ChickTech is Bridging the Gap — Here’s How You Can Get Involved
Post Date : March 7, 2023
We're announcing a brand new initiative to help you stay connected. Attend our Bridging Tech with Diversity Conference to learn more!
Post Date : January 10, 2023
To celebrate #10YearsofChickTech and continue to grow our inclusivity, we're launching a revamp of the ChickTech brand!
Post Date : December 21, 2022
Community members from across the country helped us celebrate ten years of ChickTech! Here's what you missed from our December 14th event.
Gender Gap: A Look Into The Gender Inequality In Computer Science
Post Date : December 3, 2022
STEM participation still skews towards men—but here's how ChickTech is changing the status quo for women, girls, and non-binary people of all ages in tech.
How To Practice Self-Care as a Woman in STEM
Post Date : October 31, 2022
Learn about three steps you can take to identify stressors and work towards a healthier mindset as a woman or non-binary person in tech.
ChickTech moves to a 4-day week!
Post Date : October 6, 2022
In this blog post, we'll tell you about how we transitioned to a four-day work week and our reasons behind the shift. We’ll also share some tips for how you can advocate for a 4-day work week at your organization.
A Technology Story: From ChickTech to Disney and Back Again
Post Date : August 15, 2022
Read about ChickTech Board Member Sloane’s journey from high school tech newbie to Technical Director at “the most magical place on earth.”
Post Date : April 21, 2022
ChickTech prides itself on being a volunteer-driven organization. Our volunteers breathe life and love into every ChickTech event, program, and organizational decision, working alongside our small but mighty staff team. This year, we'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you to our hundreds of active volunteers—and the thousands who have donated their time, expertise, and passion across ChickTech's ten years of impact.
Celebrating Black History Month (2022)
Post Date : February 1, 2022
Black History Month is celebrated every February in the United States of America. Learn about what Black History Month celebrates, and why (and how) ChickTech is honoring the triumphs and struggles of Black Americans throughout US history. 👩🏾🏭 🧑🏽🔬 👩🏿💻
Cryptocurrency, NFTs, and Tech for Social Good: A Conversation with Tesuji CEO, Benji Brown
Post Date : December 3, 2021
Watch as ChickTech Board President Nanci Schimizzi interviews Benji Brown - CEO & Founder of our newest partner Tesuji, and learn about an exciting opportunity to win an NFT and presale list spots for Tesuji's upcoming NFT collection!
Post Date : December 1, 2021
Pauline is a high school senior from Lake Oswego, Oregon with an interest in robotics that blossomed through ChickTech's workshops and community. Learn how Pauline is giving back to her community and why she's passionate about empowering other girls in STEM.
A Leader’s Journey To Connect Women in Tech
Post Date : September 14, 2021
Cat Posey is an expert on the ethics of AI and machine learning and part of the Capital One leadership team. Learn about how Cat is shifting the current dynamics within tech culture so the community can truly be a microcosm of the world and a place where all of its members can thrive. Thank you to Capital One for sponsoring the 2021 ACT-W Conference!
Thinking of a career in cybersecurity? Here’s what you need to know.
Post Date : August 17, 2021
Cybersecurity jobs can feel intimidating to pursue. Joann Anderson from Latacora shares what you need to know about this fascinating career.
Meet ChickTech Board Member Jennie Leigh
Post Date : October 21, 2020
Meet the ChickTech Board! Jennie Leigh has been involved with ChickTech since 2014, where she helped our Bay Area chapter get up and running. Learn more about Jennie and her service to ChickTech!
How Womxn in Tech are Disproportionately Affected by COVID-19
Post Date : July 8, 2020
New research has highlighted inequities for womxn in tech working through COVID-19. Here's what the research says–and how you can advocate for yourself.
ChickTech Interim CEO Katie SanFilippo issues statement surrounding US protests of police brutality
Post Date : June 1, 2020
Chicktech stands in solidarity with the Black community and we vow to support the fight of historic and ongoing systemic oppression and violence against black people across America.
Meet ChickTech: Central Oregon’s Chapter Lead, Lisa O’Brian
Post Date : May 19, 2020
For Lisa, being a woman in the male-dominated tech industry meant "you didn't get the recognition and support you deserved. There were times where I let that hold me back…" But Lisa attests that being able to understand failure is a valuable asset for anyone, no matter their career path or goals in life.
Upcoming Events Through May: ChickTech Strives to Keep Its Community Learning and Growing
Post Date : May 6, 2020
Despite the major shift in the ways our STEM communities can connect, ChickTech is still striving to provide valuable resources to those who are passionate about continuing their learning experiences during these uncertain times.
