Kia ora
This month, we’re celebrating the many ways our community creates momentum: opening pathways for the next generation through ShadowTech26, creating space for honest conversations about wellbeing, supporting women to lead with confidence, and championing inclusive, human-centred technology.
ShadowTech26 reaches its final day today, having brought more than 1,500 girls from over 90 schools into tech workplaces across Aotearoa. Through hands-on experiences and conversations with role models, students have discovered the breadth of opportunity our sector offers — and seen that there is a place for them in its future.
For those already building careers in tech, our Mentoring Circles continue to create trusted spaces for connection, reflection and growth. In my new blog, It Starts With You: Self-Leadership and the Quiet Power of a Circle, I explore why self-leadership matters and how the right circle of support can help us navigate the present, our next step and our longer-term potential. Read the blog.
We also invite you to join Rage, Rise, Radiate: Menopause Unfiltered on 25 August — a practical and empowering conversation for women, colleagues and allies. The recording of our Mid-Winter Webinar is now available, offering practical reflections on resilience, leadership and navigating change.
Finally, read our Executive Director Yvonne Gill’s reflections from the APEC Tech for Good Workshop in Shenzhen, exploring why inclusive technology requires deliberate action.
Thank you for being part of this community and helping create more pathways into tech.
Ngā mihi nui,
Jyothi Madanlal
Tech Women Executive Team
Programme Updates
ShadowTech26
ShadowTech26 wraps up today, following an inspiring programme connecting more than 1,500 girls across Aotearoa with technology workplaces, role models and real-world career pathways. Across nine locations, students have explored the creativity, problem-solving and opportunity that a tech career can offer.
With more than 90 schools and 65 host organisations involved, ShadowTech is helping the next generation see what is possible — and building a more diverse tech future for us all.
A huge thank you to every student who took part, the schools that supported them, our generous sponsors, and the host organisations and volunteers who made ShadowTech26 possible. Your commitment is helping create stronger, more inclusive pathways into technology for young women across Aotearoa.
Check out our LinkedIn page for ShadowTech26 highlights.
Event Highlights
Mid-Winter Webinar
A big thank you to everyone who joined us for the Tech Women Mid-Winter Webinar last month. This year’s kōrero centred on resilience — what it looks like for women in tech and STEM, at work and in life.
Our Executive Team shared honest reflections and practical advice on navigating change, backing yourself, finding allies and adapting while staying grounded in what matters. Key themes included leading from kindness rather than fear, valuing age diversity, using technology and data as tools for reflection and communication, and bringing solutions alongside the problems we identify.
Most importantly, the conversation reinforced the power of community: your experience, perspective and voice matter, and trusted allies can make a real difference.
Missed it, or keen to revisit the kōrero? Watch the recording here.
Upcoming Events
Rage, Rise, Radiate: Menopause Unfiltered | Tuesday 25 August
Join us on 25 August for ‘Rage, Rise, Radiate: Menopause Unfiltered’, a frank, informative and empowering hybrid conversation about menopause at work and in life. Open to women, colleagues and allies, the session will explore practical ways to better understand and support this important transition. Register here.
Read full news here: Celebrating ShadowTech26 and building resilience together | August Newsletter