Neighborhood Nonprofit Spotlight: Megan Bigelow, PDX Women in Tech

Patch talks to Megan Bigelow about her experiences in the nonprofit world of technology.

Patch: Tell us about you! A brief bio about yourself and some background on your organization.

Megan: I am a connector and tech community leader, having co-founded Portland Women in Tech (PDXWIT) and continues to serve as its President. In this role, I've created a platform to connect tech women to companies, mentors and practical skills. PDXWIT is 2000 strong and includes the support of 30+ tech companies. Above all, I have a commitment to building community to solve issues. For my day job, I am a manager of Customer Support at Jama Software.

Patch: When did you open/launch?

Megan: January 2012

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Patch: How does the work that your organization does strengthen the community?

Megan: We are a community-based organization with the purpose of strengthening the Portland women in tech community through educational programs, partnerships and events that provide information, connections, resources, opportunities, and a supportive environment for current and potential women in tech, all of whom are committed to helping each other. Our goal is to bring together and empower current women in tech and encourage others to pursue tech careers to help reduce gender imbalance in the industry and address the current negative effects of that imbalance on women.

Patch: What do you like best about it?

Megan: What I like best is the impact we are having on the community. Due to the brilliant work of our community, we are hearing stories of women joining tech and furthering their tech careers on a regular basis. Many women also credit our work for changing their lives.

Patch: What do you see for the future?

Megan: The PDXWIT future is very bright. I expect to see our Mentorship Program become the largest and most impactful mentorship network in Portland. Additionally, I believe our Job Board will soon be considered the primary resource for connecting women with tech companies/technical careers.