The Center of Excellence for Women & Technology is proud to announce a significant milestone in its journey as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Established in 2013, the center has thrived, garnering support from nearly 10,000 current students, faculty, staff, and dedicated alumni representing a diverse spectrum of schools and over 75 academic programs. This impressive affiliation is a testament to the center's unwavering commitment to empowering women through technology and its broad appeal across all fields of study.
Established in response to the national call for increased engagement of women in technology, the center has consistently expanded its network and program offerings since its founding in 2013. Over the years, the center has organized and sponsored a remarkable 1,127 events, attracting a staggering total of 19,673 attendees since 2016. The year 2022-2023 alone witnessed a flurry of activity, with the center hosting 223 events that engaged 3,585 participants. These events encompass a rich array of activities, from tech and leadership skill-building workshops to networking opportunities and conferences, all designed to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and personal growth.
Michelle Bartley-Taylor, the current Director of the Center of Excellence for Women & Technology, played a key role in establishing and nurturing some of the Center's most impactful initiatives, including the Student Internship Program, Emerging Scholars Research Experience for Undergraduate Women, and Mentor Collective Program. "The creation of spaces for women is essential for cultivating diversity, innovation, and progress within the rapidly evolving technology sector. In addition to providing a platform for women to enhance their tech skills, our goal is also to foster the personal development of women through education, learning, and hands-on experiences. By establishing a secure and inclusive environment for learning, we have witnessed numerous remarkable achievements by women and observed our community thrive," stated Bartley-Taylor.
The center's growth mindset-driven mission is deeply rooted in the belief that technology plays a pivotal role in catalyzing excellence across all fields. It stands as a unique entity within higher education on a national scale and proudly serves women campus-wide at Indiana University Bloomington. The center's journey over the past decade is characterized not only by its impressive growth in numbers but also by its tangible contributions to the academic and professional development of countless women. Its dedication to inclusivity and its role as a catalyst for excellence continue to impact the lives of those it serves, reaffirming its mission as it embarks on a promising future.
