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Fellow Women IT Changemakers,
I've got some exciting news.
Women IT ChangeMakers > Women ChangeMakers. Rebranding reflects a broader spectrum of women in Minnesota State Government. We will be adding committees, such as IT, to reach women in focused conversation. The Mission and Goals and Logo will also be updated to reflect this change.
We often get the response 'I'm not IT' when inviting women outside of the IT field to join our ERG discussions, lunch & learns, or sign up for the newsletter. Rebranding the ERG gives us the opportunity to have all women feel comfortable to be at the table, not just IT career staff.
When it comes to inclusion, we have to be intentional as leaders. We have valuable opportunities to share our experiences and our perspective and we wish to be inclusive of all women in State service, to engage and hear everyones stories and experiences.
As we continue to evolve, we will be reaching out to see what types of committees can empower you, our ERG membership? We will be looking for chairs of these new committees and will invite you to find ways to participate. You tell us what you need and we will work to build it.
Looking forward to your feedback! This conversation is ongoing, and we will continue to share the exciting plan as it is evolving. The goal is to send out the May newsletter with the new branding!!
Colette Johnson, Application Architect, MNIT Services
Congratulations to the latest ELI Women Graduates
Congratulations to the March 2023 Emerging Leadership Institute Graduates for six-months of growth, impact, and learned leadership experiences across the state government. These team members, nominated by their leaders, have invested their time and efforts to learn what it takes to be a leader in the State of Minnesota.
The goal of the program is to contribute to the engagement and retention of emerging leaders and help them transition into future roles by increasing their knowledge of business and leadership characteristics and styles, and enhancing their ability to build professional relationships. Participants gain knowledge from speakers who share philosophies as well as some of their own leadership experiences.
If you would like to learn more about the ELI program, attend a Lunch & Learn on May 2nd. Click here to add the event to your calendar.
Congratulations to these amazing women: Allison Steinmaus, Amy Adrihan, Amy McShane, Amy Strenge, Anjali Bajracharya, Ann Macheledt, Anna Kojic, Annie Johnson, Annie Reierson, Barb Wagner, Beth Nogai, Bri Alsides, Bridget Pouladian, Callie Hargett, Catherine Diamond, Christine Schaerf, Claire Cambridge, Clare Croteau, Colette Johnson, Courtney VanderMey, Cynthia Klassen, Dacia VanAlstine, Dai Vu, Danielle Polzin, Dan-Tam Phan-Hoang, Diane La Haie, Emily Schmid, Erika Herr, Faith Krogstad, Frieda von Qualen, Ginny Way, Gretchen Longbehn, Heather Klever, Heidi Stay, Igbal Mohammed, Jacki Rightler, Jeannine Johannsen, Jennifer Winegarner, Julie Mueller-LaClair, Julie Rapacki, Karen Gaides, Kari Guida, Katie Rinker, Lacy Levine, Lauren Bethke, Lebo Moore, Lori Kleven, Margaret Odanga, Maria LaChance, Marisela Cantu, Marisol Chiclana-Ayala, Mariyam Naadha, Maya Ly, Nina Grove, Paula Phelps, Rachel Dopson, Rashmi Brewer, Robyn Hetland, Sally Wakefield, Samantha Clayton, Samantha Holte, Sandra Brick, Sarah Dicks, Sarah Grebenc, Sherri Nachtigal, Sugam Shrestha, Tracy Roloff, Trudy O'Marro, Valerie Larkin, and Virginia Becker.
Women IT ChangeMakers Chair & Committee Co-Chairs
More New Beginnings
It is with great excitement that we can announce that Axelina Swenson and Courtney Horbach have agreed to join the Outreach Committee as Co-Chairs. They will write the bi-monthly newsletter, promote awareness of the ERG activities, and help coordinate member events and activities.
Axelina Swenson is a Data Analyst at MNIT. She has most recently Co-Chaired the Accountability Committee for our ERG. She is excited to turn her focus to the Outreach committee.
Fun fact: Axelina has a new baby!! Congrats to Axelina.
Courtney Horbach has worked for MMB for ten years with the State Employee Group Insurance Program. Currently she is a Systems Administrator specializing in the insurance benefits system. Previous work included digital and print marketing, and editorial staff at a Minneapolis based publisher. She is interesting in promoting an equitable workplace with opportunities to engage in meaningful work for all State of Minnesota employees.
Fun fact: Courtney participates in a writing event ever year in November- NaNoWriMo, with a goal of writing a 50,000 word novel in thirty days.
Around the Community
2023 Technovation Girls Challenge Registration OPEN!!
Signup here to get involved!!
From their website: "Every year, girls across the globe step up to solve problems in their community with technology through Technovation Girls. Supported by a network of mentors, ambassadors, volunteers and parents, these girls are changing the world—and you can too.
Our global community of students, mentors, ambassadors, parents and judges are curious, creative problem solvers who know technology is a powerful tool for change and want to use it for social good. Most join with no previous tech experience, but are ready to learn."
MNIT employees are able to participate as judges and team members. If you are interested, make sure to signup!
The Future of Women in Tech
April 27, 2023
Improving, 1515 Northeast Central Avenue, Minneapolis, 55413
Tickets Free. This event is donation powered. All Proceeds going to the Code Savvy programming for emerging girls in tech, like Technovation (MN) and Rebecca Code Explorers.
From their website: "We will be investigating the future of women in tech by hosting a discussion with a panel of female tech leaders from Minnesota.
Themes of the discussion might touch on:
- The role emerging technologies play in the future positions that women need to prepare themselves for.
- The data as it relates to how DEI initiatives are working (or not).
- How we can create work environments to better support women in tech leadership roles.
- Panelists will be announced soon, but we hope you will be there for this important discussion."
Register for this event here.
Have an event that you'd like highlighted here? Contact Women IT ChangeMakers Leadership.
Upcoming ERG Events
Monthly Lunch & Learns
Corporate inclusion visionary Deepa Purushothaman shares how women of color can advocate for themselves in workplace settings where they are undervalued, discriminated against and overlooked -- and how companies can foster working cultures that empower everyone to achieve success. Download Invite
Other ERG Events Worth Attending!
The Women IT ChangeMakers supports all the activities of our partner State of Minnesota ERGs. See upcoming events for alll ERGs.
The Black, Indigenous, Women of Color (BIWOC) ERG will be hosting their first wellness event: Restorative Yoga and Movement with Hope Lockett on Tuesday, March 28th, from 4:00-5:30pm at The Zen Bin.
Event Description: Join us as we center the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color through a class in restorative yoga and movement. No matter your level of experience, this will be a class that is great for all levels, as options for modifications will be available.
Location Information & to Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/restorative-yoga-and-movement-class-with-hope-lockett-tickets-586143891157
If you have additional questions about this event, please feel free to email us at ERG.BIWOC@state.mn.us.
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