ChickTech’s actions to monitor and respond to the COVID-19 outbreak
Post Date : March 17, 2020
No matter how we may personally be affected by COVID-19 at this time, now is the time to come together as a community. Learn about ChickTech’s actions to monitor and respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.
A Technical Polyglot: Ashlyn’s Story
Post Date : November 7, 2019
Read our story about Ashlyn, trilingual High School student with a passion for coding and Artificial Intelligence! Ashlyn is what #TechLooksLike
ChickTech & Trilogy Education Partner Up to Empower Women Into Tech Careers
Post Date : November 1, 2019
Trilogy Education is offering a $500 scholarship to all qualified ChickTech members for use in one of its university-backed bootcamps!
CodeWizardsHQ Gives Back Campaign + ChickTech Partnership
Post Date : October 1, 2019
CodeWizardsHQ, the global coding school for youth ages 8-18, has partnered with ChickTech, a national organization serving thousands of girls and women every year through tech programs and events.
Janice Levenhagen steps down as CEO of ChickTech
Post Date : August 5, 2019
ChickTech, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that encourages girls and women to pursue careers in technology, announced today that Janice Levenhagen has stepped down from her position as CEO, and that the Board of Directors has named Katie SanFilippo, previously National Program Director, as ChickTech’s interim CEO.
ChickTech CEO Focuses on Bay Area Development
Post Date : January 14, 2019
Janice Levenhagen-Seeley, ChickTech CEO, spends January in the Bay Area, California, to develop chapter and headquarters partnerships.
ChickTech Teams Up with Deloitte to Pilot IoT Workshops for High School Girls in U.S. Cities
Post Date : October 17, 2018
ChickTech is collaborating with Deloitte to pilot an Internet of Things (IoT) workshop for high school girls in cities across the US. Students will be encouraged to test their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills in a hands-on environment to help them recognize their potential to become the next wave of tech leaders.
TechGirlz and ChickTech Partner to Empower Women of All Ages
Post Date : September 15, 2018
TechGirlz, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering girls to be future technology leaders, has announced a new partnership with ChickTech, a nonprofit advancing the role of women in tech through events, mentorship, networking and training.
ChickTech’s High School VIPs Get an Inside Look at the Tech World at ACT-W Portland
Post Date : September 4, 2018
For many young women, their interest in STEM begins to wane as they enter high school, which is a critical time in their lives. And while each girl’s personal reasons for leaving STEM subjects varies, a recent study by Microsoft and KRC Research suggests that girls lose interest due to peer pressure, lack of role models, and insufficient support from parents and teachers. Since its inception, ChickTech has aimed to change this by sparking an interest in STEM studies among young girls and teens to create a more diverse tech community.
Get Your Child’s Brain in Gear with ChickTech’s Soft Circuits Kits
Post Date : August 15, 2018
August has arrived. By now, kids are getting ready to go back school, but their brains may be a little groggy from all the summer excitement. They’ve been laughing, having fun, and forming summer memories that they’ll carry with them for many years to come. Parents, however, are likely counting down the days to September. When their kids go back to school, structure will be brought back into daily routines. Teachers take over to shape students’ minds, encourage their passions, and help them grow their skills.
ChickTech Hosts Its First Weeklong Robotics Bootcamp
Post Date : August 6, 2018
This past July, Chicktech ran a weeklong robotics bootcamp for middle and high school girls across Oregon. Hosted at the PCC Rock Creek campus, the camp lasted 5 days and exposed the girls to a variety of activities that would cultivate their expertise in the robotics field. The purpose of this weeklong camp was to educate young women on the different aspects regarding FIRST Robotics. As these girls were ages 12-18, the camp was geared towards the middle school and high school FIRST programs, FTC (First Tech Challenge) and FRC (First Robotics Challenge).
Scouting Girls In: Unfolding the Boy Scout Program Name Change
Post Date : May 29, 2018
Encouraging girls to explore different programs at a young age is one of the best ways to fight stereotypes that women aren’t biologically equipped for traditionally male-dominated activities
ChickTech Receives $20,000 Grant from AT&T Oregon to Support Rural-Area STEM Programs for Girls
Post Date : May 24, 2018
ChickTech extends partnership with AT&T Oregon to continue expanding its STEM programs for school-aged girls and teens in rural communities.
ACT-W National: More than just a ‘women in tech’ networking event
Post Date : May 7, 2018
Last month, ChickTech hosted its first ACT-W National conference to continue its mission of accelerating the careers of women in technology and to create more women leaders across the industry. The three days were filled with speaking sessions and workshops focused on career development, leadership, diversity, and technology. The event was supported by the generous contributions of over 30 partners, including the likes of Google, Nintendo, T Mobile, and more.
