ANNUAL REPORT
2023 At A Glance
A LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP
To our community,
In what started as a humble blog in 2017, who could have predicted that we'd evolve into a multi-dimensional influence for professional development, reshaping the narrative for women in technology across Pittsburgh and beyond? Certainly not me. Yet, here we are, a testament to the unexpected journey from the seed of an idea, to a full blown social impact organization committed to sustainably reshaping the present and future of our industry.
2023 was a year of profound transformation for us. We dug deep to analyze every layer of our organization, operations, programming, and services. This introspective journey was incredibly challenging and essential. It gave us the opportunity to pause and reflect on our purpose so that we serve an essential need rather than compete with what already exists.
One of our proudest moments was pitching our story at Google thanks to our participation in The Equity | Impact Center and SVP Pittsburgh’s Full Circle Nonprofit Leadership Accelerator; where we confronted the realities of what it is like to be a social impact organization in Pittsburgh. And let's be frank – it's tough out here! Battling the infantilization of women and marginalized communities in tech and business, navigating the appropriation of ideas and the co-opting of language, the constant fight to not be excluded from your own story, and dismantling the expectation of unpaid work is no small feat.
Despite these obstacles, we still held ourselves to high standards. Two pilot programs and an inaugural fellowship were launched. Our workshops and events sold out. And our purpose became clearer.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to each one of you for your support, belief, and involvement in our mission. The journey ahead in 2024 and beyond is exciting, and I can't wait to share what we have in store.
Thank you for your faith in us.
Thank you for your critique.
Thank you for your respect.
Thank you for paying it forward in your own communities.
Thank you for helping us influence new systems that center people.
With peace,
Founder, President and CEO
What’s New Around Here?
WE REVAMPED OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Redefining professional development solutions for the modern day tech workforce.
We dug deep to understand the gaps in the market, our lived experiences, and how to establish ourselves in a way that is complementary, rather than competitive, to existing organizations.
WE GOT NEW BRANDING
Welcome to a year long renovation! Every element of our new branding was meticulously crafted to symbolize the values of the organization; from the graphics representing work-life integration, to the gradients showcasing our versatility.
2023 Highlights
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2023 Highlights
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2023 Highlights 〰️ 2023 Highlights 〰️
2023 HIGHLIGHTS
Accepted to Full Circle Nonprofit Leadership Accelerator
We were one of four social impact organizations accepted into the accelerator by The Equity | Impact Center and Social Venture Partners where we got to work with expert coaches and performed in depth analysis of each layer of our organization.
Pitched at Google
As part of the culmination of our work with the Full Circle Nonprofit Leadership Accelerator, we got to showcase our work and tell our story at the Final Pitch at Google!
TECH UP SCHOLARSHIP
In partnership with the PPG Foundation, RedChairPGH, and PA Women Work, we launched a cohort for women to pivot into tech through a comprehensive, culturally-informed entry-level tech upskilling scholarship. Each woman received wellbeing coaching, professional headshots, Google certification, and a financial stipend.
Launched the Inaugural PEER Fellowship
The PEER fellowship (Promoting Emerging Entrepreneurs in Robotics) supports robotics entrepreneurs from marginalized backgrounds with expertly curated programming and premier education to evolve their ideas into sustainable commercial solutions. Curriculum was designed by The Equity | Impact Center with support from Carnegie Mellon and InnovatePGH as part of the Build Back Better funding from The President of The United States.
Launched A PRODUCT MANAGEMENT SPRINTERNSHIP
With support from InnovatePGH, we launched a month-long paid Sprinternship to equip university women with fundamental product management skills. This Sprinternship was designed and facilitated by our CEO Alison Falk with wellbeing coaching provided by April Jackson and culminated in a final prototype for a new equity-centered web application.
In the community:
Invited to be a table facilitator at the 15th Annual PACE Inclusive Voices summit held at the Fairmont Hotel.
Invited to speak at Network Factory: A Community Building Series curated The Warhol.
Tabling
Discovery Day: A robotics conference
GetWITit Women In Tech Conference
2023 IN NUMBERS
329+
IRL Attendees
Curated 2 large scale signature networking events & 6 signature workshops
New Approaches to Old Systems
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How We’re Changing The Industry
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New Approaches to Old Systems 〰️ How We’re Changing The Industry 〰️
Work-life Integration
True professional development goes beyond skill acquisition; it encompasses overall career wellness. Our commitment is to provide programs and support that foster not only career growth but also personal fulfillment and well-being.
Our networking experiences and small cohorts create spaces for shared experiences and community building, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support among women in technology
“I love the small group setting because of the deep group conversation that’s possible. I’m able to make real connections this way.”
Cultural Competency
“When beginning this tech experience, I was a little uncertain about my future when I didn’t see women that looked like me in many tech roles. Now that I am beginning to be in rooms more representative of my background thanks to this program, I am very excited for my future!”
Our programs are intentionally designed to be culturally relevant and inclusive, ensuring that diverse identities and experiences are represented and valued. We emphasize matching cohort demographics with instructors and speakers, fostering a learning environment where participants can see themselves reflected in leadership roles.
We integrate cultural understanding into our career wellness initiatives, acknowledging that career satisfaction and growth are deeply intertwined with cultural identity. Our efforts in cultural alignment have shown a positive impact on participant engagement and overall career wellness, contributing to a more fulfilling and empowering professional journey.
“It has been extremely uncommon in my short career in tech to be surrounded by people who look like me and have similar, nontraditional paths in tech. I felt understood and validated in a deep way that doesn’t happen often.”
Sponsors & Purposeful Partnerships
