ITWomen Congressional Tribute

By mb1 | August 22, 2016

ITWomen Tampa recognized in United States Congressional Record

Thank you so much U.S. Rep. David W. Jolly for the tribute to our after-school program in Pinellas County! We hope to spread the joy of learning about technology to all girls, and encourage them to pursue their passions!

Excerpt from Rep. Jolly’s letter:
“The journals of the House and the Senate have been published since 1789, and they have memorialized everything from Supreme Court appointments to historic pieces of legislation, and now your accomplishments have been included,”

Text of Tribute To ITWomen Tampa Bay and Girls Inc Of Pinellas After School Enrichment Program:

“Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a non-profit organization striving to make a difference in the technology and engineering fields for girls and women. The ITWomen Group of Tampa looks to provide all of the necessary support for females who want to pursue a career in technology.

The national organization was started in 2002 by senior level women from several technology companies. Their goal was to provide professional development, support, education, and scholarships to girls and women looking to break into technology and engineering fields. By working with non-profits, universities, various sponsors and organizations, they are successfully closing the gender gap in a field generally dominated by men.

The ITWomen of Tampa Bay is a new branch and is increasing their influence in Pinellas County and by partnering with Girls Incorporated of Pinellas After School Enrichment Program. The Girls Incorporated of Pinellas works to make sure our sisters, daughters, friends, family, and neighbors will become the leaders of tomorrow by providing them with programs that promote female empowerment. Their combined goal is to inspire girls in our community to confidently strive towards a career in technology.

Mackenzie Baird, a high school sophomore from our community who is hoping to pursue a career in technology, works with ITWomen of Tampa Bay and the Girls Incorporated of Pinellas After School Enrichment Program. In her free time, she helps mentor and educate younger elementary school girls about computer programming as well as the role of women in the technology sector. She is an exceptional young woman and I wish her luck in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge and thank the ITWomen of Tampa and Girls Incorporated of Pinellas After School Enrichment Program for working hard to achieve equity in fields of engineering and technology. Their spirit and passion inspires our community, and ask that this body join me in thanking them for their efforts.”