In 2013, against the backdrop of a male-dominated tech landscape, Jennifer Wadalla, a passionate advocate for gender equality, founded Kansas City Women in Tech (KCWiT). Her vision was to create a supportive ecosystem that would empower women to thrive in the technology industry.
Under Jennifer’s visionary leadership, KCWiT quickly became a driving force, challenging the status quo and breaking down barriers that had long hindered women’s progress in tech. The organization offered a wide range of programs, from coding workshops and mentorship initiatives to networking events and professional development opportunities.
The impact of KCWiT’s efforts was profound. The organization’s initiatives not only helped individual women advance their careers but also transformed the cultural landscape of the tech industry in Kansas City. As more women found success and visibility, the tide began to turn, and the region’s tech ecosystem became increasingly inclusive and representative.
Expanding Opportunities: The Rise of Kansas City Connect in Tech
In 2023, Beth Noser, Paneula Leung, and Liz Wait created a new organization, Kansas City Connect in Tech, to fill a gap for adults wanting to enter the tech space. The purpose of this organization is to provide free coding bootcamps for adults who have historically been marginalized and faced barriers to entry.
Kansas City Connect in Tech is committed to creating a tech library where its diverse programming will live. The organization aims to offer classes to learn software development, 3D printing, robotics, circuits, and more, empowering individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to gain the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the tech industry.
While KCWiT continues its work in empowering women, Kansas City Connect in Tech is dedicated to expanding access and opportunity for a broader range of individuals. By offering free training, resources, and hands-on learning experiences, the organization is determined to create pathways for those who have traditionally been excluded from the tech sector.
The two organizations, working in tandem, are transforming the tech landscape in Kansas City. KCWiT’s focus on empowering women and Kansas City Connect in Tech’s mission to provide accessible education and training are together driving a more diverse, inclusive, and innovative future for the region’s technology ecosystem.
