#movethedial Global Summit aims to rally biz leaders

#movethedial, a movement dedicated to advancing the participation and leadership of women in technology, is hosting the first annual #movethedial Global Summit in Toronto on November 7, 2018. With support from TD Bank Group as the title sponsor, the event aims to inspire powerful action to advance women to leadership roles in the global technology community and encourage young girls to pursue careers in STEM.

“To achieve our vision, we need to move the dial on gender in the tech market at a much faster pace, and encourage businesses and individuals to take immediate action to advance women in STEM,” says Jodi Kovitz, founder and CEO of #movethedial.

The summit will aim to bring together corporate leaders and youth, while inspiring and empowering them to unlock this country’s potential as the most inclusive technology ecosystem in the world, according to Kovitz.

A moral and economic imperative

“This is both a moral and economic imperative, and more important than ever since machines are now learning from the minds that are designing them. As the first event of its kind taking place in Canada, it provides a tremendous opportunity for leaders to unite with a singular focus on advancing women in tech, today and in the future, and model our country’s strength of diversity and set a strong example for the rest of the world.”

Held at Toronto’s Koerner Hall at the TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning, the summit will bring together 600 decision makers from corporate Canada and the brightest minds in the country’s tech ecosystem, alongside 300 emerging talent and youth across all genders, aged 14-24, from underserved markets – enabling attendees to learn, connect, and grow together.

Gather senior executives and emerging leaders

The morning sessions will gather senior executives and emerging leaders focused on technology and driving innovation. They will share concrete strategies, tools, and best practices to attract, support, and retain women in tech and other areas of diversity and inclusion. The afternoon sessions will feature stories from female leaders (and those of other genders that support them) with the goal of encouraging all in attendance to “be what they can see.” Summit organizers have partnered with TKS, Toronto’s leading high-school innovation program, and Plan International Canada to ensure an effective and engaging youth experience.

“At our core, both Plan International Canada and #movethedial are working toward the same thing: a world where everyone has the right to realize their fullest potential,” said Caroline Riseboro, President and CEO of Plan International Canada. “When we are able to engage girls and young women in emerging economic sectors like STEM, there are fewer entrenched gender norms. This new economy presents an opportunity to level the playing field and drive leadership opportunities for women, both locally and globally.

For more information on the conference, visit: https://movethedial.com/