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Ministry of Small Business and Revenue |
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MENTORSHIP FUNDING SUPPORTS HIGH-TECH WOMEN |
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VANCOUVER – Women in British Columbia’s technology sector are
receiving $60,375 in funding from the Ministry of Small Business and Revenue
and the Ministry of Community Services to further support the Wired Woman
Mentorship Program. The funding was announced by Rick Thorpe, Minister of Small
Business and Revenue and Minister responsible for Regulatory Reform, and Ida
Chong, Minister of Community Services and Minister responsible for Seniors’ and
Women’s Issues.
“In British Columbia, 95 per cent of high technology businesses are small businesses who will
really benefit from this type of program,”
said Thorpe. “Working in partnership with organizations like Wired Woman and
investing in women’s success in this dynamic sector, we will continue to be
economic leaders in Canada.”
“British
Columbia’s strong economy has created more opportunities for women than ever,
including a growing number of opportunities in the technology sector,” said
Chong. “We are pleased to support this mentorship program, in partnership with
Small Business and Revenue, to help women take advantage of these
opportunities.”
The
Wired Woman Mentorship Program offers a variety of innovative women’s mentoring
programs for women entering or re-entering the workforce. Developed by the
10-year-old Wired Woman Society, it supports women in the science and
technology fields who seek career guidance. Key components include 10-month mentorships
with industry veterans and a comprehensive training toolkit. Wired Woman
enhances these mentorships with networking events and educational workshops.
This funding builds on the $10,000 provided in 2007 to Wired Woman to pilot the
mentorship program.
“We believe the
demand for mentoring among women in science and technology will only grow, and
government’s continued support for our program shows real foresight,” said
Marnie Larson, president of the Vancouver Chapter of Wired Woman. “Initial
feedback from participants suggests they’re gaining first-hand, strategic
advice on everything from winning job interviews to working conditions.”
Founded
in 1996, Wired Woman creates an open environment that encourages women in
technology to build successful careers. With chapters from Vancouver to
Toronto, Wired Woman has hundreds of members across Canada.
A
photo of Minister Thorpe, Minister Chong and Wired Woman Vancouver Chapter
president Marnie Larson, will soon be available at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/sbr/popt/gallery/
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Communications Manager 250 387-4169 |
Communications Manager 250 356-6334 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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