For the second consecutive year, Women in Tech Panama organized a dedicated space to highlight wellbeing as an integral part of professional development within its community.

The initiative underscored the direct connection between mental health, physical wellbeing, energy, nutrition and daily habits, and individuals’ capacity to work, study, lead and live effectively.

Throughout the morning, participants took part in a series of sessions led by the following speakers:

• Jannette Vargas (Infosgroup) — “Infos-Up! Your Next Level”
• Michelle Galindo (Sin Tanta Azúcar) — “Learning to Eat Better Without Making It Complicated”
• Marisabel Gil (Marintegral) — Music Session and Sound Therapy
• Ericka Camaño (VitalMinds) — “Your Mental Health Needs Maintenance Too”
• Edna Cochez — “How to Leverage Your Strengths to Launch a Digital Business”
• Dr. Guadalupe Castillo — Neuroscience and Technology
• Edil Espinoza and Etzel Delgado (E&E Fitness) — Functional Training

The event provided an opportunity for participants to learn, reconnect, reflect and engage in physical activity, while considering the question of whether sufficient space is being created in daily life for self-care.

Women in Tech Panama expressed appreciation to the speakers, volunteers, community members and partners who contributed to the event, with particular thanks to The Westin, Infosgroup, Tiara Boutique, Centro Trees and Marintegral.

The organization reaffirmed its view that empowering women in technology requires supporting the whole person behind the professional, in support of stronger women, healthier communities and greater impact.

Women in Tech® Global is pleased to announce that our Founder and CEO, Ayumi Moore Aoki, will join industry leaders from Microsoft and NTT in a strategic discussion on gender parity in STEM at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, Switzerland.

The session, titled “Driving Gender Parity in STEM for a Thriving Global Economy,” will examine how achieving gender equity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields is fundamental to driving sustainable economic growth and fostering global innovation.

Strategic Collaboration for Global Impact

This high-level dialogue brings together three powerhouses in the technology sector: Women in Tech® Global, with its presence in over 50 countries and community of 250,000 members; Microsoft, a global leader in software and cloud computing; and NTT, Japan’s telecommunications giant. This collaboration underscores the critical importance of public-private partnerships in advancing gender equity in technology.

Economic Imperatives of Gender Parity

The session comes at a pivotal moment when the technology sector’s influence on global economic growth continues to expand. Research consistently demonstrates that increasing women’s participation in STEM fields could significantly boost global GDP. This aligns with Women in Tech® Global’s mission to empower 5 million women and girls in STEAM by 2030, creating a substantial impact on both economic development and technological innovation.

Building on Global Partnerships

This speaking engagement builds upon Women in Tech® Global’s established partnerships with UN Women and our active participation in the World Economic Forum’s Edison Alliance. It represents another significant step in our organization’s commitment to driving systemic change through international cooperation and multi-stakeholder engagement.

Event Information

The session will take place on January 22, 2025, from 13:00 to 13:45 CET at Ice Village, Dome A, in Davos. It will address key topics including:
– Economic benefits of gender parity in STEM
– Strategic frameworks for achieving equity in technology sectors
– Role of public-private partnerships in advancing women in STEM
– Impact of gender-diverse technology teams on innovation

Looking Forward

This platform at the World Economic Forum provides an opportunity to advance the dialogue on gender equity in STEM at the highest levels of global leadership. Women in Tech® Global remains committed to ensuring that the outcomes of such high-level discussions translate into tangible benefits for women and girls in technology worldwide.

The event featured six distinguished industry experts, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences. They shared personal stories of how technology has empowered them to build successful, financially independent, and continuously evolving careers. The speakers included:

💫 Mbulelo Sochifa – Head of IT at Glacier by Sanlam
💫 Nqobile Mahlangu – Cybersecurity Business Engagement Lead at Absa Group
💫 Kgomotso W. – Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS)
💫 Phindile Shezi – QA Manager at takealot.com
💫 Cherzaan Perumal – IT Talent Acquisition Manager at The Shoprite Group of Companies
💫 Emma Mphahlele – CEO of Kids Innovate Africa – Robotics with Neurodiverse

These experts emphasized the critical role of technology in today’s rapidly evolving job market, where AI and robotics are transforming how we work. They highlighted that future jobs will demand a solid foundation in technology, making it essential for students to become tech-savvy to stay competitive.

The event was particularly impactful in addressing the gender gap in STEM fields. The female speakers, through their stories of resilience and success in male-dominated industries, inspired the grade 10, 11, and 12 students to understand that technology is not just for boys but is accessible to everyone passionate about innovation and problem-solving. Their journeys served as a powerful testament to the boundless opportunities available in the tech space, motivating students to consider careers that could shape the future.

