Cheers to Ten Years of Changemaking, Learning, and Growth

At this point, everyone has had at least one birthday during the pandemic (okay, I see you Leap Year babies...). Birthdays hit a little different now, right? Perhaps they have become more reflective, given our core needs and relationships have come into focus since our lives fundamentally changed last year. The same feels true for us here at PDXWIT, as we recognize a big milestone for ourselves: our tenth birthday. We have packed a lot into our first decade, and while we wish we could say that we have fully accomplished what our founding leadership set out to do, the truth is there is so much more work to be done. 

Where We Started

PDXWIT was founded in 2011, when Megan Bigelow discovered that the gender-based pay inequity she was experiencing as a tech professional was more than just her personal experience. As she talked to other women in the industry, they shared stories with common themes around pay, professional advancements opportunities, and the importance of a sense of belonging. Noticing the lack of community spaces to address the needs of women in tech,  she decided to build a community herself. What began as a half dozen women meeting over coffee would eventually turn into hundreds of events over the last ten years, drawing in over 15,000 attendees. 

Over the past decade, we have drastically expanded PDXWIT’s programming and mission to include an intersectional approach that holds space for those who the tech industry has traditionally pushed to the margins. This has included creating a mentorship program, an active job board, a dedicated Slack space, and a scholarship fund that has so far given nearly $90,000 to dozens of PDXWIT members in support of their career ambitions. We continue to build on the momentum of successful events, which include monthly happy hours, quarterly dinners for BIPOC tech professionals, and supporting culturally-specific initiatives.  

Where We’re Going

When we switched to virtual programming in 2020, our Portland-based organization suddenly became accessible for people from anywhere in the world.  With this new reality came new conversations for our team. As tech companies continue to distribute, how can PDXWIT offer support given everything that we have learned about how to build an intentional community? 

Beginning in 2022, we will expand our reach. We have been actively building relationships in Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles and are eager to see what might be possible in these cities. We don't have all the answers yet, nor do we even know what all of our questions are, but we know it’s time to let people outside of the Portland area in on the magic of PDXWIT. 

We also have learned a great deal about the mechanics of building a more diverse tech industry within companies. Beginning in 2022, we will launch a new DEI consulting arm of PDXWIT, joining forces with companies who are ready to do the deep and authentic work of operationalizing equity and inclusion at their companies. 

PDXWIT is a case study on the power of community. It’s because of this driven and resilient community that we are in a position to look ahead to the next decade. If you believe in what we are doing, and want to help advance this movement, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. We can’t do this without you.