She Can't Be What She Can't See – the Impact of Role Models for Girls in Tech

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2017 March 8 at Citrix Headquarters – WIN, ITWomen and Citrix employee group, Women’s Inspirational Network

Role Model volunteers and corporate field trips have a profound impact on giving girls the confidence to pursue their early interests and aptitudes for STEM studies and careers, said ITWomen Executive Director Patricia Mundarain. “We have a mantra: ‘She can’t be what she can’t see.”  

ITWomen joined Citrix and the Fort Lauderdale chapter of WIN (Women’s Instructional Network) in celebrating International Women’s Day at Citrix’ headquarters March 8.   Patricia Mundarain, ITWomen Executive Director; Ferial Youakim, internationally recognized image consultant, and Citrix CEO Kirill Tatarinov shared stories of how they empower others to #BeBoldForChange. 

The importance of role models and other ITWomen programs like Virtual Mentors and Scholarships is driven home by economics.

 “By 2020 1.4 million jobs will be available in computer-related fields. We think that in the U.S., graduates are on track to fill only 29% of these jobs.” She said women are on track to fill just 3% of the jobs, and within that small number, 1% are projected to be filled by Latinas and 4% by African-American women.

“The funnel gets so scary. There’s no excuse for this. We have girls who start out getting really excited in early grades then drop off, ” said Patricia. 

ITWomen’s Role Model Speakers (RMS) program has reached over 22,000 students in classrooms and non-profit organizations. 

Jo Moskowitz

Patricia recognized the support of Citrix, an ITWomen Sustaining Partner, with a shout out to Jo Moskowitz, Director, Corporate Citizenship at Citrix Systems, for inspiring her passion for working in the non-profit field. Kudos were given to Citrix’ Women’s Inspirational Network (WIN) team, an employee-led and employee supported group.   

Citrix also recognized its employee-led and employee-supported group, Women’s Inspirational Network, which managed the event, as the “foundation” of many things that are instituted to advance parity at Citrix.