AI Leadership & Workforce Innovation: Empowering 200,000+ Technology Professionals Worldwide

From Women in Technology International  to Workforce Innovation, Trust, and Influence

WITI has been advocating and recognizing women's contributions in workforce and innovation, globally, since 1989 — instilling diversity, equity and inclusiveness — to business, expertise and leadership. Visit our archives to learn more.

Today, WITI continues to evolve and adapt with business, technology and innovation — powered by human capital, relationships and community.

• 2023
  Workforce Innovation, Trust and Influence
  After 34 years of Women in Technology International, WITI merges with Criterion Research to become Workforce Innovation, Trust and Influence.
  
  

  
  
  Glass Ceiling Research 2.0
  
  First commissioned in 1996 by the Presidential Glass Ceiling Commission - updated research and report in partnership with Intel.
• 2021
  WITI In Progress
  Adapting and building online programs borne out of the 2020 global pandemic, expanding 90% IRL content to virtual.
  
  WITI begins work updating 1996 Glass Ceiling Report, prompted by WITI's 2nd virtual summit, which featured Rene Redwood speaking on current inequity lawsuits involving big companies.
• 2020
  COVID-19 Global Pandemic
  Global recession and impact on industries including travel and live events, WITI's core service.
  
  

  
  
  WITI 1st Virtual Summit
  
  WITI hosts the 26th annual summit for the first time virtually — attended by 10k+ virtual attendees, with 200+ hours of content and 100+ speaker and coaches.
• 2007
  WITI + CES (Consumer Technology Association)
  WITI establishes partnership with CES, the world's largest tech event, elevating Women in Technology International's exposure to the global tech industry.
• 2004
  WITI Enters Media and Publication
  WITI partnered with CMP Media (now Informa), delivering industry news to 100k+ women in tech, as well as to annual industry events including Interop, Comdex, and CeBIT.
• 2000
  WITI Conference and Partnerships Go International
  Silicon Valley Technology Summit participation from 60+ companies and attendees from 18 countries.
• 1998
  WITI Networks Established
  In 1998, in-person WITI networks were created, serving local chapters and communities specializing in interest, skills and industries.
• 1996
  Women in Technology Hall of Fame
  Established to recognize, honor, and promote the outstanding contributions women make to the scientific and technological communities that improve and evolve our society.
• 1995
  First Summit: Women in Technology International
  Projected participation of hundreds turned into thousands. The events was recognized by the tech industry and economic leaders.
  
  

  
  
  Glass Ceiling Report 1.0
  
  WITI commissioned by Presidential Glass Ceiling Commission.
• 1989
  Founding of Women In Technology International
  Grassroots movement turned professional conference, advocating and recognizing women's contributions in innovations and the workforce, globally — instilling diversity, equity and inclusiveness — as well as expertise and leadership.
• 1986
  Founding of Criterion Research Inc.
  Executive search in aerospace, tech and VC employing strategic and creative search strategies to deliver leadership, technologists and key roles.
  
  Client include HP Labs, Hughes Aircraft, TRW (Experian), Borland (Micro Focus), TransMeta, Oracle, Kleiner Perkins

Back to top

No One Stands Alone

WITI strives to create genuinely welcoming environments where each person is treated with equal support and respect, regardless of title, age, gender, or ethnic background. WITI's policy at every WITI event is that no person stands alone; i.e., it is each person's responsibility to welcome a solitary individual into the group; no cliques are tolerated at WITI events.

Non-Discrimination Policy

WITI - Workforce Innovation, Trust and Influence - does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

Collaboration Instead Of Competition

WITI is about collaboration, not competition. In competition, someone wins and someone loses. At WITI, we collaborate to help each other win.

Integrity Central

At WITI, integrity is central to all of our actions and interactions. We respect, acknowledge, and protect each other's ideas, intellectual property, and confidential information.

Acknowledgement And Recognition

WITI members are committed to:

• Celebrating and recognizing each other's accomplishments
• Empowering ourselves and recognizing our own worth
• Acknowledging the ideas and contributions of the women around us
• Helping everyone who crosses our path grow, thrive and succeed

Empowerment

Women become fully empowered when we make a conscious decision to accept full responsibility for our decisions and our actions. At WITI meetings we utilize our time, intelligence, and talent to support each other in identifying options, finding solutions, and taking action.

Confidentiality And Trust

WITI members often work in challenging environments where they cannot speak freely without risk of losing their job. Every WITI woman must honor each other's confidentiality so that we continue to be a safe haven for sharing challenges and solutions.

Honoring Past Generations with a Commitment To Future Generations Of Women

WITI members are committed to honoring the women who came before us who contributed to our present and consciously work towards creating a better legacy for the next generation of women.

Listening For Value

WITI members are receptive to change. We know that no one person has all the answers. Even when there is a success, the WITI Woman knows that there are many situational approaches, and many challenges ahead. WITI members appreciate others' ideas, problems, and solutions without judgment.

Taking Responsibility

WITI members constantly strive to improve and contribute to each other's relationships. Rather than blaming others, we understand that each of us is responsible for making WITI better and utilizing our networks to expand and build our relationships.

Risk Taking

WITI members understand that we are plowing new ground; to make things better risks must be taken. WITI members are willing to take risks to improve and positively contribute to our global society.

Using Technology

WITI members are committed to responsibly using our knowledge of technology to make a positive contribution to our global society.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are grateful for and embrace each other's uniqueness because we know our differences will contribute to the highest version of ourselves, and our journey towards consciousness, expansiveness, self awareness and mindfulness.

Personal Commitment

WITI members encourage and support every person in realizing their fullest potential. Commitment to Excellence; Commitment to respect each other.

Business Solicitation

WITI members respect other people's space. While discussing possible solutions in a respectful way is acceptable, high pressure sales tactics is strictly forbidden.

Back to top

How can we help? We'd love to hear from you. Don't hesitate to connect with us with your thoughts and questions.

• President
  David Leighton
• Chief Technology Officer
  Daniel Leighton
• Advisor
  Dr. Aditi Banjeree
• Networks Global Director
  Marianne Kirkland
• Director of Special Projects
  Richard Brenner
• Marketing and Strategy Consultant
  Susan Scheer Aoki
• Principal Product Designer
  Lynne-Anne Aleine
• Engineering
  Richard Hogge
• Partner Advocate
  Samantha Gareci-Yee
• Partner Advocate
  Mike Sly
• Customer Service
  Patricia Olivas

Back to top