KC Tech Council launches initiative for young women in tech, backed by Meta, Panasonic
February 29, 2024 | Startland News Staff
A new strategic program from the KC Tech Council is designed to empower and equip female-identifying students entering their junior (class of 2026) and senior (class of 2025) years of high school with tech exposure, career guidance, leadership opportunities, and invaluable mentorship.
The LEGiT KC program (Leadership and Empowerment for Girls in Tech), sponsored by Meta and Panasonic, aims to bridge the gender gap, uplifting individual aspirations, and contributing to a more diverse and innovative tech industry, according to the KC Tech Council.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to announce this program,” said Erin Christensen, chief operating officer for the KC Tech Council. “Over two years ago, we started discussing how the Tech Council could better support and elevate women in tech. Through a lot of research, interviews, focus groups, LEGiT was born!”
High school girls find themselves at a pivotal juncture where their choices and experiences can significantly shape their future, the tech advocacy group said, noting that while careers in technology offer immense potential, young women often face unique challenges in accessing opportunities.
LEGiT KC will select upward of two female students from high schools across the Kansas City region, and interested participants are urged to complete the short application by April 1st, 2024, according to the KC Tech Council.
No prior technology experience is required, just a passion for tech and a commitment to five half-day Friday sessions at Oracle, 1898 & Co./Burns & McDonnell, Dimensional Innovations, Garmin, and VML in June and July 2024.
“Since breaking ground on our new EV battery facility in Kansas in 2022, we’ve admired how the KC Tech Council connects and champions the thriving tech community throughout the Greater Kansas City region,” said Kristen Walters, vice president of human resources for Panasonic Energy. “We appreciate the opportunity to support KCTC’s Leadership and Empowerment for Girls in Technology program, especially as it aligns perfectly with our focus on improving access and inclusion in STEAM education and career readiness.”
Volunteers are welcome to contribute as potential speakers and/or mentors for LEGiT participants, fostering group mentorship.
Click here to learn more about LEGiT KC or to express interest in volunteering.
“Meta is committed to supporting projects that build connections, put technology to use for community benefit, and enhance local STEM education,” said Stephanie Seger, community development regional manager at Meta. “Our Kansas City Data Center is honored to sponsor the KC Tech Council’s LEGiT program and its crucial mission to foster leadership and empowerment for girls in the Kansas City tech community. We are proud to be part of the Kansas City community and thrilled to help invest in its future leaders.”
Featured Business
2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
First look: WeWork Lightwell illuminates space for growing teams downtown (Photos)
Despite national headlines that question WeWork’s staying power, a second Kansas City location signals light at the end of the tunnel for the coworking giant. “The expectation of the workforce is changing,” Erik Wullschleger, WeWork community director, explained during a Startland News tour of the newly opened space, which occupies the third and fourth floors…
Beyond just bats: Pro Athlete takes a swing at apparel, innovation with its first acquisition
Whether a company has just left the bench or been in the game for more than 30 years, the key to innovation is simple: maintain a startup mentality and growth is sure to follow, said Andrew Dowis. “One of our core values is embracing innovation,” explained Dowis, CEO of Pro Athlete — a Kansas City-grown…
ScaleUP! KC unveils cohort packed with 17 entrepreneurs, backed by new leader
A 10th cohort for ScaleUP! Kansas City continues the program’s five-year legacy of helping entrepreneurs scale a diverse array of companies, the effort’s new leader said. “This program demonstrates over and over that you can not only start a business in Kansas City, but also that you can get all the tools, coaching, perspective and…
Post-exit detour takes founder on a journey back to a time before plastic ruled the world
Living as determined “plastic haters,” the husband-and-wife duo behind Detour Goods craft wooden toys as a callback to higher-quality manufacturing and a time before entertainment was dominated by technology. “I think we’re living in a day and age where we’re just so addicted and connected to our screens,” said Jordan EuDaly, co-owner of the Kansas…