Girls Get IT Conference

The 2023 Girls Get IT conference’s goal was to introduce middle and high school girls to educational and career possibilities in the field of information technology. Through interactive workshops, over 300 attendees learned about emerging technologies while having fun in a safe and open environment. Students realized they can do anything and that, as the event theme expresses, IT Is Everywhere. During the afternoon think tank session with professional women who already work in the IT field, representatives from Apple shared best practices they deployed to strengthen the talent pipeline of women into IT. Two new components were announced: the launch of an endowed scholarship and worksite field trips. Event sponsors included Salt River Project, Microchip Technology, Nationwide, Infosys, Center for the Future of Arizona, and the Mesa Chamber of Commerce. Girls Get IT was hosted by Scottsdale Community College and supported by Maricopa IT Institute-East Valley.

Innovators

• Melanie Burm, Director, External Affairs, Scottsdale Community College
• Diane Meza, Executive Director, Maricopa Information Technology Institute, District Office