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The Informatics Women's Organization was founded in July 2003. Our goals are to help women succeed in the fields of Informatics, Computer Science, and Computer Technology. In the past, women have been under-represented in these fields. We seek to encourage women to enter these technology fields. Through networking, mentoring and educational programs, we hope to help women break down the gender wall. Our mentoring begins with middle and high school-aged girls. We have been working with the Urban League by touring girls through the computer facilities in the School of Informatics. We have supported and assisted with the Urban League's Summer Computer Camps for girls. We hope to be able to reach other organizations, such as Girls, Inc. and the Girls Scouts of America by eventually offering summer computer workshops. We feel that networking is very important for career success. We hope to make connections with other organizations in the city that would help us promote our female students to prospective employers. We are currently working with Women and High Tech, a local organization with a membership base that spreads throughout central Indiana. We also offer opportunities to learn about what's happening in the real world. In November 2003, we held a mini-conference in which we discussed the issues of what it's like being women in a traditionally male field. Barbara Hayes and Libby Stickle shared with us the obstacles they encountered as they began their careers in this non-traditional field. In November 2004, we held our second Annual mini-conference featuring Sara Hook who is an Associate Dean with the School of Informatics, Teresa Bennett with the IUPUI Solution Center and Elena Bertozzi who is a professor from IUB's Communication Department. In the Spring of 2004, we held monthly meetings the second Tuesday of each month. Our meetings ran from 5:30 - 7:00 pm and we tried to offer information or assistance that student's might find helpful. Knowing how difficult it can be to work a monthly meeting into a schedule packed with school, work and family, we developed a motto of, "Come when you can, leave when you must." For the school year 2004/2005, our monthly meetings are second Tuesday of each month from 7:30 - 9:00 at the Au Ban Pain on Indiana Avenue. Currently we have around 75 members. Our membership is open to students, alumni, faculty, staff or any interested people outside the university. No dues are required. You just need to have an interest in helping women succeed in technology. This website will be revised and updated often, so be sure to visit this site for updates. If you would like more information about IWO or any of our upcoming meetings, please submit your name, preferred email address, student status (if any), or business name to itwomen@iupui.edu. Thank you for your interest in the Informatics Women's Organization. Barbara Howrey |