ChiWitCon Returns October 3, 2024
By: Renu Pugazhendhi, Engineering Manager II
The Chicago Women in Tech Conference (ChiWitCon) is coming back on October 3, 2024, and this year it will be hosted at the old Post Office with the theme “Fearlessly Forward.” You can find this year’s speaker line up and purchase tickets on the ChiWitCon website.
My name is Renu Pugazhendhi, and I was the chair of last year’s conference. I started my journey in fintech as an intern in product management. As my experience grew, so did my desire for leadership and involvement with women in technology. Now, as an Engineering Manager with a deep-seated passion for empowering women in the tech industry, I had the incredible honor of chairing last year’s Conference.
As we approach the 2024 conference, I wanted to share my experiences, insights and key takeaways from this inspiring and successful conference and what you can gain from attending.
Empowering Women in Tech
ChiWitCon is more than a conference – it’s a movement, a collective effort to empower and uplift women in the tech world. As someone who has witnessed the challenges women often face in this industry, I can’t emphasize the importance of platforms like ChiWitCon enough. This event provides a space for women to learn, connect and gain the confidence needed to break through barriers that have held them back.
Our 2023 sessions featured speakers covering various topics within two overarching themes: Leadership Skills and Career Development. We hosted a panel that discussed Women in Tech and Business, focused on breaking barriers and paving the way for future leaders. Additionally, we heard from Jeanne Szromba as she spoke about sex discrimination and the role of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in enforcing anti-discrimination laws. You can find last year’s full speaker lineup and topics here.
The Power of Community
One of the most impactful aspects of ChiWitCon is the sense of community. Women from all walks of tech life share their stories, challenges and triumphs. The value of the conference is more than networking; it’s about creating a strong support system of mentors, friends and allies who will support you on your journey. Building a sense of belonging remains a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth.
Breaking Barriers
We wanted last year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers,” to resonate with everyone who attended. The theme was a call to action and a reminder that we must challenge the status quo and shatter obstacles that limit women’s progress in tech. To lay that groundwork, we explored topics like imposter syndrome, the gender pay gap and the importance of diversity in technology. Breakout sessions, panel discussions and keynote speeches highlighted these barriers and provided tools and strategies to break through them.
Reflecting on the nine months of organizing this conference with a fantastic group of volunteers, I realize how impactful leading ChiWitCon was in fostering a sense of community at Enova. As a new team member at Enova and needing to learn more about the community and this conference, people came together to make this a successful event. This camaraderie shows how powerful the Enova culture is. My favorite part was connecting with colleagues I might never have crossed paths with otherwise.
ChiWitCon isn’t merely a conference; it’s a catalyst for meaningful conversations and a nurturing ground for a deeper sense of belonging. ChiWitCon’23 was an enlightening and empowering experience. I’m happy we continue to Break Barriers together! Stay tuned for more information regarding the 2024 conference, and I look forward to seeing you there!