The WITI Strategist
www.witi.com

Nov. 19, 2003
WITI's mission is to empower women to achieve unimagined possibilities and transformation through technology, leadership and economic prosperity.

REGISTER NOW!
Mar 10-11 2004 Dallas
Regional Conference
May 12-13 2004 San Jose
National Conference
July 31 2004 San Diego
Spa Week-end
Oct. 20 2004 TBD
Regional Conference

In This Issue:

WITI Works

Not Yet a WITI Member?

Chapter Meetings

WITI @


The WITI Strategist

To subscribe, email:
[email protected]

To unsubscribe, email:
[email protected]

Make sure the address in the "From:" field EXACTLY MATCHES the address you wish to subscribe or unsubscribe.

Member Login | Membership Sign Up

Announcing the Official Launch of the WITI Marketplace! - For years, WITI women have told us they like doing business with other women. Our corporate partners have told us they are committed to hiring more women-owned businesses as vendors. In response, we have opened the WITI Marketplace to enable everyone to support women-owned businesses! If you are a WITI member, take advantage of this free member benefit and register your company or consulting practice. Don't miss this great opportunity for exposure! Not a WITI Member? Join now!.

Grown-up Bullies: An Oxymoron?
By Carolyn Leighton, CEO/Chairwoman/Founder, WITI

I recently had a distasteful conversation with a woman whose screaming, talking over my conversation, and just being downright obnoxious reminded me that bullies come in all ages and all genders. Many of us have had to deal with at least one bully in our lifetime, and most of us believe even one bully experience is one too many.

In my opinion, the phrase "grown-up bully" IS an oxymoron, since if we're really grown up, do we have to bully anyone? For More...

Discuss this article!

Click here for more Articles


Town Hall Meeting merged with National Conference

By overwhelming demand, December's Town Hall meeting has been rescheduled and will be included at WITI's National Conference in San Jose next spring, making this conference bigger and better than ever! As you know, we've been hard at work reinventing WITI; now, it is time to "Move Powerfully into the Future!" Plan now to attend this very special event. Click here for more information and to register.


What You Told Us About Working for Technology Companies
Results from the WITI Online Survey, July 2003, 929 respondents

There's a disconnect between women's perceptions about their opportunities to advance in the executive levels and the reality of what is actually happening.

  • 63% of survey respondents believe that the CEO is committed to advancing women ...
  • 59% of survey respondents believe that executive management is committed to advancing women....
  • Yet, 74% of the companies that respondents work for have LESS than 24% of their executive positions occupied by women.
Is your company doing what it takes to improve or change things? From what you told us, the answer is NO.
  • 59% of the women surveyed said that their company has NO programs that support women or, if they do have programs, the programs are NOT effective.
Complete survey results will be published in the first quarter issue of WITI FastTrack. For advertising information, email [email protected].

Back to the Top


WITI Watch
Celebrating Companies that Get It -- and shaming those that don't

Oracle Magazine has announced this year's Editor's Choice Award winners - and they're all male. WITI member, Liza Lowry, CIO for City of Los Angeles ITA, believes this "Lack of recognition is one of the many barriers to women's progress and success in the IT industry". Her suggestion that the City of Los Angeles reconsider buying products from a company which so blatantly excludes women is the only theme, we believe, that will get the attention of the high tech industry which continues to give lip service, and not much more, to women who have contributed so much to its growth and success.

Dear Mr. Spicer - I just received a copy of the November/December 2003 edition of Oracle Magazine featuring the 2003 Awards. I was immediately struck by the cover photos. Maybe you did not notice but the 21 winners are all male - and mostly white male.

Although the number of females in IT is still woefully low, I find it hard to believe that not one women in the whole world is an "innovative, thoughtful, smart and dedicated" Oracle user. While I never advocate giving awards and accolades based solely on gender or ethnicity, I must believe that Oracle's method of selecting winners is fundamentally flawed to achieve these results.

If Oracle is truly trying to "reflect the scope and application of Oracle's technologies and the people who use them," then perhaps I should rethink the City of Los Angeles' use of Oracle products as I am obviously not reflective of your user base. The burning questions really is whether Oracle is in tune with the times and a responsible company with which we should do business.

Shame on you! This magazine is going directly into the recycling bin.

Liza M. Lowery, CIO
City of Los Angeles ITA

Companies like Oracle who do not take women and their contributions seriously do not deserve our business. Until we as women stop spending consumer and business dollars on companies that do not acknowledge our contributions or that persist in furthering offensive stereotypes of women, those companies will not change.

The new WITI Watch wants to celebrate those companies who are respectful of and empowering to women and keep you informed about those companies who need to change their ways. How are the companies you interact with doing? Should women start using their consumer and business dollars to back companies that support women? Sould women should stop purchasing products and services from companies whose policies do not support women? Send us your thoughts and any cheers and jeers or post to the discussion board.

Back to the Top


Mentor 5th through 8th Grade Children through Fun and Exciting Toy Design Challenge

There is little doubt that the future well-being of society depends not just on how well we educate our children, but also on how well we educate them in engineering, science, mathematics and technology. Research points to the middle school years as a time when maintaining the interest of young students, especially girls, in engineering, science and technology is crucial.

