Larson-Green, corporate VP of program management for Windows at Microsoft; Kati London, director of product for Zynga –  please enjoy as they talk the gamut of topics, including:  Why is it that girls, disproportionately, start to lose interest in science and math by the fourth grade? -to- How do we get women and girls interested in going into computer science and engineering degrees?, as well as how to foster role models for these skills in a career.

click to launch video

(photo & video credit: All Things D & Glamour)

Tags: All Things Digital, Bitly, Christine Oneto, glamour, Google, Hilary Mason, Julie Larson-Green, Kati London, microsoft, Stacy Brown-Philpot, women in tech, Zynga
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Ever stop to wonder what your life would be like these days without your iPhone, laptop, iPad, and / or BlackBerry?  Have we, as people of this technology age become so dependent on and accustomed to living with all our “screens” that it would be a shock to our system to actually slow down, start to read and digest a story in depth, pause, and go about remaining offline to contemplate it while simply, say, washing your car? — As opposed to:  reading a story, looking at your twitter feed immediately following, switching to Google to google the story and read others’ opinions about it, return to Twitter to tweet about it, then to Facebook to post status on it and Google + to ask your circles to comment on it, and then write a quick blog post about it on tumblr?  Wow – I’m exhausted just thinking as I’m typing about the scenario.  Powers calls this “Digital Maximalism.”

Well, this is exactly what William Powers thought and presents alternative methods for in his book ‘HAMLET’S BLACKBERRY: BUILDING A GOOD LIFE IN THE DIGITAL AGE.’  He proposes that:  Americans work hard. But, not enough of Americans play hard, as well. In today’s corporate world, vacation still means you’re tied to your BlackBerry or are required to check-in via e-mail, but what does that mean for our mental health?  How does one remain a dutiful employee without being imprisoned by digital technologies, meant to enhance life?  Powers actually offers alternatives – a bold, new approach to digital life – one that anyone can use to make better, smarter use of today’s technologies in the way they use them … perhaps more sparingly.  Small examples include:  implementing what he calls an “Internet Sabbath” or refraining from using the weekend for entire weekends; or creating what he calls “Walden Zones,” places in your home where no digital devices are allowed, such as your living room.  Very keen concepts, if you ask me.

By changing our digital habits, it is Powers’ belief that we can live a fuller life with balance and more depth.  I, for one, would welcome the change, particularly when it comes to conversations – in person or by voice over the phone, rather than text & email – with friends and family.  But, I’d also like to hear your points of view on the topic.  In the meantime, I will be checking out the book and reporting back with a full review in the weeks to come.  So, please comment with your thoughts — We’d love to hear from you!

(And, for those of you who must, check it out on the  ‘Hamlet’s Blackberry’ Facebook page, here.)

Tags: Christine Oneto, Digital maximalism, Hamlet's Blackberry, William Powers
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Launching over the last few days in New York City, General Assembly (GA) is a new “urban campus” which will offer a place for entrepreneurs and technology leaders alike to congregate and thrive.  With partners such as NYC Economic Development Corporation, IDEO, Rackspace, Silicon Valley Bank, Skype, Wilson Sonsini, and NYHacker, they plan to provide educational opportunities and further this initiative in their downtown Manhattan location.  Located at Broadway & 20th, they will hold seminars, lectures and workshops, in addition to be a space for start-ups to set up shop, (and many already have!)  Those start-ups already taking advantage of the space include Art.sy, Fashim, Food52, JIBE, NewsCrd, Yipit, SeatGeek, and  Nodejitsu.

In their words, they are a  ” campus for entrepreneurs seeking to transform industry and culture through technology and design. We provide programming, space, and support services to foster collaborative practices and learning opportunities.”  An example of what their space can provide:  in a day, you might see classes on emerging APIs, HTML5, a storytelling workshop, and a social gathering of gaming industry leaders.  Think of a cross between co-working spaces like NextSpace, and a TEDx conference, all in one!  If you are a entrepreneur, speaker or otherwise would like to get involved, check out their link: here or email them.

As someone who is one to devour any and all new tech knowledge and a self-professed life-long learner, GA is a place I would definitely head when in the area!  Check them out, if you have a chance.

Tags: art.sy, Christine Oneto, entrepreneurship, Manhattan, Rackspace, Skype, social, start-ups, Wilson sonsini
Posted in All Chapters, New York | 1 Comment »

If you are like me, you may wonder:  I cannot travel abroad to help flood or earthquake victims, but what can I do from home?  Well, here’s your chance. The International Museum of Women, as part of their Economica global program are conducting a survey in which they need input from women like you!  Read about their effort and how you can join in, below:

Take a Survey for I.M.O.W. and Support the Pakistan relief efforts

We need your input! If you haven’t already taken the Economica: Women and the Global Economy online exhibition survey, this is your last chance. Take just 10 minutes to fill out this brief online survey, and your participation will help support our sisters in Pakistan!

