PRESS RELEASE – February 1st, 2021

• Three Manitoba tech nonprofits are working together as the MBWiTech Executive Committee to build and guide its future.
• MBWiTech’s goal is to retain, encourage, and inspire women in tech.
• Virtual Meetups draw over 100 registered attendees monthly, and (free) membership have seen an increase of 20% month over month.

Winnipeg, MB – Tech Manitoba, New Media Manitoba, and North Forge Technology Exchange have come together to form a new strategic Executive Council to guide the future of MBWiTech.

MBWiTech will work in unison with Manitoba’s technology industry to bring industry-related speakers, valuable insights, and inspiration to a judgement-free and gender-inclusive environment. This virtual meetup group will support and retain women in their careers and improve the local tech industry’s overall health.

Through research with Tech Manitoba’s Gender Parity Scorecard, funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada, they identified a need in the community for a networking group that brought together women from varied technology career paths.

Margaux Miller, Program Director at Tech Manitoba, says, “Our evaluations showed that there is a desire to feel part of a larger tech community, as many women working in tech are the minority in their departments or companies. As one of Tech Manitoba’s pillars is focused on gender parity, we spoke to our members and community at large, and found a demand for a group focused on bringing together women across the entire province no matter their technical expertise or experience level. One that is free and meets at the same time month over month, making it as easy as possible to join.”

“Our virtual meetup participants have expressly asked for more support and encouragement from peers, companies, and community leaders to elevate the female perspective in tech,” shares Juliet Greenberg, Membership and Community Manager at New Media Manitoba. “These sentiments have been amplified this past year by our inability to meet in person and our desire for human connection. Through this Executive Committee partnership, New Media Manitoba proudly extends our commitment to increase diversity in the Interactive Digital Media industry and bring solidarity to Manitoba’s Women in Tech. This collaboration is a testament to our shared dedication.”

“One of the things that make Manitoba unique is that we are willing to work together towards a shared vision. We recognize the value of collaboration. Our three organizations can share resources and talent to increase community awareness about women in tech. We understand that diversity generates innovation and that women in tech in our province need more resources. Together we can make a greater impact” says Joelle Foster, CEO of North Forge Technology Exchange

In a few short months, MBWiTech has 400+ members, 50+ tech industry volunteers, over registered 100 attendees per event, and a 94% Meetup event rating.

Gathering on the third Wednesday of every month from 5pm to 7pm CST, this free networking event will utilize Remo, a web-platform that allows groups to sit at virtual tables, view presentations, and mingle as you would during an in-person event. To find out how you can join MBWiTech, visit https://www.meetup.com/Manitoba-Women-In-Tech/.

About Tech Manitoba
Tech Manitoba represents the province’s growing tech sector. They are an industry-led association that helps companies thrive and grow through collaboration, education and promotion. Tech Manitoba brings people together to share skills, explore ideas and build a strong community. Through programming, events, and building connections at a local, national and international level, they aim to stimulate economic growth in Manitoba, be the trusted voice of Manitoba’s tech sector and foster a culture where members thrive and grow.

About New Media Manitoba
New Media Manitoba is Sector Council lead and non-profit association dedicated to serving Manitoba’s Interactive Digital Media (IDM) industry. Our goal is to support the growth of the industry and inspire the workforce of tomorrow with best-in-class and industry-led training, and by creating IDM industry awareness through collaboration with K12 through to post-secondary. We support our membership with dedicated business development and market access programs, emerging talent and employment diversity programs, industry networking events and government advocacy.

About North Forge Technology Exchange
North Forge Technology Exchange is a hybrid incubator/accelerator and the innovation partner for the Province of Manitoba. We fuel Manitoba’s innovation economy, providing founders with award-winning mentors, rockstar subject matter experts and a new four-stage Founders Program. We have helped over 60 companies access over 180 million dollars in financing and created hundreds of jobs. Armed with Canada’s largest nonprofit fabrication lab, we operate out of 27,000 square feet across Innovation Drive and Innovation Alley in Winnipeg, Canada.

Tech Manitoba Media Contact
Margaux Miller
Program Director
431-557-6644
mmiller@techmantioba.ca
www.techmanitoba.ca

New Media Manitoba Media Contact
Juliet Greenberg
Membership and Community Manager
204-298-7613
juliet@newmediamanitoba.com
www.newmediamanitoba.com

North Forge Technology Exchange Media Contact
Joelle Foster
CEO, North Forge Technology Exchange
204-390-6144
jfoster@northforge.ca
www.northforge.ca