When it comes to diversity in the tech industry, there's no doubt there is still a long way to go. However, at this year's SXSW conference, the topic of women in Tech was front and center. There were many meaningful conversations about making the industry more inclusive and welcoming for women and people of color.

One of my key takeaways from the conference was that female founders want to work with more female engineers. Women founders can often feel isolated and disconnected from their colleagues; having more women on their teams would help them feel more supported and understood when growing their business. However, the number of women working in the tech industry still needs to grow, which makes it challenging to achieve this goal. To address this issue, companies need to create more opportunities for women to enter and succeed in technology-focused roles and prioritize hiring females into engineering teams. Fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among women within organizations is key to keeping them engaged in the workforce vs. throwing their hands up in the air and choosing to leave technology altogether. 

While it's essential for women to support each other, men also have an important role in creating a more inclusive tech industry. By actively promoting gender diversity in hiring, supporting and mentoring women, and helping to develop a culture of inclusivity, men can help create a more welcoming environment for everyone. Another way men can help support women in tech is by choosing to change the way they relate to their female colleagues. This includes making room for their differences and celebrating them, even if it feels uncomfortable.  

Overall, SXSW was a powerful reminder that much work still needs to be done to create a more inclusive tech industry. Creating spaces for women to connect, share their experiences, and support each other is critical for progressing toward a more inclusive and supportive experience at work. By showing empathy, compassion, and a willingness to listen and learn, we can create a more welcoming and supportive environment for everyone in tech, regardless of their gender or background.