For every person who completes the survey, I.M.O.W will donate $1* to the Global Fund for Women’s Crisis Fund for Pakistan to support women in Pakistan who are still recovering from the devastating floods that occurred earlier this year. 20 million people have been impacted. The Global Fund for Women’s Crisis Fund for Pakistan provides emergency support for women’s organizations in the country to rebuild communities where people are newly homeless and without food.

We value your input. Please help a good cause and support I.M.O.W.!   Take the survey, now.

(content via IMOW.org – Not initiated by Girls in Tech)

Tags: Christine Oneto, girls in tech, IMOW, International Museum of Women, The Global Fund for Women's Crisis Fund for Pakistan
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Join Girls in Tech and attend Silicon Valley Rocks!

Every year these masters of tech/music genius get together to rock the house for a great cause.  Local bands with artists from your fav companies like Apple, Rhapsody, SAY Media, and Oracle and Advent Software jam together & give a show that you will not soon forget.

Bands just announced include:

• LUCID MECHANISM — A sonic experience that gracefully abuses the preconceptions of live electronic music. Tech affiliations: Pyramind, Ex’pression College, Apple
• SID LUSCIOUS AND THE PANTS — Maximum new wave: the greatest 80′s band there never was. Tech affiliations: MOG, Gracenote, Rhapsody (co-creator), Liquid Audio & IODA (former employees)
• THE HOT TODDIES — Oakland’s sweethearts, The Hot Toddies mix 1950′s beach pop with indie rock riffs, a bottle of whiskey and a dry sense of humor.
• THE OPEN SOURCE BAND — SV’s original cover band featuring special guests Randi Zuckerberg, Chris Pan and Jay Webster and Larry Marcus, Andrew Stess, and Alison Murdock. Tech affiliations: Facebook, Quova, Walden Venture Capital, Amplified Music Services
• INGAR BROWN AND THE FUTURE FUNK — Funk, hip-hop, soul, dance and R&B all wrapped up in an eclectic box that’s ready to get any party started. Brown was on the short list for a Grammy nomination in 2009 and other band members come from Busta Groove.
• SONIC LOVE TONIC — Second place winners at the Emergenza Battle of the Bands in 2009, classic American rock ‘n roll with a hipster twist. Tech affiliations: Dogster, CBSi (CNET)
• RUBBERSIDEDOWN — Radio-friendly, 70′s hard rock with an alluring rough edge.
• COVERFLOW— Energetic and fun cover band who has made the tech-party circuit from TechCrunch to The Lobby.

Get your early bird discount tickets soon! Click here: http://svrocks2010.eventbrite.com/ — Do it this week before the prices go up!

Best of all  Music in Schools Today (MuST) is the main beneficiary of this awesome event. All proceeds for Silicon Valley Rocks! will be donated to support music education in schools, especially those low-income schools that need it the most.  It is proven that the learning of music by kids in school can very positively affect their academic careers.  (I can speak from experience, being a former flutist (and drummer in summer music school, if you can believe it. ) I thank my parents and grandparents every day for giving me the gift of music appreciation at an early age.  So please come out to support this great cause … And have a blast at the same time!

Note:  Earlybird pricing expires on November 1.

Event Details:

WHEN: 7:00PM on December 1, 2010

WHERE: Great American Music Hall:  850 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco – Between Polk & Larkin and Ellis & O’Farrell

WHO: Silicon Valley Rocks! benefiting Music in Schools Today (MuST)

TICKETS: Click Here

(photo credit: Ed Jay)

Tags: Christine Oneto, girls in tech, Great American Music Hall, Music in Schools today, Rhapsody, SAY Media, Silicon Valley Rocks, tech
Posted in All Chapters, San Francisco, Silicon Valley | No Comments »

On Tuesday, the San Francisco Department on the Status of Women, Verité, along with Calvert Investments, announced the launch of the new Gender Equality Principles (GEP) Initiative at the Merchants Exchange Building in San Francisco. And, it’s about time, right?

Also on Tuesday, the Friends of the San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women, a non-profit group that has worked for thirty-five years to raise awareness and also funding for the Commission hosted an awards luncheon for the eight recipients of the 2010 CEDAW Women’s Human Rights Awards. Those honorees include: Barbara J. Krumsiek, Calvert President & CEO and Cecily Joseph, Director of Corporate Responsibility, Symantec.

At the luncheon, a new website tool was unveiled – (you can see it at: http://www.genderprinciples.org) – that offers practical standards to which companies can aspire and measure against in assessing their progress on seven fundamental gender equality issues. Among the seven issues are: work life balance, management and governance, supply chain, and marketing practices.

