Championing Ambition: Women In Cloud Launches 2023 Cloud Scholarship Drive

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As of 2020, only 14.2 percent of people in the cloud computing industry were women – a number that is not improving. We believe that economic growth should be inclusive, reaching every person, organization, community, and country. And it all starts with increasing access to digital skills.

Women in Cloud recognized the importance of cloud certification in building an inclusive workforce and had the reach, approach, partnerships, and engine to make a meaningful impact. We embarked on a journey to test three hypotheses:

  1. What does it take for women to be job-ready in cloud technologies?
  2. What partnerships do we need to deliver micro-credentials and hands-on learning experiences?
  3. What wrap-around services do women need to succeed, including partnerships with Coursera, universities, and tech companies?

Through our experimentation, we learned that it takes $6,000 to $10,000 to provide the necessary services for women/anyone to be job-ready. However, this approach was expensive and not easily scalable. Determined to find a solution, we reverse-engineered a pathway to access $100K Cloud Tech Jobs.

A Breakthrough: Cloud Certification for $250

Collaborating with the Microsoft and Women in Cloud’s Board of Advisors, we identified what it takes to achieve cloud tech certification and devised a plan to make it possible.

After distributing 3,000 scholarships in just 15 months across 65 countries, we are thrilled to announce a breakthrough – women and allies can now become technically certified on Microsoft Cloud products for just $250.

Launching #WICxCloudScholarship Fund

Led by our esteemed Board of Advisors, the Women In Cloud Scholarship Fund is a collective effort driven by our vibrant community. Our mission is clear: to establish and sustain a fund that will empower women by awarding 1,000 life-changing cloud and AI scholarships. Over the next 24 to 48 months, we aim to raise $250,000 to pave the way for women to excel in the cloud industry, fostering diversity and innovation along the way.

We believe that giving is a calling, and giving smart is a choice. But that’s not all. We made it affordable, tax-deductible, and sustainable. This will allow every individual to contribute to the Cloud and AI Workforce Development and make Tech Industry Inclusive.

This holiday season we are launching an innovative campaign “Hope Rises With Every Donation”

In the boundless digital universe, the cloud is a cornerstone of our technological future. However, not everyone has the opportunity to harness its power. This community-driven campaign aims to empower women by providing cloud certification scholarships.  Our mission is to raise funds to create 1,000 Cloud Certification Scholarships.

We believe Hope Rises with Every Donation.

Be a part of this transformative giving campaign and help us make a difference! Your contribution can be the turning point in someone’s life. For more information, visit : https://www.gofundme.com/f/wicxcloudscholarshipfund

No Donation Is Too Small

That’s why we offer a variety of tax-smart giving options for your 2023 donations to maximize their effect:

Save on taxes and make an impact: Make a $250+ gift and receive a charitable deductions and sponsor a woman to become cloud certified. Plus get invited to become a mentor/advisor.

We invite you to champion a woman’s ambition and pave the way for her to achieve cloud certification. Together, we can create a more inclusive and diverse future in the tech industry.

Donate and Make an Impact Today

Together, let’s champion her ambition and make the tech industry more inclusive and diverse. Join the #WICxCloudScholarship Fund today!

Connect with Chaitra if you want to join the fundraising team.

Your support matters. Let’s create an Inclusive Future. Champion Her Ambition with Cloud Scholarships and Your Mentorships.

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Shaping India’s Future: #WICxIndia 2023 Revolutionizes Women’s Leadership in the Cloud and AI Ecosystem

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Women in Cloud, alongside Veeam, ET Edge (A Times Group Initiative), and Tech Observer, is proud to announce the launch of #WICxIndia 2023. This monumental initiative celebrates India’s groundbreaking cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem while creating pathways for women’s leadership growth.

Revolutionary Event Unveiled
This three-city, five-day in-person event boasts captivating keynotes, thought-provoking panels, immersive workshops, prestigious awards, and extensive networking. Center around the theme “Powering the Executive Leadership Presence,” #WICxIndia 2023 brings together industry leaders, subject-matter experts, and entrepreneurs, including Veeam’s Vice President Marketing Belinda Pervan, Aditya Birla Group Group Chief Data and Analytics Officer Pankaj Rai, Honeywell’s Chief Compliance Officer Piya Haldar, Accenture’s Managing Director Gopali Raval Contractor, Veeam Software’s MD India and SAARC Sandeep Bhambure, Women in Cloud’s President Chaitra Vedullapalli, Microsoft’s General Manager Monika Mital and Ntegral’s CEO Dexter Hardy.

