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.
Coffee Catch-ups
August 20, 2025 | 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. CT
What are your favorite professional development tips and tools?
Facilitated by: Sarah Cross, Northwestern University
Join us for an engaging discussion where we share our favorite professional development tips and tools. Bring your questions and be ready to share your own experiences as we learn and grow together.
September 17, 2025 | 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. CT
Overwhelmed But Professional: Strategies for Keeping Balanced When Chaos Erupts.
Facilitated by: Ritika Giri, Northwestern University
This informal discussion will explore practical strategies for staying grounded, setting boundaries, and maintaining professionalism, even in the midst of overload. Bring your experiences, tips, and questions as we support each other in finding balance during the busiest and most unpredictable times.
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?