Google’s Women Techmakers Empowers Women Globally

Driven by the belief that a diversity of perspectives leads to better decision-making and more relevant products, Google began Women Techmakers in 2012, helmed by former Google[x] Vice President Megan Smith. Women Techmakers is a global program that celebrates women, encouraging them to pursue and excel in technology careers.

“Our goal is to inspire passionate, creative women through discussions with thought leaders, technical workshops, design sprints and networking opportunities,” said Natalie Villalobos, Google’s Women in Technology Advocate leading Women Techmakers. “Overall, we aim to tear down the boundaries inhibiting women from participating in the industry.”

To accomplish this, Google created a global event series for International Women’s Day and our own Telle Whitney joined the Mountain View Summit.

This past International Women’s Day, 11,000 women benefited from these 128 events across 52 countries. Summits were held at Google offices around the globe, along with meetups at several universities and with Google Developer Group chapters. At each Women Techmakers summit held in a Google office, participants received an Android Wear Watch, and learned how to design or develop a watchface.

Women Techmakers events cater to the communities in which they take place, and this year included global partners Girl Develop It, Women Who Code, National Center for Women & Information Technology and AnitaB.org.

Women at all levels are encouraged to participate in Women Techmakers – from CEOs and founders to designers and developers or beginners in any technology-related role. The team believes that no matter your background, career, organization or identity, you are welcome in the industry, and they want to help you find what you need to be successful. 2015 was the second year Women Techmakers hosted these events for International Women’s Day, and you can expect the series again in 2016.

Alongside events the Women Techmakers team also manages global program offerings, a social media presence, and pilot initiatives to support and empower women in the industry. Learn more at WomenTechmakers.com.