OKWIT | Resources
Providing a forum for women in technology in Oklahoma
2119
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Resources

20 Jan

Posted at 11:59h in Member Spotlight
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Rebecca Hartwig was born and raised in Oklahoma. She graduated from Oklahoma State University (GO POKES!). She is married to her college sweetheart and has two handsome boys, ages 5 and 7. Rebecca was raised by two IT professionals, so it’s not surprising that she has a passion for IT. After spending 10+ years specializing in IT staffing, in October of 2017, Rebecca opened her own staffing firm. Three years later, Hartwig Staffing is now a team of nine and continues to specialize in technical staffing. Rebecca and her team dedicate their time to supporting the local tech community by volunteering with groups like OKWIT and many others. Rebecca has been a volunteer for the OKWIT board for the last four years. When the opportunity came to join the executive board as Treasurer, it was a no brainer. She is able to use her business finance knowledge to support a group that she already adores....

18 Jan

Posted at 12:45h in Member Spotlight
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Jessica Lippert is a Business Analyst at Devon Energy, primarily responsible for data and analytics for the geoscience and geophysics community. Jessica earned her Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, Management Information Systems with a focus on Information Security from Oklahoma State University in 2013. Jessica has presented on data visualization and analytics strategies at both the Microsoft Data Insights Conference in Seattle, as well as the Power BI User Group World Tour in Chicago. While orange is a staple color in her family, she also visits the University of Oklahoma to speak to intro MIS classes. Jessica enjoys giving back to the community she grew up in, Oklahoma City, by supporting local businesses, and volunteering at the regional food bank. Jessica found her way to OKWIT through the Fall Retreats, and has found a passion for teaching younger students about STEM careers and the many opportunities that are available to them. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys learning about the intersections of technology with psychology. She will take any opportunity to get to the lake to wakeboard, and also loves spending time with her family....

18 Jan

Posted at 12:43h in Member Spotlight
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Mahal Ramos is an Account Manager for the U.S. division at ONDOT Media. She has worked in media publishing for over nine years, managing lead generation programs for B2B clients with a primary focus on the IT and software development industries. Her professional background includes digital marketing, client services, human resources, recruiting, and business development. Through volunteering, Mahal has been able to serve as a keynote speaker, facilitate workshops, and teach classes. She also enjoys women’s life coaching in the areas of wellness and work/life balance. The experience of being mentored taught Mahal the value and impact of a one-on-one connection and having someone come alongside the journey.Before Tulsa became her home, Mahal lived in the Philippines, New Jersey, and Southern California. She enjoys reading, coffee, and introducing people to OKWIT! ...

18 Jan

Posted at 12:41h in Member Spotlight
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Dr. Tabatha Carr, ND, is a leading authority in the field of women’s health and wellness.  She is the founder of Good Girl Chocolate, a best-selling author, and a talk show co-host for The Blend, a show that has recently been launched on UPLIFTTV,  a new Christian and inspirational network. Her book titled Open Your G.I.F.T.S., with actress Kim Coles, hit the Amazon Hot New Releases Bestsellers List at #1 in Personal Growth, Spiritual Growth, Self-Help, and Happiness categories. Good Girl Chocolate is a Beyonce’ grant recipient, has been featured in the Gifting Lounge at the GRAMMY’S, in select OSCAR nominee gift bags, on the Good Morning America show, in USA Today, Forbes, in Food & Wine Magazine and in over 100 other media outlets. A baccalaureate in Science with a master’s degree in Health Administration and her study of Naturopathic Medicine gives Dr. Tabatha a scientific and business background in her approach to Good Girl Chocolate and women’s health. Dr. Tabatha focuses on bringing positive energy to her community. She can be found playing the piano for her church, volunteering at local charities such as Positive Tomorrows, Baptist Children’s Home, Ronald McDonald House, or doing public speaking. ...

18 Jan

Posted at 12:31h in Member Spotlight
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Brianna Shara is the Vice President of Sales & Ops for local tech firm, Clevyr.Mrs. Shara received a Bachelor's degree in Communication from the University of Oklahoma and an MBA from Western Governors University. She has a diverse background in software development,  business intelligence, enterprise analytics strategy, and informational technology. Her approach to leadership comes from a place of personal accountability, absolute faith in her teams, and a fierce dedication to building lasting relationships with clients.Brianna’s passion for education and community has inspired her to join OKWIT and can’t wait to see what the future holds! ...