Udacity and Google Announce 50,000 New Scholarships
Post Date : November 10, 2017
We are excited to share that Udacity and Google recently announced a new scholarship program that will provide learning opportunities to 50,000 people across the United States. The scholarship program is part of the Grow with Google initiative and diverse candidates are encouraged to apply—no prior experience necessary.
Back to school with STEM scholarships
Post Date : September 7, 2017
This year ChickTech partnered with Vision Service Plan (VSP) to provide college scholarships for ChickTech: High School alumni pursuing careers in technology. Applications came in from highly-qualified participants who will be attending top schools such as UC Berkeley, Rochester Institute of Technology, Smith College, University of Michigan, Purdue University, and University of Washington.
ChickTech Welcomes New Chapters Across the Country
Post Date : August 10, 2017
This year ChickTech partnered with Vision Service Plan (VSP) to provide college scholarships for ChickTech: High School alumni pursuing careers in technology. Applications came in from highly-qualified participants who will be attending top schools such as UC Berkeley, Rochester Institute of Technology, Smith College, University of Michigan, Purdue University, and University of Washington.
Maryam Mirzakhani: A mathematic legend who will not be forgotten
Post Date : August 8, 2017
Last month, we lost STEM legend way too soon. Maryam Mirzakhani, an Iranian mathematician who was the only woman to win a Fields Medal, died of breast cancer at only 40 years old. It was a devastating loss, and we hope that Maryam’s legacy will continue to inspire girls worldwide, and encourage them to pursue STEM careers.
ChickTech and AT&T, Turning rural girls into STEM superheroes
Post Date : July 6, 2017
ChickTech has teamed up with AT&T Oregon to bring our workshops to central Oregon Schools. Thanks to generous contributions totaling $40,000, we are able to develop and sustain a rural pilot program that tests new approaches for bringing STEM-based programs to rural areas.
I’m a Barbie girl, in a B2B tech PR world
Post Date : April 6, 2017
Back when Barbie Millicent Roberts from Wisconsin was first invented, Ruth Handler (also co-founder of Mattel) designed her with one career in mind— a teenage fashion model. Barbie's intention soon shifted to giving girls the idea that they could be whoever they wanted to be when they grew up. However, Barbie has become a symbol in recent years for what’s wrong with “girls' toys.”
Wouldn’t it be great if we didn’t have to celebrate International Women’s Day
Post Date : March 7, 2017
Women’s Day was never meant to make women feel special or to celebrate women just because of their gender. Its goal was always to raise awareness about the atrocities some women go through just because of their gender. Over time, this day has also expanded to include a celebration of women’s achievements across the globe. Most importantly, it’s a reminder and a call for action to promote equality between genders. Every year, the day is marked around the world with celebrations, performances, inspirational talks, networking events, conferences, marches and pledges.
Impostor Syndrome: The Quiet Confidence Killer
Post Date : March 7, 2017
Imagine you just landed the job of a lifetime. You’re sitting at your desk, surrounded by brilliant peers who are at the top of their game. Slowly, you start to question why you’re there. You’re obviously not as talented as the people around you – they make the job look so easy. Nor did you get here on your merits – you just got lucky in your previous job and only look good on paper. No, somehow you conned your way into this position and it’s only a matter of time before everyone sees you for what you are: a fraud.
Knocking down the glass walls of technology in 2017
Post Date : January 30, 2017
Much has been said about the glass ceiling – an invisible, unbreakable barrier that often prevents women and minorities from moving up the corporate ladder. Within the technology industry, it’s more than just a ceiling. Glass walls are being built, keeping certain people in and others out. It’s an architecture flaw that doesn’t bode well for an industry that consistently struggles to recruit and retain women into high-tech careers. Only 18 percent of computer science majors are women, and 56 percent of women in computer science jobs leave the industry by mid-career.
Post Date : May 2, 2016
April 22-24, 2016 ACT-W Portland: A Conference to Advance the Careers of Technical Women Building the Future of Women in Tech As the Portland tech scene continues to grow, more and more opportunities for both current and future professionals are added every day.
Post Date : April 24, 2015
Women share more and have stronger social networks than men – let’s use those skills to push for balanced and equitable workplaces for all.
Women in Tech Series – Jennifer Ng Ain Kin
Post Date : September 22, 2013
This is our first Women in Tech participant. Jennifer Ng Ain Kin is a Project Manager of Regulatory Affairs at Abbott Point of Care. Through our contact, I learned that Jennifer is a mother of two and has lots to say about her career. Thanks, Jennifer for being the first one to participate in this really awesome series!
ChickTech Summer Reading List: Grace and Grit
Post Date : July 26, 2013
Here at ChickTech, we’ve been doing some summer reading- and we highly recommend you check out Grace and Grit: My Fight for Equal Pay and Fairness at Goodyear and Beyond, written by Lilly Ledbetter with Lainer Scott Isom.
