Boston's thriving tech industry is home to a diverse range of innovative companies, from startups to established giants. Among the city's vibrant tech community, there are many women who are making significant contributions, breaking down barriers, and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. In this article, we'll highlight five Boston women in tech who are worth knowing.
The importance of women in tech cannot be overstated. According to a report by McKinsey, companies with diverse workforces are more likely to outperform their less diverse peers. Furthermore, a study by the Harvard Business Review found that companies with more women in leadership positions tend to be more innovative and have better financial performance.
Despite these benefits, women remain underrepresented in the tech industry. According to a report by Crunchbase, in 2020, only 2.8% of venture capital funding went to companies founded by women. However, there are many organizations and initiatives working to change this narrative and promote greater diversity and inclusion in tech.
Meet the Women
1. Amandauerdo - CEO of Array BioPharma
Amandauerdo is the CEO of Array BioPharma, a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing targeted small molecule drugs for cancer. Under her leadership, the company has made significant strides in the development of new cancer treatments. Amandauerdo is also a strong advocate for women in STEM and has spoken at numerous conferences and events on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.
2. Dr. Cynthia Breazeal - Director of the Personal Robots Group at MIT
Dr. Cynthia Breazeal is the director of the Personal Robots Group at MIT, where she leads a team of researchers focused on developing social robots that can interact with humans in a more natural way. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the National Academy of Engineering's Draper Prize for Engineering. Dr. Breazeal is also a strong advocate for STEM education and has developed several programs to promote diversity and inclusion in tech.
3. Jessica Brock - Co-Founder of DeskBeers
Jessica Brock is the co-founder of DeskBeers, a company that delivers craft beer to offices across Boston. Brock is a self-taught coder and has developed a platform that allows customers to order beer online and have it delivered to their offices. She has been recognized as one of the "Top 10 Women to Watch in Boston Tech" by the Boston Business Journal.
4. Dr. Paula Hammond - Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at MIT
Dr. Paula Hammond is the head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at MIT, where she leads a team of researchers focused on developing new materials and technologies for energy and healthcare applications. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. Dr. Hammond is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM education.
5. Katie Rae - Managing Director of Techstars Boston
Katie Rae is the managing director of Techstars Boston, a startup accelerator that provides funding and mentorship to early-stage companies. Rae has invested in numerous successful startups, including Cloudbees and GrabCAD. She is also a strong advocate for women in tech and has spoken at numerous conferences and events on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the industry.
Empowering Women in Tech
These five women are just a few examples of the many talented and innovative women in tech who are making a difference in Boston. Their stories demonstrate the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry and highlight the need for more women in leadership positions.
To empower more women in tech, there are several organizations and initiatives that provide resources and support. For example, the Boston chapter of Women in Technology International (WITI) provides networking opportunities, mentorship, and professional development programs for women in tech. The organization also offers scholarships and awards to recognize the achievements of women in the industry.
Gallery of Boston Women in Tech
What is the percentage of women in the tech industry?
+According to a report by McKinsey, women make up only 25% of the tech industry workforce.
What are some organizations that support women in tech?
+Some organizations that support women in tech include Women in Technology International (WITI), Girls Who Code, and the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT).
What are some ways to promote diversity and inclusion in the tech industry?
+Some ways to promote diversity and inclusion in the tech industry include providing training and resources for employees, implementing blind hiring practices, and creating a welcoming and inclusive company culture.