Bridging the Gap: Women in Miami’s Tech Scene
The tech industry, a realm traditionally dominated by men, faces a long-standing challenge when it comes to gender equality. Recent statistics paint a sobering picture: women hold fewer than 27% of tech jobs. Even more alarming is a 2023 McKinsey study revealing that 50% of women in tech roles leave the profession by the time they reach 35. These statistics underscore the urgent need for initiatives and programs aimed at retaining and empowering women in technology.
Recognizing this pressing issue, three organizations — Women in Miami Tech, Refresh Miami, and Venture Miami — are launching a vital series of events called YOU BELONG. This initiative aims to empower women in Miami’s burgeoning tech ecosystem, providing them with the resources and support necessary to thrive in this competitive field.
A Collective Effort
The YOU BELONG series is made possible by a generous grant from Venture Miami, an office within the City of Miami dedicated to fostering innovation and job creation, particularly in technology. According to Kelly Montoya, Head of Partnerships for Venture Miami, supporting Women in Miami Tech and Refresh Miami was a natural fit for their mission. “It aligns with our goal to uplift and connect the incredible talent right here in our community,” she states, emphasizing the need for spaces where aspiring tech professionals can gather, share experiences, and collaborate.
Montoya’s commitment stems from her own experiences. Early in her career, she, too, yearned for opportunities to connect with others in the tech field — experiences she believes have become all the more crucial as several organizations that once supported women in tech, such as Girls in Tech and Women Who Code, have unfortunately shut down in 2023.
Addressing Critical Needs
Maria Derchi Russo, who leads both Refresh Miami and Women in Miami Tech, echoes the importance of the YOU BELONG initiative. “This program is designed to create a supportive network for women already in tech or considering a career in this field. The goal is to help these women feel less isolated and tackle the imposter syndrome that can hinder their success,” she explains. Russo’s organizations engage over 17,000 members and focus on fostering community among nearly 3,000 professionals dedicated to advancing women in South Florida’s tech landscape.
What to Expect from YOU BELONG
The YOU BELONG series will provide a suite of resources over the coming year, which includes four educational workshops and interactive sessions tailored to address both personal and professional development. Furthermore, two Hiring Crawls are slated to occur, allowing participants to network directly with local employers who are actively seeking talent. The series will also be part of the larger Venture Miami Hiring Fair, further opening doors for women eager to break into — or advance within — the tech industry.
The kickoff event is scheduled for October 22 at citizenM Miami World Center, focusing on the theme “Breaking into and Excelling in the Tech Industry.” This gathering is a perfect opportunity for anyone curious about tech careers or looking to pivot into a new role. Local leaders in product management, sales, customer success, and growth will share invaluable insights on leveraging personal skills for success in tech.
Prominent speakers at this event will include Lara Danguillecourt, Growth Strategy & Operations at Uber; Mariana Rego, Senior Product Manager at BrainPOP; Danielle Ungermann, Senior Customer Success Manager at Picsart; and Javier Ramirez Lugo, Founder of Cuota. Moderated by Russo, this panel promises to offer practical advice and motivation for attendees.
Building an Inclusive Ecosystem
The necessity of this initiative is undeniable, particularly in light of the collective responsibility to cultivate a tech ecosystem that is inclusive and supportive. Kelly Montoya articulates a shared vision among the partners involved, noting the importance of creating spaces where diverse backgrounds and experiences can contribute to Miami’s evolution as a leading hub for innovation. She states, “We want this initiative to help build a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem that allows everyone to play an active role in shaping Miami’s future.”
As the tech scene in Miami continues to grow, initiatives like YOU BELONG are critical in ensuring that women not only have a seat at the table but feel empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and skills.
The challenges are significant, but with collaborative efforts like these, Miami is on a promising path toward a more equitable tech industry. The upcoming events are just the beginning of a community-driven approach to transforming the local landscape and enhancing opportunities for women in tech.
Stay Tuned for More
More events and opportunities for engagement will be announced in the coming months. For those interested in taking part in this initiative and benefiting from the wealth of knowledge and resources available, the launch of YOU BELONG marks a pivotal moment in not just Miami’s tech industry but also in the broader movement toward gender equality in technology.
For additional information and to register for the kickoff event, visit the event registration page here.