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Abstract:
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An organized women's network that delivers relevant programming, offers mentoring opportunities, promotes successful women as role models, and connects women through networking opportunities is a powerful organizational tool. Sometimes it can be difficult just for women to find each other in a technical workplace where they are typically underrepresented. Developing a formal network can help to build bridges that would not have otherwise existed for women to advance their skills, their confidence, and ultimately their careers. This session will explore a case study of the development, challenges, and successes of the San Jose Women's Interest Network (SJWIN) that was started at the IBM Silicon Valley Lab in late 2004. This group began as an extension to an existing women's group at a neighboring IBM location, but has grown to become the most active and vibrant IBM women's network in the Silicon Valley region as well as a model for other sites beginning to develop their own groups. This session describes a set of best practices for developing your own vibrant and successful women's network.
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