This year, WomenTech Network made a significant impact as an official Silver Partner of TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, held in San Francisco—one of the most anticipated events in the tech world. TechCrunch Disrupt is renowned for being the launchpad for revolutionary startups, groundbreaking technologies, and future-focused conversations about the evolution of industries. With its unique combination of startup pitches, thought-provoking panel discussions, and high-level networking opportunities, the event attracts global leaders, innovators, investors, and change-makers from all sectors of tech.
The 2024 edition strongly emphasized building and scaling startups, including curating culture and creativity, the Future of Work and Hiring Trends for 2025, aligning perfectly with WomenTech Network's mission of empowering women in technology and promoting a more inclusive tech ecosystem. As part of this partnership, Lori Lizotte, Chief Revenue Officer at WomenTech Network, led two high-impact sessions, addressing critical topics related to inclusive hiring and fostering diversity in the tech industry.
WomenTech Network’s Panels at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024
Lori Lizotte moderated two Roundtable discussions on October 28th titled "Creating Inclusive Hiring Practices in Fast-Growing Companies." In this session, Lori brought together Founders, Early Stage Startups, Recruiters and industry professionals to discuss the challenges and opportunities of building diverse teams in fast-scaling organizations. The panel explored strategies for making hiring practices more inclusive, particularly for women and underrepresented groups, as companies grow and expand rapidly.
During the session, Lori highlighted the critical role of inclusivity in driving innovation and long-term success. She noted, “Inclusive hiring isn’t just about checking a box, its core to your value as an organization. It’s about accelerating scale and reaching untapped markets through diverse perspectives that fuel creativity and innovation. Companies that understand this will always have a competitive edge."
Lori and the panelists also addressed the need for structural changes in hiring processes, such as bias-free recruitment tools and more transparent evaluation methods. The conversation struck a chord with many attendees, offering practical insights for startups and established companies alike.
Lori’s insights during this panel were especially impactful. "The future of tech and innovation depends on its ability to reflect the full diversity of the world it serves. To truly drive progress, we must actively build ecosystems where everyone—regardless of gender, race, accessibility, background, or any intersecting identities—has a voice and can contribute meaningfully. Recognizing the importance of intersectionality is crucial, as it ensures we address the unique experiences and barriers individuals face. By doing so, we foster a more inclusive, equitable, and innovative tech landscape that can adapt to and solve the complex challenges of tomorrow."
This conversation examined the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and leadership development programs that foster inclusivity from the ground up. Panelists also shared examples of successful initiatives that have helped increase representation in tech, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and action.
WomenTech’s Role in Disrupting the Status Quo
The partnership between WomenTech Network and TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 represents a significant step in pushing forward the conversation on diversity in tech. With its mission to empower women and underrepresented groups, WomenTech Network has been at the forefront of creating opportunities for women in technology, and Lori Lizotte's leadership at the event further solidified the organization’s commitment to this cause. The discussions at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 resonated with many attendees, sparking ideas on how the industry can be more inclusive while fostering innovation.
Attendees praised the insights from Lori’s panels, noting that the sessions provided a roadmap for how companies can build more inclusive work environments, recruit diverse talent, and support women’s advancement in tech careers. The event overall became a platform where key industry players could connect and share their strategies for building a more equitable tech industry.
Looking Forward: Join Us at the Women in Tech Global Conference 2025
Following the success at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, WomenTech Network is already looking ahead to its flagship event: the 6th edition of the annual Women in Tech Global Conference (WTGC 2025), taking place May 20-22. As a virtual-first event, WTGC 2025 allows participants from around the globe to join, ensuring broad accessibility and the chance to connect with a diverse, international community.
If you enjoyed the discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion at TechCrunch Disrupt, then WTGC 2025 will offer even more opportunities to explore these vital topics. The conference will feature inspiring keynotes, practical workshops, and panel discussions from leaders across the tech spectrum. In previous years, speakers from top companies like Microsoft, Google, AWS, Oracle, IBM, and many more have shared their insights, offering attendees unparalleled access to industry expertise.
We look forward to seeing you at WTGC 2025, where together we will continue disrupting the tech industry for the better. Get your Super Early Bird ticket or secure group tickets for your team/ERG and join the event together.
