EXTON, PA – In a joint initiative the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) and Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT) have announced the mentorship program Women’s TechConnect designed to strengthen and cultivate the involvement of women engineers and technologists in the cable industry.
The program will support the career growth of women in technical positions by teaming a core group of promising engineers each year with recipients of the Women in Technology Award, presented annually by SCTE, WICT and Communications Technology magazine. Working on a one-on-one basis throughout the year, these "mentors" will share expertise and experiences that will increase professional development and networking opportunities for program participants.
"Even though cable has been extremely welcoming to women engineers, the number of women in technical positions is still a small percentage of the overall sector," said Nomi Bergman, president of Bright House Networks and co-founder of the Women’s TechConnect program. "Women’s TechConnect is designed to expand that representation by leveraging the talents, leadership skills and relationships of women technology professionals who have had proven success in the industry."
"The Women in Technology recipients universally feel a responsibility to address the gender gap that exists in cable engineering," said Yvette Kanouff, president of SeaChange International and Women’s TechConnect co-founder. "We feel that by expanding the number of women in engineering positions, we can play a significant role in expanding the industry’s technical foundation."
"An important part of this initiative is the commitment that everyone involved shares in making our industry better," said Cathy Oakes, senior vice president, operations for SCTE. "By combining our resources, our organizations and the Women in Technology winners are increasing the pool of talented engineers and technologists who can contribute to the future growth of our industry."
The Women’s TechConnect program will allow less-tenured, though high-potential, women in technology fields at cable system operators, vendors and programmers, to apply with the support of their company.
Following selection by a panel of mentors, honorees will be introduced at a reception in conjunction with the WICT Tech It Out event at SCTE Cable-Tec Expo, be paired with mentors throughout Cable-Tec Expo, and receive a complimentary pass to the Expo exhibit floor.
Honorees also will receive complimentary registration to the WICT Leadership Conference, in addition to membership in SCTE and WICT. They will continue to receive counsel, support and relationship-building resources from mentors during the following year.
Initial nominations for Women’s TechConnect will be accepted through September 9, 2011. More information on the program is available here.
