Almost 30 years ago, Sherry F. Bellamy, the first winner of the technologist of the year award was asked what difference women are making in technology.
According to one report, in 1997, women earned 27% of all computer science degrees. But that number dropped to 19% in 2016.
In 2000, Margarita Dominguez was promoted to vice president of information technology and telecommunications services at Tampa Electric Company, where she had worked since 1975 as the first female engineer.
She held various management positions, including director of environmental services for energy supply and director of marketing and sales for energy services.
Dominguez was recognized as the Women of Color Technologist of the Year in 2000 for her efforts in increasing opportunities for female engineers in the energy industry.
She was also featured on the cover of Career Communications Group's Hispanic Engineer & Information Technology magazine in 1999.
Dominguez, originally from Havana, Cuba, graduated from the University of South Florida in 1975 with an engineering degree.
She continued her career with Tampa Electric Company and TECO Energy, eventually becoming the vice president of technical and support services.
In this role, she oversaw the Tampa Electric Bulk Power Department and was responsible for internal and external customer service, as well as facility services, real estate, and corporate purchasing functions.
Built by Girls, a New York-based organization that helps girls aged 15-22 to get involved in technology by offering mentorship and guidance, recently published a list of the top five upcoming STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) conferences.
One of the conferences that made it to the list is the Women of Color STEM Conference.
This conference, with a rich history of being held annually since 1995, is considered the premier forum for recognizing women's significant contributions in STEM fields.
The conference provides valuable career networking opportunities and hosts prestigious award ceremonies that have earned widespread praise.
Attendees can meet and learn from executives representing Fortune 500 companies committed to diversity and advancing women in the workforce.
College students can also attend and understand the critical steps needed to forge their own successful careers.
The annual conference, organized by Women of Color magazine, a prominent platform for acknowledging the significant contributions of women in STEM fields, has been running since 1995.
It attracts exceptional talent from the nation's scientific and technical workforce and provides valuable career networking opportunities and prestigious award ceremonies.
Attendees also have the chance to meet and learn from executives representing Fortune 500 companies committed to diversity and advancing women in the workforce.
College students attending the conference can meet award winners and gain insights into the next critical steps in building successful careers.
Women of Color magazine award categories recognize exceptional career achievements in government and industry and women who have made significant contributions to their companies and communities.
The Women of Color STEM Conference offers an excellent opportunity to improve your skills and connect with STEM professionals from various fields.
The conference covers a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI, machine learning (ML), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), supply chains, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Attendees can gain insights and perspectives on communication, upskilling, and work-life balance. The annual Women of Color STEM Conference is produced by Career Communications Group, Inc., which publishes Women of Color magazine.
