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
Fund Me, KC: Mind Star App ‘needed in my darkest moments,’ says founder, survivor of depression
Startland News is continuing its “Fund Me, KC” series to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs — like Kristin Rulon with her Mind Star Health campaign — to share their crowdfunding stories to gain a little help from their supporters. Who are you? Kristin Rulon, founder and CEO…
$16.4M third fund for Royal Street; KC needs at least one $100M exit each year, leader says
A $16.4 million third fund will see Kansas City-rooted Royal Street Ventures claim even more stake in area startups and establish itself as a leader in locally-sourced venture capital, said Laura Brady. “We have invested in six companies in Kansas City — including two already in Fund III,” Brady, Royal Street’s managing director, noted of the…
No MO: Kansas City, St. Louis drop off Inc list of ‘50 Best Cities for Starting a Business’
Shots fired. A new ranking by Inc. magazine claims startup powerhouse Austin, Texas, is “leading the nation in job creation and high-growth company density — and delish BBQ.” Kansas City? Not even on the list. Inc.’s Surge Cities index — detailing what founders can learn from the 50 Best U.S. Cities for Starting a Business…
Meet the 2020 class: BetaBlox demo day returning with events across startup sister cities
Audience tickets for BetaBlox’s Overland Park demo day are nearly gone, said Weston Bergmann, just weeks before the incubator program showcases its newest startups across three events in two cities. The “can’t-miss entrepreneurship event” Jan. 20 at the GRID Collaborative Workspace is expected to entail a combination of pitches, expo-style networking, and a panel of…