NEW's Joan Toth talks diversity at IT meeting
Monday, June 28, 2010
The need for more women in information technology roles is growing as the retail and consumer packaged goods industry looks for answers to today's business challenges, NEW Executive Director Joan Toth recently told participants of an event sponsored by Accenture and Microsoft.
Addressing a group of about 60 women reentering the workforce, contemplating a career change or entering the workplace for the first time, Toth said strong information management is a crucial aspect of the retail/cpg industry and opportunities for women in the area of technology are expanding. The audience comprised alumni and students of Northwestern University's Kellogg Business School.
"Information management is a 24/7 opportunity,” said Toth, who was part of an "Enticing Women into Careers in Technology” panel at Microsoft's Chicago office. "With the data overload we all face today, garnering knowledge and actionable information is critical.”
Toth cited key technology-related changes in the retail/cpg industry . "Twenty years ago, sales leaders made do with monthly or quarterly sales numbers," she said. "Now, retailers and suppliers are demanding information in almost real time."
Toth was joined on the panel by Carol Fishman Cohen, co-founder, iRelaunch.com; Laura Hancock, vice president, business relationship management, Wellpoint; Colleen Healy, Microsoft industry general manager, financial services; and Mary Paskell, co-president Kellogg Alumni Club & Business Development, Sweat Equity Network.
The panelists encouraged a lively discussion about the decline in women in technology-related roles, perceptions of technology careers, common experiences faced by women who are seeking IT positions and ways companies can recruit more women.
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