Toys are a great way to learn about science, engineering and the design process, and working on a team builds skills in collaboration, leadership and communication. The Sally Ride TOYchallenge connects students in 5th through 8th grade with all of these principles in an exciting and fun environment. That is why WITI is pleased to announce our sponsorship of the Sally Ride TOYchallenge and the wide range of opportunities this sponsorship provides for our members and chapters.

During elementary school, there are lots of girls (as many girls as boys) who are interested in math, science and computers. We are dedicated to sustaining their natural interests during the critical years, when so many of them drift away.    -- Sally Ride
How Can You Participate?
There is the opportunity to become involved in the TOYchallenge in a number of ways:
  • Coach one or more teams in your area.
  • Offer to coach a team in another area that may need a coach.
  • Sponsor a team financially.
  • Volunteer to help at a TOYchallenge Showcase or a Sally Ride Science Festival.
How Do You Get Started?
Pre-Application Deadline is January 30, 2004
Apply Online Today! NOTE: Under "Organization" be sure to select "WITI"

Fast Company Magazine Launches This Year's Search For The Fast 50

Tell us your story and end up in the pages of Fast Company magazine. For the third straight year, Fast Company is launching the Fast 50, a worldwide search for ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Who should enter? It's not just about the big wigs or bottom line. Entries are encouraged from individuals and teams across all industries and levels worldwide. We're looking for uncompromising leaders, tireless innovators, turnaround artists, truth-tellers, trendsetters -- readers who are fueled by passion, guided by integrity, and commitment to results.

This year's Fast 50 categories include:

  • LEADERS. Uncompromising executives who have created value through the power of their ideas and the depth of their commitment.
  • INNOVATORS. Risktakers, at any level, whose insight and courage have piloted an unlikely success.
  • DISRUPTERS. Scientists and engineers whose breakthrough advances have created new ways to live and work.
  • TRENDSETTERS. Marketers, designers and artists whose tireless creativity has changed the way we look at the world.
  • RISING STARS. People who will be setting the agenda in the future. Up-and-comers whose work promises to have a profound impact on the world.
  • WILD CARDS. An open category for unsung heroes, truth-tellers, trailblazers and turnaround artists. Anyone fueled by passion, guided by integrity, and committed to results.
Visit www.fastcompany.com/fast50 to get more information, read about past winners, and to enter. THE DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 1, 2003, but it helps to enter early. Any questions, contact Paul Cabana, Fast Company senior producer, at [email protected].

Back to the Top


WITI Works

WITITALK TELECLASS
Laying The Foundation For Explosive Growth In 2004!!

  • Have you thought about starting your own business or consulting practice, but have a lot of questions and decisions to make before you get started?
  • Have you already started a business or consulting practice and want to increase your revenue?
  • Are you interested in making a career change, but aren't sure what you want to do?

    If you answered yes to any of these questions, please join us in this FREE one-hour WITITalk Teleclass designed to help you lay the foundation for explosive growth in your life and career in 2004!!

    Classes will be led by Kathy Hill, a Professional Coach with over 20 years experience in career and life transitions, and Carolyn Leighton, a brand builder, business strategist, and small business coach who has launched several small companies, including, WITI, Criterion Research, and Love Dogs Camp.

    Thursday, November 20, 2003 is completely booked, but there is still space available on Wednesday, December 3, 2003 at 3pm EST. If you are interested in the teleclass series, please register now. Once you have registered, you will receive an email confirming your teleclass and providing you with the telephone number to call to attend. Note: the teleclass is free, but long distance charges may apply. For questions or additional information, please email Kathy Hill.
    This WITITalk TeleClass is sponsored by .

    WITI GLOBAL EXECUTIVE NETWORK (GEN)
    An Exclusive Network for Executive Women!
    - Are you an Executive Woman who wants the opportunity to get together with other executive women to share solutions, access connections and influence top level executives in industry? WITI has now launched WITI GEN for Executive VPs, Presidents, Chairman and Board members who meet GEN membership requirements. GEN Charter membership entitles you to a lifetime membership for the cost of one year after official launching January 1, 2004. If you want to be considered for a GEN membership, please complete the application and someone will get back to you within 3 days of receiving your application!

    WITI4HIRE
    Accelerate Your Career!
    - Companies that get it are searching the resume database at WITI4Hire every day. Don't be overlooked! So, whether you are actively seeking a job or just open to great possibilities, add your resume today (FREE for members AND non-members, and confidential too!) to be noticed by companies like New York Times Digital, Best Buy, Altiris, Southern California Edison and GOJO Industries, Inc. Don't want to wait? Visit WITI4Hire and search for your next job!

    Employers Click Here

    WITIhost.com
    If You Are Fed Up With Your Hosting Company or Just Want To Upgrade!
    - WITIhost.com has better rates, more capacity and better service than major hosting companies. Check out WITIhost.com for comparisons and fees.

    WITI HALL OF FAME
    This prestigious award honors the outstanding contributions that women are making to the scientific and technological communities. Do you know someone who is making a difference? There is still time to nominate candidates for WITI's Hall of Fame. Download the nomination form here.

