Telle Whitney, President, Anita Borg Institute

From Anita Borg Institute Wiki

Just after being introduced by two female Navy officers of the USS Hopper, Telle Whitney was presented with a ballcap from the USS Hopper as well as a collectors coin from the ship.

She began by stating her visions, that women will be equal and be able to achieve their goals. She recalled her first GHC in DC, where she walked into a room of 500 women and was very excited. This year there is an astonishing 1433 attendees, and even an increasing number of men. She was also pleased that there are 35 CTOs for the CTO forum. CTO is generally the highest position on the technical career path, and is typically only 5% women. However we are able to have many remarkable ones in attendance today, who will be at the plenary session later, and walking around throughout the day; she encourages everyone to try to meet. We also have some remarkable men CTOs here as well, who are committed to positive changes for women in the workplace and who want to welcome women to their organizations. Telle was delighted to welcome them here as well.

There is a brochure in our bags with statistics and facts about women in technology, one of the not-so-surprising ones is that men are more likely to view their organization as a true meritocracy. Everyone should take a look at that brochure.

She thanked all of the sponsors, noting that they are one of the reasons that this conference is possible. She also challenges each and every one of us to set a personal goal for the conference: the number of people to meet, or what to learn. Her highlight of last year was seeing Francis Allen on dance floor with lots of students. She therefore encourages everyone to have fun, learn, network, and to take back what you need to bring value and growth to your own journey. Everyone should take advantage of the opportunities at this conference, and she would love for everyone to dome meet her and tell her your story.