Agenda

Welcome to Women in Tech DC 2024!

Join us for the official opening and welcome remarks to kick-start your day with inspiration and empowerment! Our two-day agenda is filled with expert-led sessions designed to help you learn how to start putting in the building blocks toward the future and securing your position as a futurist leader in tech and strategy.

In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, effective leadership requires more than just technical skills. It requires leading with authenticity, a purpose-driven mindset, and a commitment to growth and innovation. This session, with Nisha Paliwal, Managing Vice President of Enterprise Data Technology at Capital One, will explore the importance of leading with authenticity and purpose, while emphasizing the three Rs of a successful leader: Radiance, Resilience, and Relationships.

With the continuing rise of AI tools, LLMs, machine learning, and more, we’re witnessing a significant shift in the skills most needed for the modern workplace. To stay ahead, it’s essential to understand how you can differentiate and future-proof yourself and your team members by developing in-demand skills, like problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability, as well as knowing the ways you can amplify those skills within your team by implementing the right technologies and recognizing the ways your team members work best.

The Why: According to the World Economic Forum, 1.1 billion jobs are likely to be transformed by technology in the next decade. To remain competitive, it’s more important than ever to be aware of the skills that are most in demand and identify the best ways to leverage technology to empower and future-proof your teams. 

Key Takeaways:

• Review what skills currently are and will be most in demand over the coming years for individuals and teams to remain competitive

• Understand how advanced technologies can amplify skills for both individuals and teams 

• Discuss practical ways to promote inclusion, innovation, creativity, and agility within your teams by understanding their work styles and leveraging technology 

This session is for... 

• You if you’re wanting concrete ways to progress and future-proof your career.

• You if you’re looking for innovative ways to leverage technology at work.

• You if you want ideas of ways to use technology to amplify your team members’ skills in order to create more efficient, productive, and engaged teams

Dive into the world of Responsible AI with a focus on women's empowerment. Join us for a dynamic discussion on navigating ethical challenges and seizing opportunities in AI development and deployment. Explore how women can shape AI technologies for the betterment of society while ensuring inclusivity and fairness. Get inspired to lead with integrity and purpose in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.

The Why: In an increasingly AI-driven world, it's crucial for women to be at the forefront of Responsible AI initiatives. Gender biases and inequalities persist in AI systems, impacting everything from hiring practices to healthcare. Women's perspectives are essential for designing and implementing AI solutions that prioritize ethics, fairness, and inclusivity. By empowering women in Responsible AI, we can foster innovation that benefits everyone and mitigates harm.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategies for identifying and mitigating bias in AI algorithms.
• Insights into promoting diversity and inclusion in AI development teams.
• Practical approaches for incorporating ethical considerations into AI projects.

This session is for you if...

• You're passionate about leveraging AI for positive social impact.
• You're interested in understanding the ethical implications of AI technologies.
• You're committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry.
• You want to learn practical strategies for navigating ethical challenges in AI development and deployment.

Generative AI has unlocked unprecedented possibilities, reshaping industries and enhancing human creativity. As we embrace this shift in technology, it is time for us to see beyond some obvious use of Gen AI such as the chatbots and tap into the infinite potential of this technology. I would like to walk through some of the advanced aspects of building generative AI applications using RAG (Retrieval-Augmented generation), LangChain and Vector databases. In this workshop, we will build a highly customized AI application using these advanced concepts. You do not need to be an expert programmer. Knowledge of python is helpful. I will be providing template source code and other helpful articles in advance; in case you wish to code it live and see it running end to end!

The Why: In recent times, the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized countless aspects of our lives, with generative AI emerging as a transformative force. Understanding advanced AI use cases exposes us to innovative solutions and approaches to complex problems. This knowledge enables us to think creatively and apply AI techniques to address challenges across various domains, fostering innovation. This workshop will help you learn about some critical technologies that contribute to the advancement of natural language processing and AI, albeit with different focuses and functionalities.