07 Jan

Posted at 08:38h in Uncategorized
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Cheers to the new year! It's crazy to think that we are now in 2021. Time has flown by & yet stood still many times within 2020. I'm excited and hopeful for our future as an organization as we celebrate our fifth year of bridging the gender gap in STEM fields. When I first attended an OKWIT event in May of 2016, I had no idea the impact this organization would have on me personally and professionally. It's a community of passionate and inspiring members that support, uplift, and encourage one another. It means the world to me. OKWIT is making a tangible impact in many lives across the state, and I am incredibly honored to serve as your President for 2021. As I step into this role, I want to thank Katy Battiest & Brandy Semore for their service and leadership to this incredible organization. Their passion for our mission is evident throughout all of the members that have been positively impacted by their leadership. I also want to thank YOU, our members. It's because of you that our organization thrives. Thank you for showing up, sharing your knowledge, and uplifting others in STEM fields. Thank you to our volunteers who keep our organization running smoothly. We seriously could not do it without you! As we enter the new year, I am excited to take all the experiences from 2020 to bring you more thoughtful, meaningful, and impactful programming. We have added five new board members to our leadership team this year, with individuals who had long since stepped into volunteer and help OKWIT grow but are now taking a more official role. Please give them a warm welcome: Brianna Shara- President-elect Rebecca Hartwig- Treasurer Jessica Lippert- Director of Special Events Mahal Ramos- Director of Member Relations Tabatha Carr- Director of Professional Development Thank you all for being a part of OKWIT—you helped us get to where we are today. Here's wishing you a happy, healthy 2021. Sincerely, Ashley Coffey President, OKWIT ...

04 Jan

Posted at 11:31h in Uncategorized
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Dear OKWIT, It was my privilege to serve as your Executive Treasurer these last two years. I stepped up to serve in OKWIT exec leadership because I wanted this organization to thrive, not just survive. OKWIT will dissolve if people do not stand up and give with their time, money and talents. I am passionate about this organization because I know this organization is making a big impact for students, teachers, professionals, leaders and companies in Oklahoma. I found myself constantly recharged by my personal experiences and the many stories I experienced firsthand. I was proud to have served with a strong, diverse group of women who always spoke their mind for the best of this organization. As an executive team member, I was honored to speak with individuals and companies about their passions, challenges, questions, and opportunities. I was proud to connect these companies and individuals to this organization and witness our community eagerly support OKWIT financially. Managing our organizations finances to best allocate our resources to make the greatest impact and set us up for future success pushed me out of my comfort zone in many new ways. The exec team had to have hard conversations about priorities, opportunities and the future of OKWIT these last two years. In doing so, I am so thankful for the experience and personal growth that came from this role. There are many amazing individuals and businesses, current and past, supporting this organization openly and behind the scenes, and to them I say - I saw you and you were constantly encouraging us to do more than we ever thought possible, THANK YOU! To my fellow exec board and directors- you give OKWIT many hours of your time, it was a true joy to work with you all and constantly converse and brainstorm on amazing ideas, unique challenges, and how we could further bridge the gender gap in STEM in Oklahoma. Thank you for your grace, your patience, your eagerness, and your passion. You helped me become a better overall leader and advocate for individuals who do not experience inclusivity and should. I’m very grateful to be leaving my role in Rebecca’s talented hands knowing this organization is in the best current and future financial health it’s ever been in. As my husband and I welcome our daughter into the world in 2021, I hope the foundation of the work we do today will continue to be seen in the world she grows up in. My hope is she is inspired, empowered, encouraged, educated and included. I hope the need for this organization will become obsolete when she begins exploring her career options in 2041. I hope men and women continue to get involved in OKWIT’s mission sooner rather than later, so we can all enjoy working in diverse and authentically inclusive workplaces. Until then, I will continue to support this amazing organization, and encourage you to do the same. Click here to donate. Click here to learn more about partnerships and sponsorships. Click here to volunteer. Sincerely, Breanna Hites ...