What Do You Wish Someone Had Told You About Computer Science?
Post Date : May 31, 2013
Here’s a question for you professional women out there who are already in the field — what do you wish someone had told you about computer science?
New Presentation: All About ChickTech
Post Date : February 28, 2013
Learn more about ChickTech's programming with the all-new ChickTech presentation!
Resume & Career Workshop: 10 Reasons Why You Should Attend
Post Date : February 26, 2013
If you can answer YES to the following question …Did you attend ChickTech: High School at Portland State University in January 2013? … then, you should RSVP for the first follow-up event: The Resume & Career Workshop.
Post Date : February 26, 2013
We had an amazing first ChickTech: High School last month, where 99 high school girls from throughout the Portland area came to Portland State University on the weekend of Jan. 26-27 for tech workshops taught and run by an all-volunteer crew of Portland-area professionals passionate about tech.
Volunteers: Join Us At GSD Work Sessions
Post Date : February 26, 2013
We have three upcoming “Get Stuff Done” Work Sessions. Please join us if you are ready to work hard for the ChickTech cause and can be flexible and a self-starter. Together, we can make this happen!
At ChickTech, New Friendships Forged on Common Ground
Post Date : February 5, 2013
Shared interests often lead to new friendships, and on Jan. 26, day one of ChickTech: High School in Portland, three girls found their common ground in a computer games workshop, and also found their usual shyness disappeared.
Learn More About ChickTech at OSU on Feb. 6
Post Date : February 4, 2013
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about ChickTech, visit our booth on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at the Nonprofit & Volunteer Fair at Oregon State University in Corvallis.
NASA-Backed Organization Features ChickTech
Post Date : February 3, 2013
Pathways to Science—a project of the Institute for Broadening Participation (IBP), which is funded by the National Science Foundation and NASA—lists ChickTech as one of their Featured Links.
The Oregonian Highlights ChickTech’s Tech Show
Post Date : January 26, 2013
On Jan. 25, a weekend roundup read: "There's lots to do in Portland this weekend, whether checking out the latest cars at the Auto Show, seeing championship cats or taking in tech projects by talented teens," and went on to talk about ChickTech: High School. Read the full article here.
Silicon Florist Previews ChickTech’s Tech Show
Post Date : January 26, 2013
On Jan. 24, local tech startup blog, Silicon Florist, wrote about ChickTech: High School Tech Show. Read the full article here.
Video: Community Hotline Covers ChickTech
Post Date : January 26, 2013
On Wednesday, Jan. 9, Janice Levenhagen-Seeley, Founder and Executive Director of ChickTech, along with Thompson Morrison, CEO of Fuse Insight, a business intelligence consultancy in Portland, were interviewed during the weekly viewer-call-in production by MetroEast Community Media in Gresham, OR. Watch their appearance above, or read more here.
Volunteers needed for underwater lego robotics camp in Beaverton
Post Date : December 6, 2012
UNDERWATER LEGO ROBOTS! Yes, you read that right – underwater Lego robots. A great opportunity to volunteer. Beaverton will have its first underwater Lego robotics Splash Camp. This first camp will be in June 2013 for high school girls. As a contrast to huge class sizes this year (sometimes over 50 in Beaverton High Schools), this camp will be for 10 girls – two for each Lego kit.
4th Saturday Soft Circuit Workshop by Cacophonous Creations
Post Date : September 21, 2012
One of our ChickTech volunteers, Cat Poole, puts on an awesome soft circuit workshop through her own company (Cacophonous Creations) on the 4th Saturday of every month! Like them on Facebook when you go to sign up for the Saturday workshop!
Post Date : August 2, 2012
We just received word yesterday that the IEEE Foundation has awarded us a substantial (at least for us!) grant to cover part of the costs of putting on ChickTech: High School this next January. Let’s give a big thank you to Corey Castelow for writing and submitting that grant, and of course one to the IEEE Foundation for awarding it to us! We are making significant strides toward our goal of making (and funding) this amazing event, and, as always, are still looking for great businesses (especially in the Portland area) who would be willing to join the illustrious ranks of ChickTech sponsors.
Gaming for Social Change! + Gaming Workshop for ChickTech: High School
Post Date : July 25, 2012
I went to an amazing meetup this evening called Portland Games for Change at OpenSourcery. This was a continuation of the panel discussion we had back in June, and it was pretty exciting. Organized by Jeffrey Sens, founder of Pixel Arts, it was organized around how we can create social good through games and gaming. Because one of the ChickTech: High School workshops in January is on gaming, this was perfect. As many of you know, one of the great ways to get girls and women involved in and excited about tech (and probably anything) is to show them how it relates to their lives and/or how they can use it to improve the world around them.