Women in Technology - Purdue University
Purdue WIT serves to attract, develop, retain and advance women in information technology roles across the Purdue community.
- We seek to empower women in IT and help them define their career paths and achieve their goals.
- We strive to reduce barriers for women in IT through personal and professional development, networking, social and educational programming and coaching opportunities.
- We provide a forum for women and allies to foster collaboration and supportive relationships for across Purdue University and the greater IT community.
For general information, contact our Steering Committee co-chairs Lauren Fatse (lfatse@purdue.edu) and Deanna Shafer-Rater (deannar@purdue.edu).
Purdue WIT Book Club
Purdue Women in Technology is excited to launch Book Club, kicking off in March 2026 with “The Grit Factor” by Shannon Huffman Polson. We’ll offer guided discussion with options to attend in-person and/or virtually as your schedule and location allows. After registration is closed, participants will receive an email with a link to the Book Club’s private Microsoft Teams channel and discussion guide. Meeting dates will be scheduled based on participant availability.
About the Book
“The Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience, and Leadership in the Most Male-Dominated Organization in the World”
With its gripping narrative and relatable takeaways, The Grit Factor is both inspiring and pragmatic, a book that will energize and enlighten current and aspiring leaders everywhere—whether male or female.
Upcoming Events
BTAA WIT Virtual Mini Conference
Building a Resume That Elevates Your Career
February 25, 2026 • 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET
Featuring keynote speaker Ginger Hundgen from the University of Illinois, this engaging and practical session will provide actionable strategies to help you craft a resume that truly tells your story and strengthens your professional path.
BTAA WIT Coffee Catch-Up: March 18, 2026 | 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. CT (11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET)
Project Management Tips and Tricks
Facilitated by: Jennifer Murray, University of Michigan
Share your best project management tips, tools, and lessons learned. Swap ideas and discover new strategies.
BTAA WIT Coffee Catch-Up: April 15, 2026 | 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. CT (11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET)
How to Make Accessibility an Intentional Focus
Facilitated by: TBA
How are you baking accessibility into what you do? Discuss practical ways to embed accessibility into every stage of your work. Share ideas, best practices, and tools to make inclusive design a priority.
Past Events
2025 Annual Mini-Conference - Imposter Syndrome: Self-Doubt to Self-Confidence
Beth Scheid, Associate Chief Information Officer at the University of Illinois, presented an amazing session on "How to manage Imposter Syndrome and Bringing Self-Doubt to Self-Confidence."
Watch the recording below:
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Last modified: March 18, 2025
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