I came across an announcement for an (un)conference dedicated to the cultivation and support of women in technology called, She's Geeky (October 22-23 in Mountain View), and thought it apropos to stake my claim on the PICnet blog-- being the first female in the company as well.
I can't say that I am more sensitive to the gender difference/inequities in technology inasmuch as the gender difference/inquities in general. I've been a minority within many all-male settings whether it be sports, friendships, or educational and professional settings. One of the first things I would do in my Computer Science classes in UCSB was to survey the ratio of women to men, and then white women to women of color. Rounding, I came up with the following ratios: 11% for the former, 20% for the latter.
I have chosen to accept a lot of the social morays associated with this community, while staying true to my nature: creative, outgoing, loud, and cute. (Yes, cute. Believe me, it brings it's own set of issues to male-dominated professions.) Maybe some activists would say I have become complacent or socialized. I wouldn't necessarily disagree, however I am who I am because of that very community I have adopted.
Having just moved to the Bay Area, it's nice to know there is a foundation of similar support at the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology. Perhaps I will be able to reflect on my formed attitudes by being exposed to a gender balanced technology community for once. And just maybe... I'll let go of those morays that I think are so essential to my success in this profession.
And for the record, the PICnet guys are incredibly supportive. I really enjoy working here.
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