This Zip Code Wilmington event empowers women to leap into tech

Dev school Zip Code Wilmington is inviting women in tech to be inspired, get informed and connect with industry leaders at the “IGNITE! Empowering Women to Take Action Through Technology” panel discussion on June 15.
According to recent statistics published by the National Center for Women & Information Technology, although women held 57 percent of professional occupations in the U.S in 2016, only 26 percent of computing jobs were held by women. The goal of the IGNITE event is to empower women to make the leap into technology and increase awareness of the benefits of diversity in tech, according to organizers.
The event is free and takes place at the the Grand Opera House in Wilmington.
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“Numerous studies show the positive effects on workplaces with a diverse workforce. Further, women make up half the population and need to be better represented in a field that’s shaping our future,” Zip Code Wilmington Head of School Melanie Augustin said via email. “We hope events like Ignite help inspire more diversity in the local tech scene. The event’s speakers will discuss ways to pursue a career in technology, career paths in the field and personal success stories.”
Dr. Robyn Odegaard will serve as the event’s keynote speaker. Augustin said Odegaard’s unique journey into technology will hit close to home for many attendees, specifically those who are considering a new career.
“Early in life, she struggled with feelings of being average and fought against accepting the status quo,” said Augustin. “She persevered and entered college at 32, earning her bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in only six and a half years. Robyn provides a powerful insight on the need to take risks and to support one another on our journeys.”