Key Takeaways:

• Think of Gen AI beyond the chatbots
• Know about some advanced technologies that can be used in conjunction
• How to build your own customized AI applications in one hour

This session is for...

• You if you want to understand the infinite potential of Generative AI
• You if you want to understand the key concepts of some advance technologies that support Gen AI
• You if you are not a coder but want to try your hands at building AI applications

Join Kristie Grinnell, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at DXC Technology, as she shares her top lessons learned from real-life experiences. In this session, Kristie will guide you on how to apply these insights to your strategic thinking and planning for the future. Explore how to move beyond reactive firefighting and adopt a more proactive and thoughtful approach to your operations. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable strategies for navigating the complex business game in today’s dynamic environment. Remember, success lies not only in reacting swiftly but also in anticipating and planning strategically.

Key Takeaways:

• Navigating Operational Overload: Discover how to move beyond reactive firefighting and tackle operational challenges with a strategic mindset.
• Adaptability: Learn to adapt swiftly in an ever-changing landscape.
• Building Resilience and Long-term Vision: Understand the importance of strategic planning and resilience in achieving sustainable success.

This session is for... you if you’re seeking to transform your approach from tactical to strategic. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a rising leader in your organization, gain valuable insights and practical tools to navigate the complex landscape of operational overload.

Do you stay up until the early hours of the morning building a business that brings you joy and fuels your inner passion? Let's move you from straddling the fence to full-fledged business ownership! If you've been eager to transition to business ownership but haven't gained enough confidence to bet on you... this session is going to get you ready to soar! In this workshop, we'll take you through the tips and tricks on how to build your brand and business to become your full-time job

Key Takeaways:

• Build your checklist to get your business off the ground
• Identify your why and sense of purpose
• Target your audience / ideal client

This session is for... you if you have a side hustle that you want to be your main business!

In this workshop, you’ll discover expert strategies for seamless career transitions, from navigating intra-organizational shifts to advancing to executive-level roles. You’ll walk away with insider tips on leveraging personal connections, networking with executive leaders, and showcasing achievements to propel your career forward. Plus, you’ll learn the art of reputation management for maintaining a polished professional image. Elevate your networking skills with powerful relationship-building tactics to enhance your career trajectory.

The Why:
Attendees should attend this session to learn crucial strategies for advancing to executive roles. Gain essential insights into navigating career transitions, managing reputation, and building networks to propel your career to the next level.

Key Takeaways:

• Seamless internal transitions: Master strategies for navigating intra-organizational shifts and advancing your career within your company's hierarchy.
• Strategic networking for executive roles: Learn insider tips on leveraging personal connections and networking with executive recruiters to seize coveted executive-level positions.
• Reputation management mastery: Understand the importance of maintaining a polished professional image and learn tactics to enhance your reputation within your organization for career advancement.

This session is for... ambitious professionals aiming to move up in their organization, seasoned executives seeking new challenges, and career changers looking to pivot. It's also ideal for anyone who wants to enhance their networking skills and reputation management strategies for career advancement.

The National Cybersecurity Implementation Plan aims to strengthen the nation's cybersecurity capabilities through collaboration, risk management, continuous improvement, public-private partnerships, workforce development, technological innovation, and international cooperation. In this session, join Elke Sobieraj, Associate Chief of Policay at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency as she shares key takeaways for businesses and actions towards implementing.

Key Takeaways:

• Collective collaboration to address cybersecurity threats collectively
• Developing continuous improvement in cybersecurity capabilities, including enhancing cyber defense, incident response, and recovery efforts
• The adoption of innovative technologies and practices to enhance cybersecurity resilience

What key foundational traits must you develop to be an impactful engineering executive? How do you get bigger and bolder results as you move up the engineering leadership ladder? With engineering executives being the lynchpin of success in technology companies, how can you adapt to the changing landscape of high-growth organizations and enable engineering to stay aligned with the business direction continuously?

