CTA: 10th annual WIT conference draws more than 600 in virtual event

Monday October 5, 2020 Tags: Denver, CTA, Colorado Technology Association , Women in Tech Conference, Frannie Matthews

DENVER -- Colorado Technology Association (CTA) hosted the 10th annual Women in Technology (WIT) Conference Sept. 24-25 in an event that virtually engaged more than 600 participants, according to CTA. 

The WIT Conference celebrated women across Colorado’s tech community. Participants heard from a variety of dynamic speakers and engaged in meaningful discourse on technology trends, leadership and opportunities and challenges surrounding women in today’s tech workforce.

CTA said attendees enjoyed two jam-packed half days of direct access to executive-level women and community leaders from all corners of Colorado tech and beyond, as well as the opportunity to network with other women in technology.

This year’s theme was “Create Your Own Story.”

“Colorado’s women in tech community is special and is like no other," said Frannie Matthews, CTA president and CEO. "This event is a chance for us to bring together our unique community for connection, reflection, education and personal and professional development at a time when we need it most.”

“The Women in Tech Conference underscores that Colorado is brimming with strong, diverse women leaders who are not waiting to be asked for a seat at the table, they are simply taking it,” said Julie Tschida Brown, chief people and culture officer at Zayo Group, the conference presenting sponsor.

“Zayo is proud to foster a culture that cultivates and supports these women leaders, within our organization, community and beyond.  We are honored to be a part of this impactful event.”

The conference featured a welcome keynote from Angie Hicks, Cofounder of Angie’s List and chief customer officer for ANGI Homeservices. Other keynote speakers included Carol Sankar, founder and CEO of The Confidence Factor for Women in Leadership, Gina Loften, US chief technology officer for Microsoft and Dr. Stefanie K. Johnson, author of Inclusify and associate professor at CU Boulder’s Leeds School of Business.

Also announced at the conference was the newly established Judi Newman Technology Scholarship. CTA provided Turing School of Software & Design with a donation on behalf of Bob and Judi Newman, with matching funds from Turing School, and awarded four women with this $15,000 scholarship: Arique Aguilar, Angela Guardia, Sarah Osgood and Judith Pillado.

The conference was also made possible by CoBank, Dish, Google Cloud, Luniva, Moss Adams, Arrow Electronics, Dell Technologies, Vertafore, Western Governors University, Bank of America and Janus Henderson Investors.