On October 17th, as part of the Women in Tech Job Fair and Career Summit, four cities—Toronto, Barcelona, San Francisco, and Seattle—hosted engaging and impactful Local Connect events. These vibrant gatherings brought together women from diverse backgrounds and career stages, providing them with invaluable opportunities to network with each other, explore exciting career opportunities with leading tech companies, and gain inspiration from the personal and professional journeys of women making a difference in the tech world. With each event uniquely tailored to its local community, participants not only discovered new job prospects but also found a supportive space to share ideas, learn from industry leaders, and build meaningful connections that will help propel their careers forward.
Toronto: Hosted by Rakuten Kobo
The Toronto event, hosted by Rakuten Kobo, was a lively and engaging gathering that offered participants a unique experience. One of the most exciting moments was the raffle, where attendees had the chance to win fantastic prizes, including a WomenTech Network T-shirt and, generously provided by the host, a Kobo E-reader. This added an extra layer of fun and excitement to the event, with participants eagerly waiting to see if they would walk away with a special gift.
The event also featured a dynamic speed networking format, where participants took turns engaging with recruiters from top companies like AstraZeneca, Terrasense Analytics, and Quantum. This format gave everyone the opportunity to make meaningful connections in a short time, sparking insightful conversations about career growth and future opportunities.
With an atmosphere of collaboration and excitement, the evening ended on a high note, as participants enjoyed snacks and drinks while continuing to network with the Toronto Tech Community.
"These events bring incredible value, especially during challenging times. Creating spaces for women to come together, share their stories, and discover new opportunities is more important than ever" , said Cristiane Xavier, WomenTech Network Toronto Leader
Barcelona: Hosted by PepsiCo
In Barcelona, PepsiCo hosted a memorable event, highlighting the inspirational stories of several of their employees. Attendees not only got a glimpse into the company’s values and culture but also explored the various career paths available within PepsiCo. The event allowed women in tech to network with one another and with professionals from the local tech community, all while enjoying refreshments.
PepsiCo’s commitment to diversity and inclusion was a key theme throughout the event, as they showcased the career progression and contributions of women in their workforce.
"PepsiCo created an inspiring event, showcasing their commitment to diversity and inclusion through the career stories of their employees. It was a fantastic opportunity for women in tech to connect, network, and learn about the supportive culture within the company. We're grateful for their contribution to empowering women in the tech community!"
San Francisco: Hosted by New Relic
San Francisco's Local Connect event, hosted by New Relic, offered participants a unique and engaging experience, combining career exploration with fun activities. Attendees were introduced to the company’s culture and learned about open roles in a relaxed and supportive environment. New Relic employees were on hand to answer questions and provide insights into what it’s like to work at the company, creating a casual atmosphere where participants could explore whether the company might be the right fit for their next career move.
One of the standout moments of the event was the creative bingo card icebreaker, where participants had to network and talk to others in the room to find a match for their bingo card. This fun activity encouraged lively interactions and helped break down barriers, making it easier for women to connect with one another, share career advice, and gain valuable insights into the local industry landscape.
“ I am so honored to be part of a successful networking event meeting amazing women who are talented in various tech areas and looking into their next future positions. Partnering with Host New Relic was incredible and looking forward to many more events in the future”
Seattle: Hosted by Identity Digital
In Seattle, the event took place at Identity Digital, where participants were introduced to the company's values and culture. Attendees connected not only with Identity Digital employees but also with fellow women in tech from across the city. The event encouraged conversations about career growth, personal development, and the importance of community in tech.
The Seattle event emphasized the importance of women supporting each other, particularly in today’s uncertain economic climate. Participants left the event with new contacts, fresh perspectives, and a sense of belonging within the WomenTech community.
"In times of layoffs and uncertainty, these events serve as a reminder of the strength and resilience of women in tech. We’re creating opportunities and building networks that will carry us forward," shared Lori Lizotte, WomenTech Network CRO and Seattle Leader
The Impact of Local Connect Events Amid Economic Uncertainty
In a time when layoffs and economic uncertainty are affecting the tech industry, with over 230,000 tech workers laid off globally in 2023 alone (source: Layoffs.fyi), these Local Connect events offer a much-needed space for women to find new opportunities and lean on each other for support. The tech sector is seeing a sharp decline in job openings, with 50% fewer tech roles posted compared to previous years (source: CompTIA). Yet, the demand for diversity and inclusion remains critical, as women continue to be underrepresented in tech leadership roles, holding just 28% of tech management positions (source: McKinsey’s "Women in the Workplace" report).
By bringing together women in tech and providing direct access to companies still hiring, the WomenTech Network events offer a lifeline. Participants have the chance to explore career options in a welcoming environment, connect with potential employers, and engage in community support—essential tools for navigating these uncertain times.
Explore More Events and Career Opportunities
To explore all of our events and find out how you can be part of this incredible community, visit the WomenTech Network Events Page and subscribe to our newsletter to receive event notifications.
Looking for your next career move? Check out the WomenTech Network Job Board for exciting career opportunities with top companies around the world. Whether you're seeking a new role in tech or want to discover companies that value diversity and inclusion, the WomenTech Job Board is the perfect place to start your search. Explore opportunities now and take the next step in your career journey!
