Celebrating Trailblazers: ATHENA International Honors The WIT Network with the Inaugural Global Pantheon Award
ATHENA International is thrilled to announce that The WIT Network will be presented the inaugural Global Pantheon Award at the prestigious ATHENA Sails the 7 C’s conference January 22-26, 2025. This distinguished award honors esteemed companies and organizations actively addressing challenges like industry biases and pay disparities, while positively influencing the leadership landscape. Through strategic shifts in company culture, leadership development programs, and fostering opportunities for women to overcome workplace barriers, they promote greater diversity, equity, and inclusion, while valuing and celebrating the contributions of all individuals.
The WIT Network: Empowering Women in Technology
The WIT Network is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in the technology sector. They serve as a strategic partner to companies who aim to expand representation, elevate impact and increase engagement of women in the workplace. Through inspiration, education, mentoring, networking, and practical advice, The WIT Network helps individuals build and grow their careers in technology, encouraging women and girls to study STEM and pursue tech careers. Their mission is clear: to enable more women to achieve leadership positions, advance their careers, and assist companies in promoting gender equality within their organizations.
By fostering a supportive community, The WIT Network is making a significant impact on the gender equality conversation. They provide a platform for professionals at all stages of their careers to connect, support one another, and navigate the challenges of working in the tech industry. The organization is comprised of numerous smaller communities worldwide, connecting locally to support women in technology.
"On behalf of The WIT Network, I am deeply honored to accept this award. It is a testament to our commitment to empowering women and fostering inclusivity in the workplace. By partnering together, we have actively worked to change the landscape of leadership in the tech industry. Let us continue to empower and uplift women, creating a more inclusive and innovative future for all.”
– Christine Bongard, CEO and Co-Founder, The WIT Network
A Partnership for Change
Since 2020, The WIT Network has proudly partnered with ATHENA International, coordinating sponsorships within the tech industry to extend ATHENA’s esteemed leadership development program to women globally. This partnership has been instrumental in empowering women like Nancy Join from Red Hat. Reflecting on her experience, Nancy shared, "One of the most valuable insights I gained from participating in this program was the power of solidarity and support among women. Through the program, I realized that we are not alone in our challenges and aspirations. Building connections with other women leaders helped me see that our experiences, though diverse, often intersect in profound ways. Witnessing the resilience and determination of my fellow participants taught me the importance of uplifting and amplifying each other's voices. Together, we can break barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable world."
Nancy is just one of over 750 women in the technology industry who have benefitted from ATHENA’s transformational leadership journey, thanks to The WIT Network’s efforts.
Image provided by The WIT Network
A Global Movement
The WIT Network’s impact is vast, touching more than 13,000 members across 76 countries, representing over 350 organizations and 50 local community groups. Through monthly webinars, career mentoring, leadership development, technical certification training, wellness series, and local meet-ups, The WIT Network is inspiring and elevating women in technology worldwide.
By receiving the Global Pantheon Award, The WIT Network is recognized for its outstanding contributions to creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive tech industry. Their efforts are not just changing individual lives but are reshaping the narrative of leadership in technology.
The collaboration between ATHENA International and The WIT Network continues to foster a global community where women's voices are heard, their talents recognized, and their leadership capabilities nurtured. Together, we are making strides toward a future where gender equality is the norm, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.