Seattle, WA. Due to COVID-19, ChickTech has transitioned all of its programs online; this includes ChickTech’s K-8 and high school programs, and its ACT-W conferences and events. Although this transition has left ChickTech unable to do its signature in-person events, ChickTech program manager Ivette Cortez has found that “anything is virtually possible.”
“In the past, we needed the space and the finances,” says Cortez. Virtually, programs can be easier to coordinate.
High school students working in VR with ChickTech.
Students code with ChickTech in-person before the pandemic.
ChickTech’s new virtual mentorship program has reached over 150 high schoolers, a handful of which are returning students. According to Cortez, ChickTech’s online platform has created new mentorship opportunities. Before the pandemic, ChickTech struggled to coordinate mentorship opportunities in person, but staffers have found that mentorship is more manageable online.
ChickTech’s ACT-W (Advancing the Careers of Technical Womxn) conferences and events have also grown in the online format. ChickTech expects attendance to double at this year’s ACT-W (Advancing the Careers of Technical Womxn) conference (August 26th-28th). Previous ACT-W conferences have reached about 500 people, but Cortez believes that the virtual format will make the conference accessible many more.
This year’s ACT-W conference will focus on inclusion in the tech field and include speaking sessions, technical workshops, one-on-one career coaching, and a virtual career fair. People from all backgrounds and genders who are in the tech field, or interested in tech can register for the conference here. Proceeds will go toward ChickTech’s high school program
ChickTech is also making strides in the realm of inclusion and diversity. This last week, ChickTech’s board has been in the process of reviewing a DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) portfolio, which includes learning hours for staff to develop best practices for working with diverse populations. “We want to continue learning,” says Cortez, “We’re very dedicated to creating a more inclusive and diverse landscape.”
From ChickTech:
Founded in 2012, ChickTech is a Portland, Oregon-based national nonprofit dedicated to retaining womxn (including non-binary and transgender individuals) in the technology workforce and increasing the number of diverse youth pursuing technology-based careers. We currently have over 25 chapters across North America, engaging a community of over 20,000 women and girls.
