Girl Geeks event opens up technology to women

Sep 3 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

SOFTWARE giant Microsoft will be among the organisations represented at a major event in the region aimed at making the world of science and technology more accessible to women.

Next week, women from a range of creative and technological sectors will gather in Newcastle for the chance to network as well as discussing various topics such as entrepreneurialism, creativity and computing.

The Girl Geeks event will be hosted by former Tyne Tees presenter Kim Inglis, while keynote speakers will include Di Gates, creative director of bgroup creative agency, who will discuss her experiences as a female business leader.

Meanwhile, Microsoft’s venture capital and emerging business lead Bindi Karia will make a rare visit to the region to discuss her experiences working at the UK arm of one of the world’s biggest brands.

Also in attendance will be Margaret Fay, chairman of regional development agency One North East and Karen Marshall, head of education, skills and community engagement at Newcastle Science City.

There will also be a national media presence at the event with Computer Weekly journalist Rebecca Thomson, Telegraph.co.uk and TechCrunch journalist Basheera Khan and Leila Makki who will be filming the event for Telecom TV.