The Women in Technology conference is not just about inspiring other women – it’s about shaping the future of technology, the new innovations happening in the Denver community, and the women who are leading the way. When I heard about this conference, I was excited – excited to join a group of trailblazing women, learn new ways to innovate, and embody the Aerie mission of technological transformations.
From taking my first step into the conference until my final goodbye, the Colorado Technology Association did a great job of creating a collaborative and welcoming space. Tables were created for cross-industry networking opportunities, breaks involved refreshments and connection making, and the western theme tied it all together to bring home the Colorado spirit.
The Colorado spirit was personified further by the first fireside chat with Amy Persons (President, Colorado State University) moderated by Simone Ross (CEO, Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce). The session began with the CSU fight song, kicking us off with spirit & passion. Parson highlighted CSU’s dedication to developing future tech leaders through its Microsoft division, where students gain hands-on experience solving real-world problems. This practical training helps students enhance their resumes and secure jobs at Microsoft or partners like Aerie.
Building a stronger Denver-tech workforce is not only dependent on hiring outside your company, but it can also come from within. Bijal Shah (CEO, Guild) talked with Suma Nallapati (CEO, City & County of Denver) about creating opportunities within companies and investing in training programs to go alongside those opportunities. Shah emphasized the importance of investing heavily in 3 specific areas: people, technology and community. She urged companies to remember that while AI & technology evolution is important, it is humanity that fills the gaps where technology stops.
Humanity within technology was a strong point of the final speaker, Melissa Akie Wiley (Deputy Town Manager, Erie Colorado & Owner, Forget the Fairytale LLC). She emphasized the importance of storytelling – how technology can help create that story but it’s the humans behind the story that create connections and make the difference.
While I know technology will always be apart of our society and will constantly be evolving to create something “better”, I believe the biggest takeaway I got from this conference was the importance of humanity within technology. Most companies within the Microsoft Industry can create a custom power app solution, just like Aerie.
What makes Aerie different is the people. People who are passionate about solving complex problems, excited about their clients professional and personal wins, eager to become more integrated in their community. And I believe that is the case for any great business – while evolving with technology is important in this “evolve or die” world, it is the humans behind the technology that make it impactful.
The Women in Technology conference reminded me that innovation without humanity is incomplete. My challenge to you – as a reader, as a leader, as a follow person-in-tech – is to seek ways to invest in people as much as you do in technology. Together, we can build not just better solutions, but stronger communities.
