Ellora Israni, she++: Big Data in Biomedicine Conference | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

XI Plus Plus is a nonprofit working to increase the number of women in computing fields due to the importance of diverse teams and the high demand for computing jobs.

Key Insights

• ➕ XI Plus Plus is a nonprofit founded to increase the representation of women in computing fields.
• 🥺 Diverse teams lead to better products, making gender diversity crucial in the tech industry.
• ✋ The high demand for computing jobs makes it essential to encourage more women to pursue careers in technology.
• 🥹 Increased media attention on sexism in Silicon Valley pushes for change and holds companies accountable for diversity statistics.
• 💁 Subtle forms of sexism, such as unconscious bias, are challenging to address but need to be recognized and changed.
• 👩‍💻 The media attention on sexism in the tech industry is likely to encourage more women to pursue careers in technology.
• 🧡 Popular media, like the show Silicon Valley, highlights both the need for change and the wide-ranging impact of technology.

Transcript

Laura thanks so much for joining me today thank you can you totally blew a little bit about your company XI plus plus XI plus plus is a nonprofit that I founded while I was undergrad at Stanford co-founded and we basically work to increase the number of women in computing fields and so the idea for it came from the fact that my co-founder and I bot... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What is XI Plus Plus and its mission?

XI Plus Plus is a nonprofit founded to increase the number of women in computing fields. It aims to encourage young girls and women to pursue careers in technology through various programs and initiatives.

Q: Why is it important to have women in computing fields?

Having women in computing fields is crucial because diverse teams build better products. With technology shaping various industries, it's essential to have different perspectives and input from people of all backgrounds.

Q: How many job openings are there in computing compared to the number of graduates?

There are three times as many job openings as graduates in computing fields. By 2020, it is estimated that only 30% of computing jobs in the US will be filled, highlighting the high demand for professionals in the industry.

Q: What is Laura's take on the recent discussion about sexism in Silicon Valley?

Laura believes that the increased visibility of sexism in Silicon Valley is a positive development. It holds companies accountable for their diversity statistics and encourages them to make necessary changes. Overall, it brings attention to the issue and pushes for progress.

Q: Have you personally experienced any kind of sexism in your career?

Laura mentions that she has experienced more subtle forms of sexism, such as being interrupted in meetings or assumptions about her role in a room. These instances are examples of unconscious bias, which is challenging to change because it requires making people aware of their behavior.

Q: Will the media attention on sexism in the tech industry discourage women from pursuing careers in technology?

Laura believes that the media attention will actually encourage more women to join the field. Shows like Silicon Valley highlight the need for change and demonstrate the impact of technology in various sectors, attracting individuals who may not initially see themselves as software engineers.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• XI Plus Plus is a nonprofit founded by Laura, aiming to increase the representation of women in computing fields.

• The organization encourages young girls and women to pursue careers in technology through various initiatives.

• Gender diversity is crucial in the tech industry due to the need for diverse perspectives and the abundance of job opportunities.