On the evening of April 22, 2009, Brown University Women in Computer Science will hold an event on campus entitled "Empowering Women for High-Technology Careers." The purpose of this event is to inspire future female leaders in technology, to encourage student involvement in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, and to create a positive view of career opportunities for women interested in high technology. One of the most important aspects of this event is the introduction of prominent women in the high-technology corporate environment who can serve as role models and raise the bar for what women can achieve in these fields.

The primary attraction of this event will be a panel session in which top female executives from high-tech companies will discuss how barriers to women in their companies have been removed and what barriers remain. We are putting on this event to showcase the achievements of women in the high-tech industry and to counter the common notion that the field is completely male-dominated, with no opportunities for women.

Panelists:

 

• Dr. Sophie Vandebroek, Chief Technology Officer and President of the Xerox Innovation Group
• Galyn Susman '86, Supervising Technical Director Pixar Animation Studios
• Rachel Barber, Vice President, Gaming Solutions Technology at GTECH Corporation