GENESEE COUNTY/Women in Technology (WIT Network) branching into Batavia – Video News Service
Pictured from left to right: Kristin Gordon, Mallory Giunta, Kelly Nagel Sabree Gamel, Emily Carlson, Ruby Pietruszka
The WIT Network/Buffalo Chapter held a women’s networking event at Roman’s last week for the first time.
Emily Carlson of Batávia runs her own business, PBA Consulting (Powered by Authenticity) and broadcasts a weekly Podcast of the same name created on GoArt! every Thursday.
Link to Podcast on Spotify: Powered by Authenticity | Podcast on Spotify Can also be found on Apple: Powered by Authenticity on Apple Podcasts.
Carlson started the podcast last April. She hopes to grow and expand the WIT Network locally and bring together women working in technology from Buffalo and Rochester and Batavia. Last week’s free event at Roman’s was attended by representatives from Paychex, Chapins and Ingram Micro.
Photo provided Ken Carlson
“Through the podcast, I was able to expand and grow my network, which led to other consulting opportunities,” says Carlson.
“You won’t get a job or contacts by applying online, but rather through the conversations you have, so by being a member of WIT you are able to expand and grow.”
Carlson says he found the organization on LinkedIn in 2020 when everyone was stuck at home due to the pandemic.
“I joined in 2020 and was looking for like-minded people who I could continue to connect and bond with remotely. It was a great opportunity to meet people locally and network.”
Carlson (right) with Kelly Nagel
Carlson lost her job as Chief Technology Officer at a healthcare consulting firm in 2022 after much of the pandemic funding dried up.
“This (WIT) was a great community to be able to support me in, so I was able to understand what vital next steps would be, to provide training, seek support and provide guidance.”
The WIT Network is a global network of women of all ages and career stages. The group provides inspiration, guidance, networking, education and technical skills from other women locally and around the world.
Link to more information below.
Home page – The WIT Network
“I would love to see GCC students get more involved as they start to get out into the real world and work. Getting to know the women in the WIT Network will really help them get their first jobs or internships. We will be able to support and guide them as they enter the job market.”
Carlson says that women are currently underrepresented in the technology sector in many jobs such as IT, data management, Scrum Master and women working in the STEAM field.
“We started losing girls in high school because they’re afraid that participating in some of these STEM clubs will make them feel like nerds and that’s not cool,” says Carlson.
WIT is currently offering a free community membership. The highest paying membership is $95 per year. A person still in school pays $25.
Membership information:
Join Us – Membership Options – The WIT Network
The next in-person networking event is a wine tour event leaving Buffalo in the fall. Link to webinars: Programs and Events – The WIT Network
