Providence Journal staff report

March 10, 2007

More than 280 students, 40 teachers, 20 high schools and 35 business women participated at Roger Williams University yesterday in the 7th annual GRRL Tech, an interactive technology expo designed for sophomore and junior high-school girls. The conference matched local high-school girls with Roger Williams faculty members and female professionals for workshops and presentations that promote science and technology education and technical careers.

GRRL Tech is organized by Tech Collective, a nonprofit association that fosters a prosperous and competitive environment for the Rhode Island technology industries. Roger Williams is cosponsoring the event with the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Raytheon Co.’s Integrated Defense Systems unit, Atrion Networking Corp., Cisco Systems, Inc. and Cote & D’Ambrosio.

“The historical high point of women’s interest in computing careers was in 1982, a fact that seems incomprehensible in this age of high technology,” said Roger Williams president Roy J. Nirschel, in a statement.

“GRRL Tech endeavors to ensure that girls have an equal opportunity to learn about careers in technology from a positive vantage point as well as raise the awareness of teachers in implementing gender equity in education.”

The girls attended workshops on topics such as computer information systems, computer forensics, computer simulation/animation, engineering, finance, theatre, marine biology, biotechnology, environmental engineering and architecture. In addition to the workshops, Lee Silvestre, vice president of mission innovation at Raytheon, was scheduled to deliver a keynote address and a panel of professional women was to share its insight and experiences as successful women in technical careers. Panel participants included women from Cisco, Raytheon, Roger Williams, the Department of Labor and Training, the Providence Water Supply Board and Gilbane Building Co.