Lindsey Pacela
Staff Writer
The University of La Verne Women in Technology club was created to motivate members to work in their field of study, and make them feel they are part of a family by supporting one another and sharing opportunities.
Club president Vicky Torres, junior information technology major, started it as an unofficial club with a small group in September 2020.
“We wanted the other women in our department to see that they are not alone in their path to succeed in the tech world,” Torres said.
Although the club was initially for women in the computer science department, they soon realized that they wanted the club to help both men and women across the STEM disciplines at the University.
The small group became an official club in November 2020. Today they have 18 members.
Torres said the club’s main features are sharing career readiness strategies and opportunities to improve job application skills, as well as most importantly – empowerment, no matter what your gender.
The club promotes new ideas and encourages a safe environment for members. They meet monthly, to check in and discuss important topics in their fields, find and offer potential job opportunities and conduct mock interviews and resume workshops.
“Building a strong network and making connections is a key part to success after college, and our goal is to expose our members in such a way that they will broaden their social network,” Torres said.
Torres added that networking is just as important as learning the necessary skills.
“My favorite thing about the club (is) the members. We all share common goals and we can help each other achieve them,” Natalie Reyes said, junior computer science major and the Vice President of the ULV Women in Technology Club.
Reyes joined in the very beginning when there had only been a handful of members. She was eager to motivate other women in her field, since it has often been male dominated.
According to a 2018 report by the American Association of University Women, fewer than 20% of computer science majors are women.
At La Verne, the computer science department is relatively small and the classes are majority male, Reyes said.
When connecting with other women in the field it can often seem a little overwhelming. Especially with online learning during the pandemic, that challenge has grown even further, but with the help of the ULV Women in Technology Club, that can become relatively easier, something that the club has always strived to do, Reyes said.
“(Torres) is always networking and finding workshops or events for members,” said Jennifer Salaiza, sophomore chemistry major and club member.
Salaiza joined for the club’s empowerment for its women members and interest in STEM fields. She said potential members should know about its fantastic connections, such as its partnership with Ripple Match, an organization determined to help students successfully set up interviews with various professional companies.
“Having a platform to express my excitement, motivation, concerns, and goals of my future achievements and aspirations in this competitive field has heightened my confidence and optimistic outlook on lifelong learning, reasoning and inclusivity,” said Alea Alvarez, senior computer science major and club member.
Alvarez has been a member since January. She said she was often a reserved student throughout her time at the University, but the Women in Technology club truly helped her grow. That’s because like-minded club members are studious, kind and thoughtful toward all members, Alvarez said.
“The Women in Tech Club is a safe, respectful, encouraging and open-minded environment that welcomes everyone- especially those interested in STEM,” Alvarez said.
For more information visit the Women in Tech club’s page at Campus Labs or on Instagram @ulv_womenintech.
Lindsey Pacela can be reached at lindsey.pacela@laverne.edu.
Lindsey Pacela, a senior journalism and psychology major, has worked as the editor-in-chief of La Verne Magazine and news editor for the Campus Times. She is currently a staff photographer for both publications.