    Back to the Top


    Company Spotlight

    Compuware

    Compuware Corporation, a multi-billion dollar company, provides business value through software and professional services that optimize productivity and reduce costs across the application life cycle. Meeting the rapidly changing needs of businesses of all sizes, Compuware's market-leading solutions improve the quality, ease the integration and enhance the performance of distributed, e-business and enterprise software. For more information about Compuware, please contact the corporate offices at 800-521-9353.

    Search for Compuware jobs on WITI4Hire.

    Job Spotlight

    Director, Product Management - OEM / On-line Security, Symantec
    Reporting directly to the Vice President of Client and Host Security, this senior product management position is responsible for providing the strategic direction to Symantec's online security solutions designed to secure online customers including consumers, online businesses, and Internet service providers.

    As the recognized leader for our online product and technology portfolio, you will guide a team that is charged with a product line contribution as a business unit. This extends from increasing the profitability of existing products to developing new products for the company. You will build products from existing ideas, and help to develop new ideas based on your industry experience and your contact with customers and prospects. You must possess a unique blend of business and technical savvy; a big-picture vision, and the drive to make that vision a reality. You must enjoy spending time in the market to understand their problems, and find innovative solutions for the broader market. Key responsibilities include working with team product managers to develop business plans for the various product lines, including market segmentation and opportunity assessments, key business objectives, requirements definition and solution offerings, product line positioning, competitive assessments, and revenue projections. Manage the entire product life cycle, including product planning, product management, product marketing, and sales support activities. Work closely with senior management, engineering, sales, customer support, finance and manufacturing to set strategic direction and ensure revenue targets are met while making critical trade-off decisions between functionality, resources, and delivery timeframes.
    For more information

    Back to the Top

    Not Yet a WITI Member?

    Consider these benefits for WITI members only:

    • Member spotlights, interviews and speaking opportunities
    • Invitations to members only meetings and events
    • List your small business or consulting practice in the WITI Marketplace.
    • Send/receive e-mails in WITI's general or technical listserves for invaluable and quick input on broad ranging issues.
    • Special Interests Groups
    • New Member Directory
    • Special discounts at all WITI events and meetings worldwide

    And much, much, more .... Become a Member Today!

    Network News

    WITI's President, Dave Leighton, flew to Houston this past week to attend the WITI Houston Networking at BMC Software. The topic was "Positioning Yourself as a Leader" and was led by Centerpoint Energy's Sr. Vice President and CIO, Ianne McCrea.

    Some women traveled more than 4 hours to attend this spectacular event. It was flawless from beginning to end, and everyone left more resolved than ever to get more involved in WITI! Thank you Stacie Clark and the WITI Houston Leadership Team for making such a difference for the women in Houston!

    Upcoming Network Events
    Research Triangle Park November 19
    I Wish I Had Known That Yesterday!
    Thames Valley, UK November 19
    Personality Profiling
    Philadelphia November 20
    The Future of E-Commerce and the Internet
    Houston November 20
    For MEMBERS ONLY: WITI Houston Mentoring Program LAUNCH EVENT
    Boston December 3
    Technological Entrepreneurship: Emerging Practices, Key Challenges and Future Directions
    Atlanta December 4
    Project Risk Management Workshop
    South Florida December 10
    Outclass the Competition: Turning Contacts into Contracts
    Orange County December 11
    An Event To Remember "Celebrating Women in Technology" - Perspectives From Women Who are Changing the Face of Our Industry

    More information about chapter events in your area is available on our website.

    WITI @ ...Keeping you up-to-date on where you'll find WITI!

    WITI@ keeps you up to date on where you will find WITI partners, WITI discounts, WITI women attending industry events. Visit the Members area of the WITI website for priority discount codes for these events. If you want a discount to an event you will be attending and/or want to meet other WITI women at that event, just let us know so we can get it for you!

    Risk Analysis Group Seminar
    Nov 3-Apr 23 2004
    Multiple Cities and Dates,
    Comdex
    Nov 16-20 2003
    Las Vegas, Nevada
    SVASE presents "One Mentor and Four Mentees"
    Nov 19 2003
    Palo Alto, California
    Women Leading Change
    Dec 3-5 2003
    Redwood City, California
    SVASE presents "Tim Sanders & Company Cultures That Hit The Bottom Line!"
    Dec 4 2003
    Santa Clara, California
    Springboard Enterprises' Growth Capital Workshop
    Dec 9 2003
    Los Angeles, California
    International CES
    Jan 8-11 2004
    Las Vegas, Nevada
    Oracle Apps World
    Jan 26-29 2004
    San Diego, California
    Midsize Enterprise Summit
    Feb 8-Sep 22 2004
    Multiple Cities and Dates,
    DEMO2004
    Feb 15-17 2004
    Scottsdale, Arizona
    Wireless & Mobile Summit 2004
    Mar 8-10 2004
    Chicago, Illinois
    Networld + Interop
    May 11-13 2004
    Las Vegas, Nevada
    SuperComm
    Jun 20-24 2004
    Chicago, Illinois

    For more information and discounts

    Back to the Top