The fundamentals of WIT are to have meetings, seminars, outings and social events for women, to network among women, and explore opportunities to enhance each others' careers and businesses. A primary purpose would also be to serve as role models to encourage girl students and other young women to pursue technology careers. Attracting more women to study science,technology, engineering and math (S
TEM) isn't just an aspirational goal for education leaders and the business community -- it's a "national security prerogative," according to the chief operating officer of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. It's no secret that women and minorities are significantly underrepresented in the STEM fields. Although women make up about half of the American workforce, they represent less than one-quarter of those employed in STEM fields, according to the U.S. Part of the key to overcoming that disparity is continually showing young women the options available to them in different fields, and engaging them in occupations that might be more meaningful. WIT will emphasize enhancing the opportunities of women currently in the technology business through making business partners, finding contract openings, dealing with workplace issues, and just making friends among technology professionals. Specific efforts will be made in meeting with female students in all levels of education, to serve as role models to encourage their involvement in STEM education and technology careers.
