Portland Center Stage at The Armory 128 Northwest 11th Avenue Portland, OR 97209

Registration through Eventbrite [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pdx-women-in-technology-summer-soiree-tickets-61894666614] is required to gain entry to this event

Join us for our annual Summer Soiree at The Armory, brought to you by Intel and Cambia Health Solutions.

The theme for this year’s Summer Soiree is Social Change in Open Source. It is difficult to break into open source for two key reasons. One, it is community driven technology and many people do not have the time or capacity to do the unpaid work that is often required to get involved. Two, even if you do have the time to contribute, it can be very difficult and even toxic if you are a woman or minority due to harassment by leaders in that space. These barriers, along with so many others that underrepresented folks are facing, make it difficult to have the experience required to obtain sought-after jobs at companies doing open source work.

To support this discussion, our conversation starter for the evening is “how can open source be more accessible to underrepresented communities?”

The Summer Soiree will feature a panel discussion followed by networking.

Moderator: Dr. Harriet Nembhard, School Head of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering at Oregon State University

Panelist: Sage Sharp is a Diversity and Inclusion consultant and the founder of Otter Tech

Panelist: Esther John is Director of Software Stacks Engineering in the System Software Products at Intel Corporation

Panelist: Tara Robertson is the Diversity & Inclusion Strategic Partner for Mozilla

During the event, we’ll have an Activity Table where people can get creative. This is a fantastic way to meet others if large groups are not your thing. If you have trouble finding it, look for Meg Aul, our Event Activities Director.

We will also have a community partners section featuring amazing organizations:

Women Who Code

Adelante Mujeres

Lesbians Who Tech

Girls Inc

Here’s more on our event sponsors:

Cambia Health Solutions, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is dedicated to transforming health care. Our company reaches more than 70 million Americans nationwide, including more than two million people in the Pacific Northwest who are enrolled in our regional health plans.

Intel Corporation’s Women of System Software is an organization of technical professionals committed to fostering an inclusive environment and building a strong community for women and non-binary people in software technology.

Agenda:

5:30 p.m. - Doors open / Networking

6:30 p.m. - Introductions

6:45 p.m. - Panel Begins

7:30 p.m. - Networking

8:00 p.m. - Event ends

Event FAQ

Q: Will there be gender neutral restrooms?

A: We do have gender neutral bathrooms

Q: Is the space ADA accessible?

A: Our spaces are ADA accessible.

Q: Will there be food and drink at this event?

A: Yes, there will be food and drink available, including vegan and gluten free options.

Q: What is the parking situation?

A: Parking Recommendation: The Brewery Blocks/Whole Foods Underground Parking Garage is the largest lot in Portland and it is located one block from The Armory. It’s a well-lit, security-patrolled underground garage that houses 1,300 parking spaces. There are two entrances to this lot: NW Twelfth Avenue or NW Thirteenth Avenue, between Couch and Davis Streets. The elevators take you into the M Financial Building lobby (just around the corner from the Armory) or into Whole Foods on the corner of Couch and NW Twelfth Avenue.

Q: Is there any special information that might help me find the entrance?

A: Entrance is on NW 11th.

Q: Is there secured bike parking?

A: No designated bike parking

Q: Should I consider using public transportation?

A: Yes, we recommend public transportation

Q: Can I bring my dog?

A: Employee pets are allowed through an application and training process. The space for this event is not often occupied by animals.

No, we ask that you leave your furry friend home. Please note there may be office pets present at this event.

Purpose:

PDXWIT is a community-based non-profit organization. Our purpose is to strengthen the Portland women in tech community by offering educational programs, partnerships, mentorships, resources and opportunities. We are unifying a supportive environment for current and potential women in tech, all of whom are committed to helping each other. Our goal is to bring together and empower women in tech and to encourage others to pursue tech careers. This is our step towards reducing the gender imbalance in the industry and addressing the current negative effects of that imbalance on women.

Our events are inclusive. ALL people who support our purpose are welcome.