In this session, Padma will share her experience-driven playbook on harnessing technical skills, people leadership, and engineering acumen to converge toward superior customer outcomes and business impact. As the voice of engineering, you will learn the ideas and motivations behind being the two-way bridge between the business and its underlying heartbeat - the tech organization.

Key Takeaways:

• Why is the Engineering Executive role important for the business?
• How does it differ from functional engineering leadership?
• What traits do the Engineering Executives need to exemplify?

This session is for... you if you are an emerging engineering leader, a tech lead or a team lead, an early-stage manager, or a senior technical leader currently not in management but contemplating a move.

Smart adoption and implementation of new technologies hinge on your ability to communicate effectively with decision makers. You need to first understand their unique mindset, and then present bottom-line data and recommendations in their “language.” In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to do both.

The Why: Ineffective communication is making the smart adoption of AI and other new technologies challenging. Think of it as a “Mars and Venus” conversation, where, for example.

• The business hears about AI solutions in the media and wants it, without fully understanding its capabilities.
• Technical specialists struggle to explain what AI can do for the business and how best to implement it.
• Frustration grows, time and money is wasted, projects don’t meet deadlines, businesses fail to meet their goals, and budgets are exceeded.
• Improve communication between technologists and decision makers.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the executive mindset to create effective communications.
• Learn and practice an Executive Framework to develop the most clear and persuasive Opening, Key Points, and Closing Statement.
• Employ tools to help you analyze your audience, anticipate questions, and facilitate a dynamic dialogue.

This session is for... Mid- to senior-level technology experts who need to drive the smart adoption and implementation of AI and other new technologies by effectively communicating with decision makers.

How does T. Rowe Price apply world-class technology as a business strategy? Hear two perspectives on technology at T. Rowe Price, from a director driving the strategy to execution and from an engineer building the strategy from the ground up.
 
The Why:
As firms continue to look for ways to provide efficiencies and reduce risk, it is more important than ever to emphasize technology as a key strategic focus. In a rapidly changing technology landscape, it is critical for firms to become agile in order to strengthen their technology and unlock the full potential of their businesses.  
 
Key Takeaways:
Insights into aligning technology with a firm’s strategy
An approach to building the partnership and framework to execute the strategy
 
This session is... for you if you are a technology leader, part of a technology team and want to see technology as a strategic component of your firm’s business.

Gain insights into tools that make AI accessible, regardless of technical expertise. Discover the power of AI in this workshop while we explore the fundamentals of AI, industry applications, low-code and high-level coding platforms. You don't have to be a coder, as I'll guide you through a few scenarios for developing AI applications.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the fundamentals and applications of AI.
• Exploring low code platforms with AI functionality.
• Understanding how to build AI powered applications.

This session is for...

• You if you want to get a comprehensive overview of AI.
• You if you are not experienced in programming but want to explore AI application development.

As GitHub's Chief Revenue Officer, Elizabeth guides go-to-market strategy while working hand-in-hand with Microsoft as the company delivered the first widespread AI tool - GitHub Copilot - to 1.5M users, Fortune 500 organizations and highly-regulated industries. She leverages extensive data and a seasoned, diverse Revenue team to identify customer adoption barriers and prime enterprises across sectors and international regions for new solutions in software creation, security, and management. Through its steady cadence of AI-driven product innovations and a customer-first mindset, GitHub is able to draw interest from new organizations, including established enterprises, to help them stay competitive in today’s software and AI-driven world. Elizabeth’s leadership is steering GitHub through its next phase of innovation, ensuring the company maintains resilience through shifting economic climates by promoting the flexibility that comes from working with a SaaS business and a culture focused on collective success.

