In the ever-changing world of tech where progress thrives on diversity, addressing the gender gap is essential. Jessica, a fourth-year BCIS student and co-founder of CybHER - a dynamic women in tech networking group, embodies this spirit of empowerment and change. Jessica shared her transformative journey highlighting the impact of programs like connectFirst Social Entrepreneurs in shaping her vision and impact with CybHER.
Jessica's introduction to the world of tech and entrepreneurship was marked by a passion for community and opportunity. CybHER emerged as a response to the glaring gender gap in the tech industry, providing a platform for women to connect, learn, and thrive.
As Jessica shared her experience with connectFirst Social Entrepreneurs, the parallels with CybHER's mission became evident. Through a series of sessions with community-engaged speakers from companies including Momentum, BeLocal, and Local Investing YYC, she honed her skills in leveraging economic tools for social good.
“The speakers helped me find a sense of direction and helped the community that I was a part of. They showed me ways to think outside the box. It was inspiring to bring innovation and have fun with the process at the same time.”
The connectFirst journey not only fortified Jessica's resolve but also opened doors to collaboration and innovation. "connectFirst Social Entrepreneurs really opened my eyes to new possibilities," Jessica reflects. "I wanted to support women in tech, but I didn't know where to start." The program provided her with a fresh perspective, introducing her to the concept of social enterprise and sparking ideas she hadn't considered before. She reflected, highlighting the program's role in fostering a diverse ecosystem of ideas and perspectives.
Jessica's story serves as a testament to the transformative potential of programs like connectFirst Social Entrepreneurs. Through connectFirst, Jessica realized that social enterprise offers a flexible approach to achieving her goals. "You can still have aspects of a corporation or be a nonprofit," she explains. "It's about finding ways to be self-sustaining while making a meaningful impact."
In a world brimming with challenges, Jessica's journey offers a beacon of hope—a reminder that together, we can catalyze change and build a future defined by inclusivity, innovation, and empowerment.
About CybHER
CybHER’s mission is to connect, support and inspire the hardworking, creative, and ambitious women interested in computing and tech attending Mount Royal University.
About the Program
The connectFirst Social Entrepreneurs program is a work-integrated learning experience that applies changemaking to tackle 21st century challenges.
Thank You
The Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Institute for Community Prosperity extends a warm thanks to connectFirst Credit Union for their support, which fuels our mission to nurture student-driven social change. Your partnership propels our efforts, empowering students to innovate and create impactful solutions. Together, we're shaping a future where innovation meets purpose. Thank you for believing in our vision and the potential of our students.