HALIFAX (November 2, 2018) - Women in Communications and Technology (WCT), Canada’s national association focused on advancing women in the digital economy, launches their Nova Scotia Chapter today. WCT is a national network of women, men and organizations committed to diversity and closing the gender gap in Canadian information and communications technology (ICT) industries.
“It is an honour for me to meet so many leaders of Nova Scotia’s digital industries today,” said Joanne Stanley, Executive Director, WCT. “WCT has a dedicated group of industry representatives working tirelessly to provide a strong foundation for WCT Nova Scotia. By being here today to celebrate WCT NS at this inaugural event, we invite you to learn more about our goals and programs in place to support them. We encourage you to join us and to reach out to your digital networks to become supporters and founding members of this energetic organization.”
According to Emily Boucher, WCT Nova Scotia Co-Chair and Manager, Communications and Strategic Partnerships for Techsploration, a number of stakeholders in Nova Scotia’s technology community came together over the past year to create a local chapter of this national organization. “WCT offers professional development opportunities, mentorship, leadership recognition and support for all levels of digital engagement for female ICT employees. A Nova Scotia Chapter enables professionals in our region to grow their network and advance their careers beyond our provincial borders, whether they’re seeking a mentor or interested in pursuing a national Board position,” notes Boucher.
As highlighted in WCT’s 2017 Up the Numbers report, Canada’s tech sector is facing full employment and as many as 180,000 vacancies by 2020. Women are a largely untapped resource for Canadian tech firms, making up only 25% of ICT employees. For Harbr, a Nova Scotia-based software-as-a-service project management platform for retail construction, the importance of gender balance has always been effectively engrained in the company’s DNA and they continue to maintain their commitment to gender parity as they grow.
"Harbr is thrilled to be the inaugural Technology Partner for WCT Nova Scotia. Harbr and WCT are working toward the same vision - gender parity - therefore we feel it only makes sense for us to join forces. Together we are stronger and can encourage others to follow in our footsteps. We look forward to working in collaboration with industry on this important topic," says Ashley Kielbratowski, Co-founder & Product Development, Harbr.
For more information about WTC goals, programs and opportunities, please visit us at www.wct-fct.com.
About Women in Communications and Technology
Women in Communications and Technology (WCT) is a national association with a 25-year history committed to advancing women in Canadian communications, media and technology. WCT inspires and engages women from coast to coast through professional development programming, networking, mentorship and opportunities to recognize achievements in Canada’s digital economy.