Key Takeaways:

• How organizational leaders can drive customer growth and success in the age of AI
• Building and scaling an AI-driven business during economic uncertainties
• Helping customers navigate and embrace the rapidly changing world of AI software

This session is for... audience members of all levels who are interested in understanding how to grow a company and lead a team through a rapidly

In this session, learn why purpose is driving positive business outcomes for the workforce of tomorrow where skills, rather than degrees, are driving talent acquisition. Learn how you can leverage purpose-driven mandates, nonprofit engagement, and academic and placement partnerships to make a serious impact in the sector. The speaker will draw upon her own experience building purpose-driven programs to solve the opportunity gap in tech talent, and how companies and non-profits can take advantage of this trend.

The Why:

• Creating a workforce for tomorrow, one that is skilled and poised to take advantage of new technologies and new geographic realities, can’t be accomplished by one sector alone. 
• Leaning into purpose and engaging with organizations solving the world’s greatest challenges gives perspective and connection to staff and partners alike.
• Building the workforce of tomorrow will require collaboration between all levels of business, academia, non-profits, and government.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand how a purpose-driven ethos drives internal, revenue, and brand performance.
• Discover a tactical approach to driving skills for the future of tech.
• Solve the skills gap problem with creativity and collaboration.

This session is for...

• You if you are a business, non-profit, strategic, or technical leader; work in HR or talent development; or are an entrepreneur or social entrepreneur interested in solving the workforce of tomorrow problem.

Join Julie Uhrman and Katharine Parkinson for an empowering fireside chat on lessons learned, career development, and creating space for DEI. Get to know the stories of two formidable women in tech and sports as they share their insights on resilience, leveraging technology, and how they bring more women and underrepresented groups to diversify their industries. Gain practical strategies and advice for career development and learn how to carve your path forward.

Key Takeaways:

• Navigating workplace dynamics, building resilience and leadership skills
• Tactics for implementing diversity, inclusion, and equity opportunities
• Career development strategies, networking, and trends

This session is for… leaders and aspiring leaders who want to sharpen their skills and gain practical insights into fostering their career development and paving the way for the next generation of women and underrepresented groups.

Discover the essential skills for modern project managers to navigate the dynamic intersection of technology and human collaboration. Explore real-life case studies, engage in interactive role-playing exercises, and gain insights into the evolving role of project managers in 2024 and beyond. Learning to bridge the gap effectively fosters successful project outcomes in today's tech-driven landscape. Join us and equip yourself with the tools needed to thrive in the ever-changing world of project management.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the importance of bridging the gap between tech and human stakeholders.
• Recognizing essential project management skills for effective collaboration.
• Learning through real-life examples and role-playing exercises.
• Gaining insights into the evolving role of project managers in the tech-driven world.

So many companies stand at the technology precipice. They have invested in technology to a certain point, but are unsure of how to move forward and reach their full potential. This session will be a roadmap for how to ignite positive, impactful tech change for any company.

Sharing real-world examples and best practices, Brooke will demonstrate how she helped two design companies rapidly transform themselves into technology powerhouses. She will illuminate paths forward for companies seeking similar transformation and why it matters. This session will encompass everything from solidifying tech infrastructure to building out new capabilities and more emergent tech solutions around Artificial Intelligence (AI). Brooke will also share looks at the tech solutions she and her teams are focused on for the future.

The Why: Technology has reshaped society. This means every company, regardless of its market, service, or mission, will need to be a technology company moving forward. This session identifies opportunities that organizations can seize. It shows how companies can embrace technology to empower meaningful business results. It is a session for every organization who wants to take control of their future.

Key Takeaways:

• Lead conversations at their organizations about important technology shifts and solutions and why they matter for their organizations.
• Take a more proactive approach to technology transformation at their organization, regardless of its market or size.
• Embrace tech transformation as a roadmap toward business success and resilience into the future.

In today's rapidly evolving tech landscape, adaptability is not just an advantage—it's essential for survival and success. This workshop dives into the complexities of leading amidst continuous change. From pivoting to navigating fluctuating business demands, we'll uncover the barriers that prevent organizations from embracing change and provide actionable strategies to transform these challenges into opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• Tips for understanding where you and your teams are right now so you can build or adapt successfully.
• Our blueprint for leading clients through a tech audit before starting new projects.
• An understanding of the foundations of the Adaptive Leadership Strategy.
• Inspiration to stop treating change like an emergency and create cultures and processes that tolerate unpredictability as a constant element.
• Insights from other attendees on their experiences with change in their organizations.