Sea Point High School’s Career Day was a significant step towards empowering the next generation of tech leaders, fostering a more inclusive environment in technology and STEM careers.

On Friday, August 2nd, Women in Tech South Africa hosted an empowering Entrepreneurs Workshop at Philippi Village, where 70 talented young students gathered to explore the world of business. The workshop aimed to inspire and equip these budding entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge needed to turn their innovative ideas into reality.

The energy in the room was palpable as the students, working in teams, were tasked with creating a business concept using their group’s collective resources, skills, and talents. Each team was challenged to develop a company name, logo, tagline, mission statement, and value proposition. The results were nothing short of extraordinary.

From traditional food businesses and an R&B music label to a medication transport service using bikes, a safety app, and a digital skills training company, the range of ideas showcased the creativity, professionalism, and innovation of these young minds. The presentations were impressive, highlighting the potential of these future entrepreneurs.

The workshop was further enriched by the presence of Mona-Lisa Maposa, Jill Isaacs Bachan, and Janine Paulsen from Absa. Mona-Lisa delivered an inspiring keynote address, sharing her journey and offering invaluable insights to the students. Her words resonated deeply, motivating the participants to pursue their dreams with passion and determination.

This impactful event was made possible through the collaboration with Sandiswa Gwele from the Ukhanyo Foundation NPO and her dedicated team, who facilitated the workshop with great success. A special thank you is also extended to Absa for their unwavering support, which played a crucial role in bringing this initiative to life at Philippi Village.

“As I reflect on the day, I am filled with hope and excitement for the future of these young entrepreneurs. The seeds of innovation have been planted, and, my hope, is that these students will continue to nurture their ideas and eventually bring them to fruition. The Entrepreneurs Workshop at Philippi Village was not just an event; it was a launchpad for the next generation of business leaders who are poised to make a significant impact in their communities and beyond.” Melissa Slaymaker, Africa Regional Director, Women in Tech

Women in Tech South-Africa and Seed South Capital have partnered up to launch an exciting new series called #PowHer Africa on October 13, 2021, which will be highlighting women doing groundbreaking work across sectors such as #academia #corporate #startup #governent

Here are key things you can look forward to;

– Access to a like-minded Network 

– Inspiration from our successes, challenges and the solution that follow 

– Get to know the female-led business out there you can support

– Learn about other career paths that speak to your purpose, drive and ambition.

Join Senamile Masango, Aunnie Patton, Nicole Sykes, Baratang Miya and Grace Legodi as they share their real stories with you. Stories of where they started, where they are in business and in life, how their journeys have shaped them, and where to next!

Women in Tech South-Africa has just donated 20 computers to equip a computer lab in Nkosemntu Motman High School, a rural school in Eastern Cape. 👏👏🌟

Join the HUAWEI HMS APP INNOVATION CONTEST! 🙌​ 💵 US$1 million prize fund​ Entries are now OPEN!️

Claudia Mendes Silva, Women in Tech Chapter Ambassador to Portugal, will be a member of the jury.

Great news! Montreal Digital Spring (Printemps numérique) and Women In Tech by co-presenting the Women in Tech for Good Prize, offer women in leadership positions the opportunity to participate in the MTL Tech awards as part of MTL connect: Montreal Digital Week from October 12 to 17, 2021.

Montreal Digital Spring and Women in Tech invite women in a leadership position in a company, association or as an investor putting societal impact at the heart of economic growth, thanks to technology, to come and present their leadership experiences before an international jury.

The aim of this Prize is to promote female leadership in impact technologies. The participation of women in the technology sector is essential for a fair and equal future. The use of technology is also an indispensable vector to improve the well-being of humanity and the planet.

Conditions:

• Participate as an entrepreneur or project leader in one of the following categories: Startup, SME or Large Company.
• For the Women in Tech Prize, participate as a woman in a leadership position working in a company, association or as an investor putting societal impact at the heart of economic growth, thanks to new technologies and digital tools.
• Your project must fall under the topics of MTL connect – 2021 edition.

By entering the contest, you are already winners:

• Maximize your visibility throughout the event
• Be featured on the main stage of the event
• Put forward your innovation or digital transformation project
• As finalist, get a virtual booth on the online platform
• Get a free Full Access upon submission of your application
• Get 5 free additional Full Access to invite your colleagues or partners
• Create international level business opportunities

Connect with potential customers, partners and investors from around the world, as well as leaders and digital enthusiasts

Key dates:

• Registration via online form until July 31, 2021 midnight (EST)
• Finalists will be announced on September 1st, 2021 (EST)
• Finalists must send us a video presentation of their innovation or project before October 3, 2021 midnight (EST)
• Live awards ceremony on MTL connect’s main stage on October 15, 2021 (EST)