In 2015, the UC IT Leadership Academy, established by former UC Chief Information Officer Tom Andriola, pioneered the development of transformative leadership skills for IT managers. Stemming from this initiative, the UC Women in Technology Committee (UC WIT) was born, bringing together dedicated women leaders passionate about promoting gender equity in the tech sector. Demonstrating steadfast dedication, UC WIT diligently formalized its framework, appointing a chair and co-chair in 2019–2020, crafting a mission statement, and enlisting members from every UC location, with 17 UC campuses joining as chapters.
Motivated by a common vision for change, UC WIT set out to create an inclusive space for women in IT across UC campuses. They took proactive measures, hosting impactful events, conferences, and awareness campaigns that highlighted women’s issues in technology. Through their advocacy for fair hiring practices, cultivation of supportive workplaces, and initiation of grassroots movements, UC WIT emerged as a leading influence within the UC Tech conferences, gaining acknowledgment for empowering women in the field.
Several key factors underpinned UC WIT’s success:
Passionate Leadership: The committee’s dedicated leaders ignited a spark, inspiring others to join their movement for change.
Leveraging Existing Communities: UC WIT harnessed the strength of existing networks, engaging with like-minded individuals and tapping into a wealth of collective expertise and enthusiasm.
Action-Oriented Approach: UC WIT focused on tangible initiatives, organizing impactful events, cultivating supportive work environments, and advocating for fair hiring practices.
Empowering Grassroots Initiatives: Recognizing the potency of grassroots movements, UC WIT empowered individuals at various levels to drive change within their respective spheres of influence.
The UC Women in Technology Model represents a thriving community dedicated to empowering women in technology. Their impactful efforts have gained recognition, and they have become a driving force in promoting diversity and inclusivity at the University of California.
Since its inception, the UC Women in Technology Committee (UC WIT) has been led by a series of dedicated chairs, each contributing significantly to its mission.
Former Chairs
- 2022 – 2023: Allison Flick – UCSD (founder)
- 2021 – 2022: Vanessa Kaskiris – UC Berkeley (founder)
- 2020 – 2021 – Annelie Rugg – UCLA (founder)
- 2019 – 2020: Yvonne Tevis – UCOP (founder)
For more detailed insights into the formation of UC Women in Technology, you can explore the article “Women Building a Community in IT at the University of California,” published on Educase in January 2022