Our Story
The concept for ARA began quite simply ― it started eight years ago at a quarterly dinner between three IT professionals and friends living in Chicago. The dinner offered a way to discuss general industry trends and advice for women working in IT.
Over the years, more friends and colleagues started joining in these dinners, offering insights, tips and career advice. Pretty soon, these “small dinners with friends” blossomed into major events each quarter – with a current list of 350+ senior women IT executives, the group officially named itself the Chicago Executive Women’s Networking Group.
Sensing an interest and need for a formal organization to provide opportunities for women in IT to learn and advance their careers, ClearEdge Marketing CEO and Founder Leslie Vickrey, McCann Partners Chief Growth Officer Jane Hamner, and McCann Partners President and Founder Megan McCann, formally founded ARA in early 2013.
Our Focus
Events + Programs
Bringing the industry together
to discuss the issues, trends and
challenges facing women in tech
Check out our Upcoming Events
Thought Leadership
Providing organizations and their tech employees with networking and development opportunities and resources
Learn About our Leaders
Where We Are
CHICAGO
Founding City in 2013 where ARA made its start. Now after many years Chicago is taking the world by storm, leading change.
NEW YORK
Harvey Nash and a committed following in NYC made this our second expansion in 2013, taking a bite out of the Big Apple.
SEATTLE
When Seattle was added to the ARA family it was raining with support from organizations to increase women in STEM.
HOUSTON
Texas is a big deal and ARA members, supporters and enthusiasts are making a difference in the South.
STAMFORD
Connecticut is rich with history on the East Coast and ready to make a difference by increasing Women in Tech.
DALLAS
Midwest meets Southwest in Dallas where female leaders and technologists are plentiful and ARA is connecting them.
SILICON VALLEY
A known epicenter of technology talent combines with ARA to enhance and increase Women in Technology.
About Us
Across seven cities in the US and growing, ARA is making a difference for women in, aspiring and advancing in technology.
CHALLENGE
- Not Enough Women in Technology
- Lack of Diversity & Inclusion
- Limited Talent Pipeline
- Minimal Mentor Program Support
FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGY
- Job Opportunities will Flourish
- Will Women Be Part of the Equation?
OPPORTUNITY
Be an organization committed to attracting, retaining and advancing women in technology roles and leadership
PARTICIPATION: For the last 5 years women have made up only 21% of technical roles.
ATTRITION: "Women working in STEM fields are 45% more likely than men to leave within the year."Sponsorship
Make a Difference - Become a Sponsor
Our sponsors help us to provide programs and events that support women in technology careers.
Sponsorship opportunities include Annual Program Support, Event Specific, Mentorship and In-Kind Venue.
Are you Interested in becoming a sponsor?
Contact us at info@aramentors.com
Our Community and Industry Partners
Hear what ARA participants have to say...
See Event Recaps & ARA speakers in Action!
Events
Artificial intelligence (AI) impacts every industry and each part of an organization. When used effectively, it enables businesses to improve customer experiences, operate more efficiently, make better decisions, and increase productivity and profitability. But it requires an understanding and responsibility to leverage it in the right ways.
This session will showcase AI’s impact on business and the workplace, reveal the dangers of AI bias, and highlight our own roles in shaping the future of AI, regardless of our job position. Everyone has a role to play in AI. Do you know what yours is?
October 4th, 2023
We are an organization that aspires to Attract, Retain, and Advance women in technology, which is why we are pleased to partner with the Women of Enova for the seventh consecutive year of ChiWitCon. We hope you can join us during our exclusive panel at ChiWitCon.
About Our Speakers
Learn about the network of sponsors, supporters, and collaborators here.
Experts in their fields who bring knowledge and inspiration to our members.
Speakers able to turn their knowledge and expertise into shared experiences our members can learn from and implement.
People who are excited about technology and how it shapes our world today and tomorrow.
Change agents and visionaries who see a way forward to more diversity and inclusion in IT.
Perspectives
ARA delivers valuable insight, experience, tips!
From the "In Her Own Words" series to the interviews with female leaders from cities across the US with companies like Uber, Microsoft, Google, AON, McDonalds, and so many more our blog is designed to deliver great to-the-point tips that you can apply to Advance your career in technology.
PART 4: BREAKING THROUGH POVERTY LINES THROUGH EDUCATION & JOB CREATION RECAP
PART 3: CHANGE STARTS AT HOME RECAP
PART 2: STRUCTURAL RACISM EXAMINED RECAP
The Hope Needs You
Get in Touch
Send us a message today and start the conversation.