Female technologists of color to take the stage at Tech Women Network event

After speaking at the Women in Tech Summit this spring, Signature RED tech consultant Jumoke Dada kept getting questions from women-of-color technologists.

They were looking for answers, for a roadmap.

“I realized there may be a need for something a little different to address specific needs and questions for women of color trying to navigate their careers and dreams,” said Dada, founder of the Tech Women Network. That’s the premise behind HUE Tech Talk — happening Nov. 2 at WeWork’s 1601 Market St. spot — where a lineup of women of color will speak about their professional paths at companies like Philadelphia Gas Works, Temple University and JPMorgan Chase.

Are you registered for #huetechtalk? https://t.co/A0pGnD6Mb4 #womenintech #diversityintech #techwomennetwork #wocintech #pocintech #STEM pic.twitter.com/7r5tFWeX8P

— Tech Women Network (@TechWomenWork) October 17, 2017

“I spoke to one of the creators of the Women in Tech Summit and shared reasons why I thought there may be a need for a summit for women of color specifically,” Dada recounts. “She thought it was a great idea and offered to support me.”

Since launching the Tech Women Network in March of this year, Dada said a good number of women of color have joined the network even though it’s not specifically aimed at that audience.

The event will feature a panel discussion, dinner and a fireside chat with Eloise Young, SVP of Strategic Planning and Information Services at Philadelphia Gas Works. Here’s the lineup of panelists:

• Dr. Jamie Bracey, Director, STEM Education, Outreach & Research, Temple University College of Engineering
• Naila Mattison, Community Manager, The ITEM
• Tiffany Polk, Executive Director, Global Technology, JPMorgan Chase
• Liz Brown, Co-CEO & Head of Design, Webjunto
• Rakia Finely, CIO, FIN Digital
• Darla Wolfe, Principal, SweatEquite

Dada said she wants attendees to walk away from the event with “the knowledge that they are not alone, because women of color are making major strides as employees and entrepreneurs in tech and understand the importance of everyone being connected.”