Does Gender Matter? Stories from the Tower and the Trenches Crystal Valentine, PhD VP Technology Strategy, MapR Technologies Women in Big Data Luncheon Spark Summit June 8, 2016
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Does Gender Matter?Stories from the Tower and
the Trenches Crystal Valentine, PhD
VP Technology Strategy, MapR Technologies
Women in Big Data Luncheon Spark Summit June 8, 2016
The Gender Gap is Not Innate
• Fact: Women are as smart as men (even at math and technology!)
• Fact: Women opt out of tech careers starting in secondary school
• Reasons: 1. Perception that “I won’t be good at it”
2. Perception that it’s boring
3. Perception that “I won’t fit in or like my peers”
Leaky Pipeline
Source: Anita Borg Institute
Strategies for Change
Change
• Ex. Intro CS at Amherst College
1. Streamlining
2. Make it fun!
3. Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing
Barrier
1. “I won’t be good at it”
2. “It’s boring”
3. “I won’t fit in or like my peers”
Results
• Before: (2014) • 40% of COSC111 enrollees were women
• <30% of CS majors were women
• After: (Today) • >50% of CS course enrollees are women!
Help or Hindrance?
Pros
1. Unique perspective
2. Memorable
3. Never a line for the ladies room
Cons
1. Glass ceiling?
2. Man-splaining
3. Harder to “fit in”
Keys to Success
1. Work hard
2. Be yourself
3. Speak up
4. Look for mentors and allies
Thanks!
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