“India is making leaps in the world of cloud and AI, and it’s the women at the forefront who are driving this economic transformation. #WICxIndia 2023 isn’t just about events; it’s a powerful celebration of visionaries and changemakers who are defining India’s digital future,” states Chaitra Vedullapalli, a renowned thought leader in the tech industry.

A Journey of Empowerment and Recognition
1) Starting September 1st, the #WICxIndia 2023 event will kick off in Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi, providing a rich tapestry of insights and inspiration. The #empowHERaccess awards platform, a core part of the event, will recognize over 60 pioneering role models who are shaping the future of technology through transformative change.

2) On September 8th, Bangalore will be the hub of technological brilliance and innovative discourse as it hosts the prestigious #WICxIcons Awards Celebration Dinner. This elite gathering is set to underscore key policy dialogues, foster allyship, and discuss the latest in cloud management.

3) Rollout of #SashaktiSamman Phase 2 Campaign will Celebrate exceptional figures within the government sector, igniting women’s leadership while driving data protection and security and bolstering the nation’s digital defenses.

4) Microsoft and Veeam Partner to Unlock Employment Opportunities Through Cloud Micro Credentialing Scholarships aimed at empowering women in the fields of Data Protection and Ransomware solutions. This initiative seeks to unlock employment opportunities while addressing the crucial need to safeguard India’s critical information in the digital age.

“As India charts its path in the cloud and AI frontier, it’s the women at the helm who are setting the pace. #WICxIndia 2023 isn’t just about technology; it’s a celebration of visionaries and changemakers who are crafting the nation’s digital destiny.” – Dexter Hardy, CEO of NTEGRAL

To explore the program of speakers, visit https://womenincloud.com/wicxindia-2023/.

Buy your tickets here

By uniting with us, you contribute to a brighter future for women leaders across India.
Save the date and prepare for an extraordinary experience at #WICxIndia 2023!

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#WICxRoleModels: Top Women in Defense Shaping the future of Defense Technology in India

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The relationship between the defense industry and technology is symbiotic, with technological advancements driving innovation in defense and defense requirements fueling the development of cutting-edge technologies. In an era where technology plays a pivotal role in defense, women are emerging as influential leaders, shaping the future of defense technology.

Women in defense technology bring a unique perspective to the table as their diverse backgrounds and experiences contribute to a rich tapestry of ideas and solutions. By breaking down gender barriers and excelling in their roles, these women serve as powerful role models for aspiring individuals, particularly young women, who may have been discouraged from pursuing careers in defense technology.

Chaitra Vedullapalli, the founder of Women In Cloud, words reflect the power of dreams and determination in shaping one’s path. “As the daughter of a Major in the Indian Army, I have always aspired to follow in my father’s footsteps and become an Air Force pilot. Like him, I believe in the values of education, security, and empowerment, and it is with great pride that I introduce to you the Sashakti Samman Campaign”, said Chaitra.

Women in Cloud, in collaboration with Veeam® Software India, a leader in Data Protection and Ransomware Recovery is thrilled to unveil the #SashaktiSamman campaign, powered by TechObserver and supported by Veeam’s Women in Green and Women in Cloud initiatives. Through #SashaktiSamman, we seek to recognize and honor some exceptional women leaders who have seamlessly integrated technology into the defense sector, ensuring data security, resilience, and innovation. 

The #SashaktiSamman campaign offers key benefits and objectives, including highlighting role models in the Defense sector to inspire women in leadership roles, inviting channel companies to integrate sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals, unlocking educational and career opportunities in data protection, and encouraging participation in the #empowHERaccess India Awards platform to recognize trailblazers, tech leaders, allies, and mentors in the data protection and security ecosystem. Together, these efforts drive empowerment, diversity, and innovation in shaping the future of defense technology.

 

As the movement gathers steam, we extend an invitation to all, to unite with us in commemorating these pioneering women who are at the forefront, spearheading India’s technological progress and safeguarding its national security. 

  • Wing Commander Meenakshi Shrivastava, Indian Air Force 
  • Wing Commander Kanupriya Karki, Indian Air Force 
  • Squadron Leader Nupur Jain, Indian Air Force 
  • Squadron Leader Deepti Goswami (Retd) Indian Air Force 
  • Major Isleen Kaur, Indian Army 
  • Lt Cdr Tavishi Singh, WBD, Indian Navy 
  • Smt. Nisha Tijare, Head IS – India & SAARC

Key Benefits and Objectives of #SashaktiSamman:

  1. Role Model Spotlight Campaign: The campaign positions in highlighting role models in the Defense sector and inspiring women to leadership roles to drive data protection and security.
  2. Invitation to all channel companies to join #SashaktiSamman campaign to integrate their sustainability and DEI goals to serve defense and government entities in India, while experiencing increased brand activation, perception, and visibility in the government and defense sectors.
  3. Unlocking educational and career opportunities for women to contribute in Data Protection & Ransomware related solutions to safeguard the nation’s vital information.
  4. Participate in #empowHERaccess India Awards platform to recognize trailblazers, tech leaders, allies and mentors in the  data protection and security ecosystem.

 Join us in recognizing the extraordinary accomplishments of these women leaders as we celebrate their intelligence, innovation, and invaluable contributions to India’s defense and government sectors. Together, let’s applaud these trendsetters who are #LeadingTheFront and breaking barriers, remodeling the future of defense technology.

To be part of the conversation, sign up for NATIONAL DEFTECH SUMMIT2023 powered by TechObserver on Jun 09, 2023 in New Delhi.

Contributed by Charane Veeri , WIC Intern

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Announcing #WICxWorldRecord: GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Title Attempt While Helping Women and Allies Navigate Their Future

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Exciting Announcement!!

We are thrilled to let you know we have partnered with Guinness World Record to create an immersive experience ideal for women and allies of all ages looking to change gears in their lives, whether transitioning from high school to college, college to career, employment to self-employment, employment to retirement, or those seeking a change in their career fields.

Join Women in Cloud as we take on a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title attempt for the most users in a vision board video hangout.

As part of their Annual Summit 2023 programming, the #WICxWorldRecord project aims to create a digital collage of 500 unique “Future You” vision boards, individually uploaded during the event and shared via an online album.

The record-setting event will take place on February 1, 2023 and will be led by Patti Dobrowolski, visual thinker and change activator, and Founder of Up Your Creative Genius. During the three-hour session, Patti will lead participants through her unique process for defining their “Future You” identity, supporting those in transitional periods of their personal and professional lives in identifying who they want to become and the bold steps they will take to get there.

“It has been proven that creating a picture of your future, putting it somewhere you can see it everyday and taking incremental actions to achieve your future substantially increases your chances of success”, says Patti Dobrowolski. “One of the best ways that you can cope with whatever experience or challenge you’re facing is by drawing a picture of the ‘future you’ on the other side of it.”

“I have had the pleasure of doing previous vision boarding sessions with Patti and believe in the power they hold for reflecting on your growth and achievements”, said Sharan Hildebrand, Vice President of Hitachi Group Companies. “I look forward to participating in the #WICxWorldRecord event and highly recommend the experience to anyone else in a time of transition or growth.”

This immersive experience is designed to support women and allies looking to change gears in their lives, whether transitioning from high school to college, college to career, employment to self-employment, employment to retirement, or those seeking a change in their career fields.

“#WICxWorldRecord is more than just a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt,” said Chaitra Vedullapalli, President and Co-Founder of Women in Cloud, “it’s an opportunity to learn to lead through transition to help others achieve success while building an accountability network to achieve your vision.”

To learn more about the #WICxWorldRecord event or register to participate in the history-making experience visit: https://women-in-cloud-network.mn.co/feed

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#GivingTuesday 2030: Unlocking Economic Access For 100 Young Girls

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Women comprise half of the world’s population yet are underrepresented in the leading $7 Trillion dollar cloud tech industry.

There are many reasons for it, starting with..

  • Lack of mentors (48 percent)
  • Lack of female role models in the field (42%)
  • Gender bias in the workplace (39%)
  • Unequal growth opportunities compared to men (36%)
  • Unequal pay for the same skills (35%)

What we know is that the critical factor in determining young girls’ success is when you can unlock access to digital literacy, role models, opportunities and community.

In 2023, Women in Cloud is partnering with strategic partners to participate in #GivingTuesday campaign on Nov29th to support 100 young girls in 2023 to create access tech scholarships, adult mentors, internship projects, community events, education and more to develop them as young leaders.

To achieve our vision, we need an investment of $1,000 for every girl to get access to resources year-long and provide quality support to develop them as young leaders.

Our future generations are counting on us and need our support to provide WICxYoungGirls program in the tech ecosystem who are in need of scholarships, mentorship, and development opportunities.

Your donation will help change the lives of  100 young girls to access tech scholarships, adult mentors, internship projects, community events, education, and more to develop them as young leaders!

Join us in supporting these extraordinary young girls to lift them up, inspire them to be bold, and encourage them to take on the world!

Can we count on you to support 100 young girls to access tech opportunities in 2023?

Donate here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/wicxyounggirls-access-to-stem-opportunities

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