Programs: Technical Executive Forum

By invitation only, the Forum convenes C-level technology executives in a discussion of the challenges their organizations face in the recruitment, retention, and advancement of technical women and the solutions to these challenges. Started in 2007 under the name “CTO Forum,” this initiative brings together thought leaders to raise awareness, actively engage discussion, and drive action among R&D executives on issues regarding the recruitment, retention, and advancement of technical women.

This Forum is held annually at the Grace Hopper Celebration and includes targeted discussions among technology executives, knowledge exchange and practical solutions to creating cultures that sustain diversity and innovation, and a keynote panel discussion where executives provide inspiration and advice to Grace Hopper participants. Past speakers included Sophie Vandebroek, Chief Technology Officer, Xerox; Justin Rattner, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Intel Corporation; Greg Papadopoulos, Chief Technology Officer, Sun Microsystems; Nan Mattai, Chief Technology Officer, Rockwell Collins, Werner Vogels, Chief Technology Officer, Amazon.com; Nora Denzel, Senior Vice President, Intuit; Mike Schroepfer, Vice President of Engineering, Facebook.

In 2009, 59 R&D executives participated in the Forum. You can see the synthesis of the topics discussed in the 2009 Forum at: http://anitaborg.org/files/breaking-barriers-to-cultural-change-in-corps.pdf

“I found the Technical Executive Forum, indeed the entire event, to be of very high value.” Participating CTO from ABI Partner Company

“The most valuable part of the Forum was Networking with other technology leaders, and as a vehicle for introducing me to the Hopper Conference—the energy, enthusiasm, all wonderful.” – Participating CTO

“The TEF provides a catalyst for work we should be doing within our organization. The ability to share experiences with other executives and learn about the approaches they are taking is invaluable.” 2009 executive participant

The 2010 Technical Executive Forum will be held on Thursday, Sept. 30, in Atlanta, GA as part of the 2010 Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing.

If you are interested in being considered for attending the 2010 Technical Executive Forum, please email your bio and contact information to carolines@anitaborg.org.

Agenda

Wednesday, Sept 29
7:00-9:00 pm Opening Reception and Poster session, Grace Hopper Celebration and Poster (optional)
Thursday, Sept 30
7:30-8:30 am Technical Executive Forum Breakfast
8:30-9:30 am Grace Hopper Celebration opening and Keynote
10:00 am-12:30 pm Welcome: Telle Whitney, CEO, Anita Borg Institute
Intent for the day: Colin Bodell, Vice President, Amazon.com

Executive Workshop and facilitated discussion: Technical Executives leading organizational change

Sabina Nawaz, Executive coach and organizational development consultant

12:30-1:30 pm Technical Executive Lunch
1:45-2:45 pm Technical Executive Plenary Panel: Collaborative Leadership in Driving Innovation

Moderator: Rebecca Norlander, Executive in Residence, Illuminate Ventures

Panelists:

3:00-4:00 pm Participate in Grace Hopper Celebration sessions
Suggested sessions:

  • Enlisting male advocates in the workplace
  • Elevating the role of women: Insights from women who hold board positions in high-technology
4:15-5:30 pm Executive working session (optional) – towards an Executive Workbook for the recruitment, retention, and advancement of technical women
Led by Colin Bodell, Vice President, Amazon.com
5:45-6:45 pm Private Reception
7:00 pm Grace Hopper Celebration Awards Ceremony
Speaker: Carol Bartz, CEO, Yahoo!
Followed by dancing

2010 Technical Executive Forum Organizing Committee

Leah Jamieson, John A. Edwardson Dean of Engineering, and Ramsburg Distinguished Professor, Purdue University

Colin Bodell, VP, Website Platform, Amazon.com

Rebecca Parsons, Chief Technology Officer, Thoughtworks

Gabby Silberman, SVP and Head, CA Labs, CA Technologies

Telle Whitney, CEO and President, Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology

Caroline Simard, VP Research & Executive Programs, Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology

Confirmed Technical Executive Plenary Speakers, Grace Hopper Celebration

Moderator: Rebecca Norlander, Executive in Residence, Illuminate Ventures

Amy Alving, Chief Technology Officer, SAIC

Kelli Crane, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Thomson Reuters

Kalpana Margabandhu, Director, WebSphere Development, IBM India Software Lab

Romea Smith, Senior Vice President, Support, CA Technologies

The 2010 Technical Executive Forum is generously sponsored by:

Intel

This event is by invitation only. If you would like to be considered for an invitation, please send your name, title, and a short bio to Caroline Simard at carolines@anitaborg.org