Women+ in Technology
Women+ in Technology
Welcome to the Big Ten Academic Alliance Women+ in IT community!
The WIT peer group was created in 2018 and sponsored by BTAA CIOs to strengthen recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in IT across the Big Ten.
This diverse group has been created to expand connections to one another, and provide a place for respectful dialogue, timely questions, and broad sharing of best practices and insights.
This group is open to staff, researchers, faculty, and administrators at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities.
Welcome to the newest members of the WIT Executive Team!
Please join us in welcoming Betsy Hillery and Gen Schmitt as our new Co-Vice Chairs!
Betsy Hillery, Director of Health Data Initiatives, Purdue University
Betsy Hillery brings over two decades of experience in information technology, including eight years in high-performance computing. As Director of Data Initiatives at Purdue’s Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering (RCHE), she leads the LIFE@Scale platform and drives data integration strategies to support life sciences research. Betsy also serves as Purdue’s liaison to Analytix Indiana, connecting faculty with industry partners to foster innovation and economic growth. She holds degrees in Computer Science, Industrial Organizational Psychology, and an MBA, and is an active member of national research computing organizations, including SC, PEARC, CaRCC, and Women in HPC.
Gen Schmitt, Software Developer, Scholarly Communications and Repository Services, University of Illinois
Gen Schmitt is a software developer with experience in both corporate and academic settings. At the University of Illinois, she has built expertise in cloud computing, digital preservation, and knowledge-sharing strategies. She works closely with diverse stakeholders to understand their goals and deliver scalable, cost-effective solutions that address complex challenges.
Committed to fostering mentorship and inclusion in technology, Gen serves on the leadership team for the University of Illinois Women in Technology (WIT) group. She has contributed to cross-regional collaboration as a member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) WIT+ steering committee and now advances professional growth initiatives through the BTAA WIT+ Mentorship Subcommittee, where she previously served as co-chair.
Coffee Catch-ups
October 15, 2025 | 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. CT
Let's Celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Cyber Safety
Facilitated by: Catharine Tarquinio, Rutgers University
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This discussion will focus on personal cyber safety and how being mindful of our digital footprint benefits our families and workplace.
November 19, 2025 | 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. CT
Pace of Digital Change and Keeping Up
Facilitated by: Jennifer Swaney, University of Michigan
The challenges and opportunities of keeping up with the rapid pace of digital change in higher education from an IT perspective. As technology continues to evolve, IT professionals play a crucial role in driving innovation and supporting digital transformation across institutions.
What are the biggest challenges you've encountered in keeping up with digital changes in higher education, and how have you or your institution addressed them?
What have you seen that works best for IT to collaborate effectively with faculty and administration to align technology initiatives with educational goals and needs?
December 17, 2025 | 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. CT
Network and Brainstorm Coffee Catch-Up Topics
Facilitated by: Renee Petrina, Indiana University
Before the holiday break, let's gather to network and brainstorm Coffee Catch-Up topics.
January 21, 2026 | 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. CT
Self-care!
Facilitated by: Sarah Cross, Northwestern University
Let's start off the new year with some self-care. What is your self-care mantra for this year, and how will you engage with it?