Indiana Women IN Tech Week: Building a More Inclusive Future, One Connection at a Time
In 2024, Indiana became the first state in the nation to declare an annual Women IN Tech Week—a bold move toward equity, innovation, and inclusion. But for Linda Calvin, cofounder of Indiana Women IN Tech Week, the momentum behind this movement began long before the proclamation was signed.
“It started with a notebook,” Calvin recalled. “I was researching data for a McKinsey project and kept seeing the same patterns—women, particularly Black, Latina, and Native American women, were entering tech in higher numbers but leaving the industry just as fast. That’s not a pipeline problem; that’s a culture problem.”
That “notebook moment” sparked a statewide initiative that has since transformed into a rallying cry for companies, educational institutions, and individuals who believe Indiana’s tech economy must reflect its people.
The Data Doesn’t Lie—And It’s Urgent
The tech sector continues to be one of the fastest-growing and most lucrative industries in the U.S., contributing nearly $2 trillion to GDP and generating more than 377,000 job openings each year. Yet only 28% of those roles are held by women—and just 3% and 2% by Black and Hispanic women, respectively. What’s worse, recent data shows that 50% of women in tech leave the industry by age 35, citing non-inclusive cultures, lack of mentorship, and limited advancement opportunities.
“This is about more than fairness,” said Calvin. “It’s about economic competitiveness. Indiana received three federal tech hub designations in 2023 alone. If we don’t build and retain a diverse tech workforce, we will not meet the demand. Period.”
Representation Isn’t Optional—It’s Strategic
Artificial intelligence is one of the most disruptive forces in tech today—and it’s already showing signs of bias. A recent study revealed that ChatGPT advised women to ask for lower salaries than men when prompted with identical resumes.
“When you build tech without representation, this is what you get,” Calvin said. “This is why we need women—including women of color—at every decision-making table. Diverse teams don’t just perform better; they build better products, serve broader markets, and fuel economic growth.”
A Week with a Mission: Recognition, Retention, and Results
Indiana Women IN Tech Week is not just about celebration—it’s a catalyst for visibility, mentorship, and systemic change. From panels and summits to hands-on events for students, the week offers something for every stage of a woman’s tech journey.
One signature event is the Female Tectonic Summit. Data indicates that women are leaving the industry due to a lack of mentors and role models. To address this, the morning session of Techtonic aims to help women connect with one another, learn from each other’s experiences in tackling problems, and inspire one another. The afternoon is open to everyone, with a focus on rebooting culture for innovation.
“This isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being heard and leading change,” said Calvin. “We want women in IT roles to feel empowered, and we want their male counterparts at the table to learn and contribute.”
Why Mentorship Matters
Mentorship and sponsorship are central themes of the week. “Studies show that 85% of women in tech believe mentorship is essential to their advancement,” said Calvin. “But we also know that women tend to hesitate when it comes to leveraging connections—they don’t want to feel like they’re ‘using’ someone.”
That hesitation can be costly. “We need to normalize networking as a professional tool, not a personal favor. Men have done this for decades, and it works,” she said.
Events like Future Cast: Emerging Women in Tech on Aspirations, Barriers and Breakthroughs offer high-value opportunities to connect aspiring tech professionals with mentors who look like them—and who can open doors.
Call to Action for BEI Member Companies
If you’re a Business Equity for Indy (BEI) member company, here’s how you can help catalyze this movement:
- Sponsor: Event organizers are seeking support to sustain the week’s programming, maintain its website and marketing, and provide no-cost events to the public.
- Show Up: Representation from leadership matters. “We need CEOs, HR leaders, and decision-makers in the room—listening, learning, and connecting,” said Calvin.
- Amplify: Promote the week to your employees, partners, and networks. Encourage participation across all levels of your company.
- Engage Your Workforce: If you don’t have women in your tech roles, partner with others who do. Host an event. Invite speakers. Elevate stories.
“We can’t build a representative, inclusive tech economy without intentional action,” Calvin emphasized. “This is not about exclusion—it’s about amplification. When women in tech are seen, others begin to believe they can be there too.”
Because representation isn’t just symbolic; it’s strategic.
As Indiana continues to position itself as a national tech leader, Calvin wants the world to know: “We are growing a representative pipeline of talent right here. The future of tech is being built in Indiana—and women are leading the charge.”
Learn more about Indiana Women IN Tech Week and register to attend the week-long series of events online.
Linda Calvin is the Chief Impact Officer at Reboot Representation and Founder of Indiana Women IN Tech Week. With over 30 years in the tech industry, she is a passionate advocate for inclusion, innovation, and equity in the workplace. Through her consulting firm, Transcend Consulting, Linda empowers organizations to build cultures that retain and elevate Black, Latina, and Native American women in tech.
