Health Care Leader Dr. Melanie Patton to Provide Keynote Address
MESA, Ariz -- Nov. 13, 2023 – Now in its fifth year, the Girls Get IT conference takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Nov. 17, 2023, at Scottsdale Community College, with a goal of introducing high school girls from across the Valley to the many career possibilities in the field of Information Technology (IT). Dr. Melanie Patton, Associate Chief Medical Officer for HonorHealth, is the keynote speaker.
Through interactive workshops, led by community college instructors, attendees will learn about emerging technologies and the full range of educational programs and in-demand professional opportunities available in IT, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, web application design, object-oriented software development and more.
For example, participants will learn how to use open broadcaster software (OBS) as a production tool to record/stream live events, use pre-built 3D models to do basic animation using Blender 3D, and spot the difference between artificial intelligence and deep fakes.
In addition to an estimated 200 high school participants this year, more than 50 professional women, including software engineers, web designers, program developers and data analysts, to name a few, will be on hand providing insight, through their own lived experiences and encouragement to those considering a path in IT. The IT professionals will also engage in community-building conversations to further strengthen the talent pipeline for women in the field long-term.
Current sponsors for the event are Salt River Project, Microchip Technology, Nationwide, Center for the Future of Arizona, Infosys, and the Mesa Chamber of Commerce.
“There are so many exciting career possibilities available in IT today and this will only increase,” said Diane M. Meza, director of MITI-EV. “Girls Get IT helps showcase the many evolving areas of study and the professional women thriving in information technology careers today. Our goal is to encourage female high school students to pursue the next steps in their educational journey.”
Everyone is welcome to participate. For more information and for sponsorship opportunities, please visit scottsdalecc.edu/community/girls-get-it.
Girls Get IT is produced by MITI-EV (Maricopa IT Institute-East Valley), a collaboration among Mesa Community College, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Rio Salado College and Scottsdale Community College. The Institute provides career readiness for the IT sector, including courses to up-skill workers. MITI meets the emerging technological workforce’s demand for talent in areas of app development using Swift/Xcode, big data, cloud computing, mobile and wearable technology, and the Internet of Things.
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Media contacts:
SCC-Eric Sells, eric.sells@scottsdalecc.edu, 480-425-6637 or 480-266-5601
MCC-Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 25,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations through a combination of modalities. MCC is transforming how it champions student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution with nearly 50% of its students being the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges; its American Indian Institute serves students from the 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes as well as out-of-state tribes. The diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.
Scottsdale Community College is student centered with a focus on active, engaged and intellectually rigorous learning. The College is known for high quality, accessible educational opportunities and innovative teaching, learning and support services. SCC serves about 10,000 students a year, offering more than 100 degrees and 60 certificates of completion in diverse occupational areas. At only $97 per credit hour, SCC is one of the most affordable colleges in Maricopa County, and the average class size is only 16 students. SCC is located on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the traditional lands of the O'odham and Piipaash peoples. For more information, phone 480-423-6700 or visit www.scottsdalecc.edu.
Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Mesa Community College, Rio Salado College and Scottsdale Community College are individually accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) -- hlcommission.org.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.