First MeetUp Success: Long Island Women in Tech

First Meet Up Success

I’ve been meaning to do this for a while. Actually, every time I received a NYC MeetUp notification from Women Who Code NYC or Girl Develop It and realized I couldn’t make the trek into the city, I vowed to create a group that could meet out on Long Island, NY.

You see, the train into the city is at least 1 hour on the express and with juggling my work, life (kids, family, etc.) and play (my running addiction), it’s a struggle to add the 1.5 or so hours each way to my daily commute.

Well, I’ve finally done it! I created a group that can help Women in Tech, network, learn and grow in our technology roles while staying close to home. By forming this group, we hope to breathe new life into tech on Long Island by fostering technical education, sessions on software design and development, meetings on product management and ownership, discussions on agile framework, UX and usability design, becoming a tech leader, mentorship and sponsorship and more.

Introducing MeetUp Group: Long Island Women in Tech

Last night was our first meet up held in the CA Technologies office in Islandia, NY and we were able to meet 17 of the 50+ members of our group face-to-face.

We started out with a quick ‘ice breaker’ using the LeanIN connection cards, then I did a brief presentation introducing the group, and last we tried out “Small Networking Groups” activity which is a slight spin on an Unconference.

All-in-all, the event was a success. We had great participation, great conversation and excitement for what is to come.

I’d like to thank my awesome volunteers for helping kick this off and running logistics; Gina Ribaudo, my awesome mother who setup and babysat for the mom’s attending the event. Jay Muller, my supportive husband who handled setup, tear down, and the phone lines. Olivia Muller, my daughter who ran the sign in desk and created some awesome directional signs to get everyone to the right place. Michael Brennan, my helpful colleague and friend who took pictures and helped setup for the price of garlic knots. Christy Walsh, who let us borrow her meeting room, dragged in tables and chairs and searched for ice and whiteboards while doing her day-job.

I welcome you to join us in continuing the conversation via our LinkedIN Group – Long Island Women in Tech. Even if you’re not a woman, not in tech and/or not on Long Island, you can join the conversation virtually and contribute or gain value from the great advice and questions posed by our members.

I look forward to connecting with you.

Here are some links to join us: