b'WOMEN IN TECHAmanda Emms, Maven Program Coordinator (from centre right) with women studying post-secondary STEM degrees. Maven paired with Ending Violence Across Manitobas Mary Lobson (far rightShreya Jhunjhunwala, Maven Profile writer, and Leslie in blue) to host a discussion focused on womensSupnet, Maven supporter, make Maven buttons passion for STEM, barriers and opportunities. during DisruptED19s Interactive Playground.The emphasis on a positive work culture that supportsTo ensure the guide is applicable to the provinces women was a consistent theme at these events. diverse tech sector, Maven established a volunteer The Maven team is now creating the Maven GuideLeadership Council to oversee the development of the to Gender Parity to assist Manitoba tech businesses inMaven Guide to Gender Parity. The Council is a group of achieving gender parity.C-suite executives with backgrounds in tech, education The guides foundation is based on feedback and the not-for-profit world. Their perspective and from Mavens roundtable discussions as well as feedback are integral to the project.data, recommendations and best practices from Increasing awareness of the opportunities in tech and other industries.the need for gender parity is also a priority. The Maven Were building a guide tailored to our communitysCommittee is another group of volunteers dedicated to needs, that rewards businesses for making the effort,promoting awareness, hosting events, and producing recognizes what theyre doing right and addresses gaps,content that show pathways to the industry for girlssays Knight. and women.In addition, tech firms will have a practical resourceThe exponential growth of Manitobas tech sector and tools they can use to identify issues and implementmeans that the demand for talent will continue to increase. change. Maven is currently piloting and testing the guideThere are over 33,000 people employed in Manitobas with ICTAM and some of the associations members. tech sector, and it keeps growing. This sector is also The process includes an organizational assessmentthe only one in Manitoba that experiences virtually no and review of current policies regarding gender parity,unemployment. Attracting more women is a viable diversity and inclusion. Buy-in from the top down issolution to fill the industrys high demand for tech talent.As we step into the future, every company will be a tech crucial to success, therefore having a dedicated CEO andcompany. Ensuring gender parity is built into the DNA of leadership team committed to change is imperative. our corporate cultures will benefit both the bottom line Mavens team is establishing a launching point toand our society. Maven is committed to building a guide set targets and goals by reviewing wage transparency,to reach these goals.community outreach and demographic metrics. Positive work culture, recruitment and hiring practices, flex- Amanda Emms is the Program Coordinator for Maven. time, succession planning, professional developmentHer passion for parity was ignited while working in the film opportunities and parity in leadership roles are some ofindustry, and shes thrilled to join ICTAMs commitment the areas Maven will dig into at different stages of to increase women in tech. Maggie Nelsons Bluets is her the process. favourite book, and she will never say no to chocolate. University College of the North (UCN) hosted Mavens roundtable discussion with employers, educators and women working in tech in Thompson, Manitoba.Fall 2019 HRmatters 15'