In 2021, Amazon Web Services (AWS) made a significant commitment to support Girls in Tech, a nonprofit organization established in 2007 with a mission to bridge the gender gap in the technology sector. Girls in Tech offers training, workshops, resources, and networking opportunities for women looking to enter or transition within the tech workforce. AWS has been partnering with Girls in Tech to foster lasting empowerment for under-represented groups in technology, particularly women.
Recently, AWS and Girls in Tech organized an Evening with Experts event at Amazon IXD – VGT2, located at 6401 E Howdy Wells Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89115. This event provided local women with an invaluable opportunity to learn from experts in public sector technology about professional growth and partnerships aimed at creating a more equitable industry.
“Women have contributed to technology for many years, making significant global impacts,” remarked Emily Carter, director of public sector solutions at AWS, during the Evening with Experts event. “Success in our careers stems from embracing traits like confidence, curiosity, a passion for our missions, and having a personal advisory board of mentors to clarify our hopes and goals,” she added.
Over the past four years, AWS has actively supported Girls in Tech by sponsoring conferences, hackathons, digital career fairs, and a mentorship program. This year, over 100 AWS employees volunteered to mentor candidates through Girls in Tech, fostering positive changes in numerous lives.
“We must strive for an equal playing field where women have diverse career options, fair compensation, and equal growth opportunities,” said Max Peterson, vice president of worldwide public sector at AWS. “Expanding access for all individuals and driving innovation through the cloud is central to our mission at AWS,” Peterson emphasized.
Testimonials from the AWS – Girls in Tech Mentorship Program
“During the pandemic, I took the time to reflect on my career. I discovered Girls in Tech and immediately signed up as a mentee. Being paired with my mentor, Alex Turner from AWS, we met regularly. This mentorship helped me rediscover my identity as a global citizen. Originally from Canada, I now work in the US. The most concrete outcome for me was gaining confidence in my career and being inspired by Alex to give back to others. I also learned the importance of networking in a remote environment,” shared Maria Gonzalez, mentee and business analyst at TechSolutions.
“I come from a small town where my guidance counselor suggested vocational school instead of encouraging my academic aspirations. Looking back, I realize how limiting that advice was. I wish I had access to Girls in Tech back then! As women, we face many challenges, but we can uplift each other. Witnessing Maria’s empowerment through this program was the greatest reward I could ask for as a mentor,” stated Alex Turner, mentor and senior solutions architect at AWS.
“I’m currently navigating the later stages of my career. With experience in both business consulting and government, I am drawn to the intersection of these sectors for problem-solving. I joined Girls in Tech as a mentee to refine my approach to startup challenges,” remarked Jordan Lee, mentee and co-founder at InnovateNow.
The Cycle of Mentorship
Mentoring often creates a virtuous cycle where the more you give, the more you learn and grow. This cycle nurtures a culture of empowerment within the tech industry. “I’ve had incredible mentors over the years, including my current mentor at AWS. Even top CEOs have mentors. The mentoring relationship is critical for women’s career development,” said Alex Turner.
Mentee Maria Gonzalez expressed her gratitude for her mentor and is now volunteering to mentor women starting their tech careers in Latin America. “Inspired by Alex’s guidance, I wanted to give back to someone who could benefit from my experiences. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see my mentees thrive,” she remarked.
Girls in Tech plans to host a series of educational and networking events in 2022 aimed at raising awareness and opportunities for women advancing their careers in the public sector. For more insights, check out this related blog post and learn from experts on this topic.
Explore more about AWS’s mission to equip 29 million individuals worldwide with tech skills through no-cost cloud computing training by 2025.
For an excellent resource on the interview process at AWS, visit this link.
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