The leadership, expertise and knowledge that went into the collaboration between the GED and Calvert were being realized and publicly shared on Tuesday, with a goal to help companies improve gender equality from the factory floor to the boardroom and everywhere in between. This is, as we all now, far overdue. I think people have taken for granted, of late, that there actually is some equality. And, thus, the inequality has been overlooked for much too long. So, we are very thankful for this partnership!

As stated by Dr. Emily Murase, executive director of the San Francisco Department on the Status of Women: “We are proud of this partnership to develop the GEP Initiative. The tool was created with input from leading Bay Area companies who see a strong business case in recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce. As the only city in the world to have adopted the UN Women’s Treaty (CEDAW) as a local ordinance, San Francisco has always been at the forefront of women’s rights. This globally recognized Initiative furthers our innovative work.”

Calvert President & CEO Barbara J. Krumsiek said: “Calvert is honored to be here today as a collaborator on the Gender Equality Principles and on the new website tool as they both embody the tenets of the Calvert Women’s Principles, the first global code of corporate conduct focused exclusively on empowering, advancing and investing in women worldwide, and the most progressive contemporary policies and best practices in gender equality. San Francisco residents should be proud to live in a city that exercises such leadership on gender equality.”

I, for one, am looking forward to what more will come out of this fabulous, very productive and inspirational partnership!

(images & quotes courtesy of www.genderprinciples.org)

Tags: Barbara J. Krumsiek, Calvert, Cecily Joseph, Christine Oneto, Equality, gender, San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women, Women's Human Rights Award, Women's ORganizations
Posted in All Chapters, San Francisco | No Comments »

See Mike Maples Jr. at the Founder Showcase – 15% Off.

Mike Maples, Jr., Managing Partner of FLOODGATE (and early investor in Twitter and Digg), encourages entrepreneurs to build “Thunder Lizard” companies – small, disruptive startups that require little money, but are “hatched by atomic eggs” and eat the competition like Godzilla.

Are you one of these companies?

Find out at the 5th Founder Showcase on Thursday evening, October 21st, in Mountain View where Maples will give the Keynote speech. The Founder Showcase gathers 300 top technology CEOs, investors, and early-stage companies in Silicon Valley for one action-packed night each quarter to network, hear talks from leading CEOs, and help launch a startup company to greatness. Guests will also see pitches from 10 startup companies in an exciting (and free) Pitch Competition, and network with over 40 investors in a demo table area where other startups will launch and showcase their wares.

Tickets start at just $40, and GIT readers get 15% off with the code GIT. Click here to register now – there are less than 75 tickets and inexpensive tables left, and the last three Founder Showcase events have sold out.

Want a FREE Table to meet investors and show off your company to the crowd?  The Funded is giving away a table (which includes two tickets) – either retweet this post, or use the hashtag #foundershowcase and the URL http://bit.ly/9OlVo8 in a tweet by Friday, Oct. 15th, and on that day we’ll announce a random winner on our @thefunded and @founding Twitter accounts.

Judges include:

Rebecca Lynn, Partner, Morgenthaler Ventures

Gus Tai, General Partner, Trinity Ventures

George Zachary, General Partner, Charles River Ventures

Venue

Tags: #foundershowcase, Christine Oneto, disruptive, entrepreneurs, Founders Showcase, Founding, girls in tech, Mike Maples Jr., The Funded
Posted in All Chapters, Events, San Francisco, Silicon Valley | No Comments »

Calling all up and coming women entrepreneurs!:  It’s time for women with great ideas to ignite their company’s visibility and growth.

Vator.tv, a leading social network for entrepreneurs and innovators, and of news and information through VatorNews, has partnered with Girls in Tech, a social network enterprise focused on the engagement, education and empowerment of like-minded, professional, intelligent and influential women in technology.

Together, we are hosting our first-ever Amplify Business Pitch Competition – Awarding women-led start-ups, which will be held on November 18th in San Francisco.  With keynote speaker Esther Dyson, an active angel investor in our community, it will be an educational as well as inspirational event and a setting for like-minded budding business owners to learn from this maverick in the field.  (Read more about Esther and her rise to start-up expertise, here.)

We hope you will join us in making this the must-attend women’s start-up event of the season.  Bring your fresh ideas and entrepreneurial spirit to converge with the best of the best!

WHAT: Amplify Business Pitch Competition

WHEN: November 18, 2010 9AM to 5PM

WHERE: Microsoft Labs, San Francisco, CA

TO REGISTER: http://gitamplify.eventbrite.com/ — We look forward to seeing you there!

Tags: AMPLIFY, Christine Oneto, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, Esther Dyson, Vator.tv
Posted in All Chapters, Events, San Francisco | No Comments »