Linking Leaders: Women in Technology Summit

Posted By: Andrea Bennett CITE News,

A Look at Linking Leaders: Women In Technology Summit held by ClassLink

WIT Summit Group Photo

I had the opportunity recently to participate in an event called Linking Leaders: Women in Technology Summit held by ClassLink and supported by Waklet, EdCite, and Secured Tech Solutions. Like some of you, I've been to women-focused events in the past and they can sometimes become a frustrating series of stories about discrimination and frozen ladders that makes one feel helpless. But sometimes these events become affirming, welcoming, and helpful sessions with smart, powerful women - without egos - leading the group. I'm happy to say the ClassLink event was the ladder.

WIT Summit Group Photo_2This was the second annual event so several of the attendees already knew each other. They thoughtfully recruited mentors, including California's own Melissa Dodd formerly of San Francisco Unified, Sophia Mendoza of Los Angeles Unified, and Sonia Hooks of Los Angeles County Office of Education. In addition, there were women from all around the country, many in Chief Technology or Superintendent roles. 

The agenda included some presentations but was also filled with activities that allowed us to focus on our well-being. It was amazing to hear about the wide variety of backgrounds these women came from and their paths to leadership.

WIT Summit Group Photo at Dinner

I'd like to share some of the resources posted. Regardless of your gender identity, these are great books!

  • InnovateHERs - Barbara Kurshan and Kathy Hurley
  • Strengths Based Leadership - Don Clifton and Gallup
  • Athen Rising: How and Why Men Should Mentor Women - Brad Johnson
  • A More Beautiful Question - Warren Berger
  • Primal Leadership - Unleashing The Power of Emotional Intelligence - Daniel Goleman
  • The Leadership Challenge: How To Make Extraordinary Things Happen In Organizations - James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner
  • The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life - Rosamund Stone Zander & Benjamin Zander

If you've read any of these or have more suggestions, please post your thoughts and conclusions!

For information about the summit, visit: https://www.classlink.com/linking-leaders/women-in-technology-summit