I walked into Red Frog Events on Ohio St. happy that I had changed out of my school jeans and into a skirt and dress shoes for the event, “Celebrating Women in Innovation.” Men and women, unquestionably old enough to be carrying red wine in their palm but young enough to make me want their outfits, gathered to celebrate women in innovation. Alone, not a woman in innovation (or “in” anything, for that matter), and not old enough to be nonchalantly consuming, I felt out of place. But I then realized that even if I’m still not old enough to drink, I really wasn’t alone, and I am innovative young woman.
The event was produced by Chicago Innovation Awards in collaboration with Attract, Retain and Advance (ARA). Chicago Innovation Awards was co-founded by Tom Kuczmarski and Dan Miller in 2002. Since, it has grown from a single awards ceremony to a year-long series of events which celebrate innovation in the Chicagoland area, educate people about innovation, and forge relationships that grow the economy. ARA specifically aims to attract, retain and advance women in technology by “cultivating relationship via mentorship, events and programs. We nurture strong female leaders who bridge the talent gap as they support, influence and advance the IT community,” as they are described in the event’s program.
The program included six women: Joyce Winnecke, Jennifer Bentz, Phyllis Lockett, Linda Mallers, Kristi Ross, Andrea Zopp; President of the Tribune Content Agency, Senior Vice President of Insights & Innovation for Tyson Foods, CEO of LEAP Innovations, Founder and CEO of FarmLogix, co-CEO and President of dough, Inc., and President and CEO of the Chicago Urban League, respectively. To introduce the panelist speakers, Kuczmarski shared an observation with the audience: it was strange being in a room of two thirds women. But what I find enlightening about his observation is that should be even stranger that the room was only one third men. Even more important than women support other women in innovation is men supporting women in innovation...and everything else!
The panelists, inspiring and proud, spoke often about mentorship. However, I was most captivated by the context that surrounded the program. In fields such as business and innovation, exclusivity and competitiveness are often favored over inclusivity and collaboration, according to Kuczmarski. The later are vital for effective leadership, and it is with these principles in mind that the panelists lead. Kuczmarski also made brief mention of an article entitled, “Five Actual Things We're Doing Right Now to Fix Tech's 'Women Problem.'” Written by two women, Amanda Lannert and Suzanne Muchin, for the business magazine “Crain’s,” the article outlines five steps which the two women will take to address gender inequity and unequal representation in technology and business. Here they are:
- “We’ll show up.”
Show up at events to make the female presence and impact known — “lady-up the room, as much as two ladies can,” they wrote.
2. “We won't participate in or attend events that promote nonmixed-gender panels.”
Only support and attend events who are committed to amplify leadership from both genders. Furthermore, panels that only represent women “tend to shift more toward work-life balance...” which is really a human issue. So this is our approach: no all-men, no all-women, and make sure the mic gets passed,” they wrote.
3. “We'll watch our mouths.”
Many individuals have a habit of using language that associate “bravery and boldness with being male and meekness, uptightness and emotional instability with being female.” Phrases like “man up” or “grow a pair” reinforce negative stereotypes. So for the benefit of both genders, these terms need be eradicated.
4. “We'll put our money where our (better-spoken) mouths are.”
A man makes $1 for every 78 cents a woman makes. Corporations must employ individuals irrespective of gender, race or age; they must also play an active role in advocating and negotiating on behalf of all employees, according to Lannert and Muchin. Individuals must also support causes and start-ups which work towards honorable ends.
5. “We'll take the meetings.”
Capitalize on the value of networking and connections. Offer wisdom to female entrepreneurs who reach out for help and agree to a 15-minute meeting to listen, offer advice, and suggest connections. “Incidentally,” they wrote, “if only 50 people reading this post decide to do the same, that would be 2,500 mentoring sessions for the current and next generation of women leaders in business. Very cool.”
Here’s my version:
- “We’ll show up.”
Show up, men. Make events like “Celebrating Women in Innovation” two thirds men and one third women.
2. “We won't participate in or attend events that promote nonmixed-gender panels.”
With power comes responsibility. Men, never plan, participate in, nor attend events that do not represent both genders.
3. “We'll watch our mouths.”
As the ones who benefit from sexism, devalue the meaning of phrases such as “grow a pair” by erasing them from your vocabulary, as well as working to erase it from others’. Intervene when others use language that is inherently, yet subtle, detrimental.
4. “We'll put our money where our (better-spoken) mouths are.”
Seeing that men make $1 for every 78 cents a woman makes, use that money to support businesses and organizations that work to establish equity, men.
5. “We'll take the meetings.”
Connect the women you know with opportunities. Open doors for them. Take the time to meet with them yourself, then find someone who you’ve connected with who may be better suited to support their pursuits and aspirations.
