Women in Tech
Beyond Coding: Why We need to Rethink Caribbean Women in Tech
Tech is a hot sector, and it’s exciting to see more women getting involved, but we still have a long way to go before we reach gender equality at the core of the industry, which for many, means….computer science…coding. That’s been the bias from day one. The fact is though, that as more and more industries step into the digital age, tech will permeate every part of our economy. So there needs to be an equal an importance placed on technical skills as well as on non-technical skills. Expertise in online business models, digital marketing, e-commerce, new media, social media strategy, gadgets, and IT infrastructure are all essential to the technology ecosystem. The Caribbean and Global Digital Economy needs both technical and non-technical talent, leadership, professionals, and entrepreneurs.
This is why we need to rethink Caribbean Women in Tech- by broadening the narrative about what is possible in tech and the digital economy for women. It is the underlying theme and mission of the Caribbean Women in Tech Event Series and why we selected these women to be on the panel for our first event of 2020.
Here’s a little bit of who they are:
ERICA SIMMONS – Global Tech Strategist. Entrepreneur. Inventor.
Erica is currently the Executive Director – Centre for Digital Innovation & Advanced Manufacturing at the Caribbean Maritime University. Having returned to Jamaica from living in the United States, she brings over 20+ years in the software industry working with brands such as Siemens, Oracle, and Expedia. She is also an Entrepreneur who has ownership of three Patents.
Dr. TERRI-KARELLE REID-Human Ethernet. Speaker. Storyteller. TV Host.
Terri-Karelle is Cuba trained Doctor of (Veterinary) Medicine in Cuba and Miss Jamaica World 2005 Queen who made a career switch into marketing and management. She has been held many roles in the industry including being Online Brand Manager of The Gleaner Company Ltd. She is best known now for being a TV and Event Host, Speaker, who built her personal brand and Influencer currency leveraging all things digital.
HENEKA WATKIS-PORTER – Author. International Speaker. Jamaican Podcast Queen
Heneka is a Coach, Author/Blogger, Speaker, Leadercast Host & Podcaster. She’s happy living in her purpose which she describes as “life transformation through inspiration”. She is the creator of the Caribbean’s first Virtual Conference and Expo – The Entrepreneurial You Virtual SME Conference & Expo and Hosts The Entrepreneurial You podcast who has interviewed Richard Branson, Seth Godin, John Lee Dumas, Amy Porterfield, Chris Ducker.
STACEY HINES –Transformation Strategist. Balanced Boss, Techie
Stacey is a Transformation Strategist and #TechBoss working at ICD Group, a multi-million dollar investment company having moved from Atlanta’s tech startup scene. She chairs two high impact companies and the Director of a Tech Innovation startup. Stacey is the host of The Balanced Lady Boss podcast and is also a Certified Mindset Transformation Coach and a Mindfulness & Evolving Leadership Consultant.
The Caribbean Women in Tech Event Series is an initiative of SiliconCaribe. The initial event was held on International Girls in ICT Day in 2018 and now we are kickstarting the event series on Thursday, January 30th, 2020, at JAMPRO HQ, 6:30 pm Sharp.
The event is open to women in University and College; professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs in Tech and the Digital Economy, as well as those who are curious and want to know more about the trends and possibilities.
We have a diverse and exciting panel of women who will share their stories and speak to the trends and opportunities connected to the theme: DisruptHer | The Future of Women in Digital. There will be time for meaningful networking as well as a couple of digital experiences at the end of the panel discussion.
Join the community, tell your colleagues and friends. Sign up, get your tickets, our seats are limited.
My Team and I look forward to meeting you there.
Ingrid Riley, Founder of SiliconCaribe