This session is for… This workshop is a must for technology leaders, including CEOs, COOs, CTOs, and senior executives who are steering their organizations through changes. Whether you're in the midst of a transformation or preparing for future challenges, the insights shared here will equip you with the knowledge and tools to lead with confidence and foresight. 

The technology we use today has changed significantly from what early adopters were using over a century ago, particularly the technology people rely on to communicate and connect with each other. As we face a constantly evolving future driven by technology, the considerations we make in creating and growing technology must evolve to reflect more modern populations and their needs.

Jennifer Parkhill, Senior Director, PMO & Strategy Execution, Verizon Partner Solutions, will take you on a journey of technological time travel, ending with reflections on the ways this emerging technology should intersect and demonstrate the power of people with the power of technology. 

Key Takeaways:

• Connecting people has always been at the center of communication technology advancements
• Power of Technology is optimized when it meets the requirements of a diverse society
• People and Technology efforts should focus on a sustainable and equitable future

This presentation will explore why it’s increasingly critical for companies to recruit (and develop existing talent) for a broad spectrum of skills, from digital to durable and everything in between. Important differences in the training for digital skills and durable/soft skills will be explored, and attendees will walk away with a framework for how to implement skills-based hiring and leverage it as a means to achieve DEI goals.

The Why: It’s not enough to hire based on certifications and digital skills alone, but hiring for durable skills doesn’t just mean “going with your gut” on a candidate. This session will apply a framework for incorporating durable skills in to your talent recruitment and development strategy.

Key Takeaways:

• Examine the differences between digital and durable skills
• Understand why both types of skills matter for recruitment and talent development
• Learn how to retrain an internal workforce for the skills the company needs for the future

This session is for... you if you are a technical or business team lead, including the following titles: CHRO, Chief People Officer, SVP Learning & Development, SVP Global Talent Management, Head of Business Transformation, SVP – Engineering Management, VP Engineering

Over the past year, we've seen the resignation of a number of key influential senior women in technology who have been role models for many. Tech has long been lagging other industries in the representation of women in leadership and for the most part, the positions left open in these key roles are being filled by men. In this session, we'll explore the journey and skills required to make it to the C-suite and the importance of not just getting women into tech but retaining and building them into senior roles to create the next generation of women C-suite in tech.
 
Key Takeaways:

• Building the next generation of influential women leaders in technology
• Investing in initiatives to not only increase the representation of diversity but retention and promotion
• Learn what it takes to make it to the C-suite

Join Mike Sweeney, Chief Strategy Officer at RallyBright for insights on building inclusive, resilient, high-performing Teams. We’ll highlight research on the positive impact women leaders have on team performance and assess the counter-intuitive challenges with early career confidence and imposter syndrome. We’ll explore how to use data and technology to open conversations designed to improve team performance. 

We’ll touch on how the (over) abundance of HR tech misses the mark on leadership development because they do not address an organization’s biggest impact driver - teams. And we’ll share insights from our work with teams ranging from Fortune 50 executives to small startups on how they are addressing challenges in a volatile hybrid world. We might even hint about the rise of NHTs (non-human teammates) augmenting your teams and showcase our AI capabilities.

Key Takeaways:

• Highlights from research on the positive impact women leaders have on teams (yet the challenge of low early career confidence)
• Practical approaches to using data and technology to open the door to developing team resilience (with leaders who may not typically engage in the ‘soft stuff’)
• Top tips for addressing challenges in uncertain times based on our work with technology teams

This session is for… you if you an HR/L&D professional of a small to medium-sized company, a team leader or a CEO/COO of a company with many teams.