31 Dec

Posted at 12:49h in Uncategorized
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It may be hard to believe, but we have officially made it through 2020! On this last day of 2020 and my final day as President of OKWIT, I am reflecting on all that OKWIT has accomplished these past two years. In two years, OKWIT has: Doubled scholarship dollars given to women pursuing undergraduate or graduate STEM degrees. Launched a tiered-membership program to provide longevity and targeted programming for STEM professionals. Expanded our leadership structure to enable the continued growth of programming and offer more opportunities for volunteers to grow as leaders. Held 56 events for our member base of nearly 1,800 members. Hosted three high school retreats, including our first in-person retreat in Tulsa and our first ever Virtual Retreat with 700 attendees from across the state. Pivoted in 2020 to completely convert programming to a virtual environment. All of these achievements are made possible because of you, our Members, Leaders, Volunteers, Sponsors, and Donors. THANK YOU for being a part of this organization! I am so proud to know you. 2020 has presented us with more challenges than we could have ever imagined. At the same time, it has brought unexpected positive growth I will never forget. We have been stretched in many ways—handling massive change to our day-to-day lives, challenging our ways of thinking in regards to inclusivity, and completely changing how we provide a community for those passionate about bridging the gender gap in STEM fields. Once again, because of our inspiring leaders and volunteers, we were able to accomplish amazing things! In 2020, OKWIT expanded our reach beyond the borders of our state and country, had new attendees who have never been able to attend in-person events, and opened up opportunities to ask each other tough questions to make sure our organization is working to find solutions to professional and social challenges our members face on a regular basis. I am incredibly grateful for these past two years; no other work in my life has been as rewarding as this role. Thank you for trusting me with the opportunity to serve as your second OKWIT President. As I transition out of this role, I am thrilled to welcome Ashley Coffey as the next President of Oklahoma Women in Technology! I have had the great joy of working alongside Ashley for several years, and can't wait to see her leadership next year. In 2021, OKWIT will celebrate its 5th year, and there are a lot of exciting things to come. Our 2021 leadership team is filled with incredible, energetic people—please keep watch after the New Year as we introduce them to you! It has truly been an honor to serve as your OKWIT president, and I can’t wait to see what amazing things our new leadership team accomplishes in the coming months and years. Thank you for your continued support of OKWIT. Cheers, and Happy New Year! Katy Battiest Outgoing President, OKWIT...

02 Sep

Posted at 17:44h in Uncategorized
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Do you know an outstanding community member or OKWIT member or volunteer? Nominate them today for one of our 2020 awards by clicking here!   OKWIT Trailblazer Award This annual OKWIT award is given to a woman each year who is not only a member of OKWIT, but has proven herself by way of example, to be a trail blazer for women in the technology field. This recognition is vital to encouraging women to not only select a career in technology but stay the course and reach management levels in the IT departments. *Trailblazer nominees cannot be a current OKWIT executive board member or an active OKWIT advisory board member. Advocate Member of the Year Award given in recognition to an inspiring advocate member for their outstanding support, involvement and contributions to OKWIT in 2020. Contributing Executive Member of the Year Award given to an inspiring CE member for their outstanding support, involvement and contributions to OKWIT in 2020. Volunteer of the Year Award given to a member of OKWIT for their exceptional level of involvement in OKWIT in 2020. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nominations will be reviewed by the OKWIT Executive Board and the OKWIT Advisory Board, and will be announced at the OKWIT Gala. Winners will receive 2 complimentary tickets to the Gala (TBD) to receive their award. 2020 Nomination Deadline - December 18 2020 5PM CST...

11 Feb

Posted at 17:12h in Member Spotlight
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Cindy Silva is an IT Analyst at Diamondback Energy in Oklahoma City. Before working for Diamondback, Cindy worked as a lead software developer at Devon Energy for six years. She has developed numerous enterprise solutions through her background in data analytics, data modeling, and data delivery and integration. Cindy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Texas at Austin and her MBA from the University of Oklahoma. Cindy has been an OKWIT member since the first session in 2016 and this is her second year on the Board of Directors. She enjoys taking barre, yoga, and Pilates classes, traveling to visit friends and family, and enjoying time with her boyfriend and their chocolate Labrador and tabby cat....