She's Geeky: Feeling Energized, Connected, and Learning

For past day and half, I've been here in Mountain View at She's Geeky.   It's unconference style, and very supportive atmosphere for women who work in technology and also want to encourage more women to get involved.

That's the coffee cup from She's Geeky.  Everyone got one and you wrote your name on it.  She's Geeky provided the structure or container, we all got to personalized what we giving to one another and what getting in return.   I've learned so much, have met many women who I know and admire in the tech field as well as connecting with colleagues I already know.   The participants from both the for-profit and non-profit sector - so lots of cross pollination of ideas and tons of support.

Much praise goes to the organizing committee and particularly Kaliya.   

• Kaliya Hamlin, unconference.net, Identity Woman
• Mary Hodder, Founder Dabble.com
• Julia French,  Covered Communication
• Susan Mernitt, Yahoo
• Sylvia Paull, Berkeley Ventures
• heathervescent, Purple Tornado
• Laurie Rae  
• Danese Cooper, Intel
• Deb Roby a BlogHer Blogger
• Melanie Swan

I facilitated a session on working in the nonprofit sector, with colleague Liz Perry, who is a sketch blogger and works an instructional technology specialist in a nonprofit school.  Liz and I had incredible conversation about mobile blogging during the blogher unconference last July and I always found her to be one someone who with a great deal of wisdom.   Two of my favorite bloghers who have worked in the nonprofit sector were also in the room, Liz Henry and her sister.  (Liz, thank you for supporting the campaign to send Leng Sopharath to college - you rock!)   I also finally got a change to meet Amy Jussel of Shaping Youth whose blog I've been reading for a while and enjoying.

When I attend conference, I rarely get a chance to get self-fish and attend sessions or have conversations about professional development.   This conference has been fantastic for me in providing that type of professional support.  Yesterday,  I took an inspiring speaker training workshop with Lura Dolas who uses acting techniques to help people improve their speaking and presentation skills.  If I lived in the Bay Area, I would definitely work with her as coach.

This morning I attended two sessions.  The first was on Leadership co-facilitated by Susan Mernit, Adina Levin, and Liza Sabater.  It was interesting to hear the common threads and difference on leadership for those who work in the corporate or organizational structures and those of us who are independents. The next sesson was called Guerilla Tactics of a Diversity Advocate and lead by Liza.  I found her ideas particularly relevant to my work and thank her sharing her secrets!

Time to grab one of those Purple Tornado yummy cupcakes

Comments

[Shaping Youth]

Hi Beth, nice meeting you finally!

I like your notion of a blog 'brain dump' spot vs. 'time sink' but Shaping Youth definitely morphed differently into more of a publication style...So you've inspired me to soon do an adjunct/abbreviated version akin to cliff notes, like maybe a "Tumblr blog" or short form variation, as these links you're providing are very helpful, so thanks!

With that in mind, here are a few more, re: The 'SmartSilvers' alliance via the BoomerTech Stanford/MIT evening series. (I'm hoping you & Liz P. might have a 'master list' for the attendees of your session to get this to Susan who was interested in tech 'lifeware' for aging populations life facilitation, etc.?)

I left a note on Liz Henry's liveblog too...but here are the basic links: http://network.smartsilvers.com
http://www.boomerventuresummit.com

Thanks for your insights, wish we had more time to chat, but know we'll no doubt cross paths in this arena again...

I'm determined to find a way to get 'underwriting' for Shaping Youth to remain indie/not beholden and open source/affordable for universal access (to programs, site, etc. as it grows) so when you hear of an ethical 'fit' that might be appropo, do keep us in mind, (or any 'best practices' in terms of partnership agreements w/other orgs for a win-win)

Meanwhile, take care, thanks for making the trek out here, and we'll be virtually in touch, I'm sure!

[Michele Martin]

I'm jealous, Beth--not only an unconference, but a bunch of great geeky women eating cupcakes besides! Sounds like a great experience!

[Zena Weist]

Beth,

Thanks for posting on She's Geeky. I wanted to attend but couldn't make it this year. You have motivated me to get there next go round though.

[merlyna]

oooh... awesome! so jealous.... i would love to be in the unconference with tons of superb geeky women!!! should join next year!!

[stephanie x]

hello Beth
she's geeky vid is up:http://blog.mystrands.com/
stephanie

[heathervescent]

Beth, it was great to meet you and see you in many of the same sessions! xx, -H