Released by MentorNet on February 20, 2008
(San Jose, CA) - A recent grant from Texas Instruments is helping
MentorNet, The E-Mentoring Network for Diversity in Engineering and
Science, to launch a new project — a web portal for “Latinas in
Computing.” The portal provides direct access for Latinas studying or
employed in computing sciences and engineering to participate in
mentoring and networking, including opportunities for undergraduate and
graduate students, postdocs, and early career faculty at organizations
partnering with MentorNet to engage in one-on-one mentoring
relationships with professionals in their fields.
A Latinas in Computing group was formed in 2006 as a result of a
gathering at the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing
sponsored by the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology, another
MentorNet partnering organization. The group’s purpose is to promote
leadership and professional development among current and future
generations of Latinas. One of the challenges identified was the lack
of Latina mentors within the technical community. Patty Lopez, Imaging
Scientist at Hewlett-Packard, said, “I had the opportunity to chat with
Carol Muller, CEO of MentorNet, with whom I shared this challenge. Carol
suggested that we develop a web portal for MentorNet to cultivate
mentors and proteges within the Latinas in Computing community. Thanks
to a prompt offer of support from Texas Instruments, MentorNet was able
to complete this project very quickly!”
Arturo Sanchez, manager of workforce development at Texas Instruments,
added, “We are delighted to support the Latinas in Computing web portal.
It is an enhancement of our partnership relationship with MentorNet, and
reaches out to an important community. At Texas Instruments, we believe
a diverse workforce provides a competitive advantage. The web portal is
one more way we can reach, and encourage, diverse new talent. We invite
other corporate leaders to join us in this effort, and others like it.”
Lopez adds, “The Latinas in Computing group believes that the MentorNet
site will be a much needed resource for Latinas, so that we can explore
the myths and misconceptions that people have about Latinas and those
that we have about ourselves. We can understand where glass ceilings
exist and why, and how to break through them or work around them. Only
then can we change the mix, increase our representation and impact, and
make the promise of a diverse workforce a reality.”
“As a result of the web of partnering organizations interested in
advancing excellence and diversity in engineering and science fields
through mentoring, we’re very pleased to be developing this new portal.
It extends MentorNet as a gateway among diverse populations of engineers
and scientists, as well as providing a way for industry leaders to
connect with future employees. MentorNet’s has a 10-year track record
of retaining women and others underrepresented in engineering, science
and related fields through e-mentoring programs and related best
practices. As we step into MentorNet’s second decade, the Latinas in
Computing web portal is one more way we can ensure we have the talent
for tomorrow,” concludes Carol B. Muller, Founder and CEO of MentorNet.
The portal is available on the web at: www.mentornet.net/lic/
About MentorNet - www.MentorNet.net
Founded in 1997 and headquartered in San Jose, California, MentorNet is
a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization working to further the progress of
women and others underrepresented in scientific and technical fields
through the use of a dynamic, technology-supported mentoring network.
MentorNet aims to advance individuals and society and enhance
engineering and related sciences by promoting a diversified, expanded,
and talented global workforce. In partnership with colleges and
universities, corporations, government labs and agencies, and
professional societies, MentorNet is international in scope, serving
students and professionals from all over the world. MentorNet was
recognized in 2001 with the (U.S.) Presidential Award for Excellence in
Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. Major funding is
provided by the National Science Foundation, IBM, Texas Instruments,
Cisco Systems, Hewlett Packard, Intel Foundation, AT&T, 3M Foundation,
Alcoa Foundation, and S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation.
About Texas Instruments - www.ti.com
Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) helps customers solve problems and develop
new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener
and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through
manufacturing, design and sales operations in more than 25 countries.
Contact:
Terri Forman
Director of Partnerships, MentorNet
408.296.4405
info@mentornet.net