ashe dryden

I recently decided to put together a group for women in technology in Madison, where I live. The group is for designers, developers, and everyone in between, is all ages friendly, trans-inclusive, and open to people of any ability level. I wanted to create a safe space where we could help each other learn, mentor/teach others in our community, cowork, practice speaking in front of people, and help each other submit talks to conferences. 

Sexism and misogyny isn't something that happens to "other people". I don't know one woman whose life hasn't been affected by it; I don't know a single woman who hasn't changed their behavior or the situations they put themselves in because of it. I don't know anyone that hasn't been friends, partners, or family members with a woman that hasn't worried for her or seen the way her life gets turned upside down by the way society treats her. These aren't "women's issues", they are societal issues.

Due to the attention So you want to put on a diverse, inclusive conference received, I held a series of google hangouts with other conference organizers to talk about what they've been doing to increase diversity and where they need help. These round-table discussions provided valuable information and ideas that would work well at any conference.