Cambia-sponsored event with PDXWIT promotes mentorship for women in tech

March 28, 2023

Main image: Attendees listening to a presenter at PDXWIT event.

Cambia Health Solutions' Data & Technology team recently sponsored an event hosted by PDXWIT, an organization that empowers tech professionals in the Portland area and beyond by offering community and skill-building events, mentorship, scholarships and access to job opportunities. Specifically, PDXWIT is focused on advancing inclusion in the tech industry and believes that centering the most marginalized in the community is the first step in shaping a better tech future for all.

The Cambia-sponsored event was called "Become a Tech Mentor!". Cambia employees were encouraged to attend to learn if mentoring is a good fit for them. The event was a success. We asked a few Cambia employees to reflect on their experience at the PDXWIT event.

Here are reflections from event attendees:

Gloria Coleman, POPM, SSM, PMP, Technical Program Manager II:
"Tech continues to be a difficult field to navigate workplace culture for women identifying as BIPOC. PDXWIT is a lifeline for connecting to a mentor that relates to the struggle to give you strength to move forward and boost courage as a reminder that you have equal rights to be a part of the technology industry, we just need to rewrite the code."

Lily Frey, Enterprise Risk Management Consultant:
"I found it inspiring; I love the tone that PDXWIT sets in helping participants feel like they belong and can set their own course in an industry that often feels exclusionary. I loved hearing how the speakers have sought mentors on their journeys and the ways they have helped their mentees grow. I was struck by the variety of ways there are to support others on their career journeys and inspired to keep engaging with mentorship initiatives at Cambia."

Brooke Galloway, UX Researcher:
"The event was a wonderful way to learn about ways to pay it forward and mentor others. It inspired people, including myself, to become a mentor with PDXWIT. 'Be a lamp, be a lifeboat, be a ladder,' a Rumi quote shared by Beth Shiffman, set the course for the PDXWIT mentor event at Cambia."

Kelly Goodwin, Lead Enterprise Analyst:
"I felt proud to be part of Cambia, warmly welcoming the invitees to our beautiful meeting space and getting to meet some friendly fellow Cambia colleagues I might not normally have had the chance to work with. PDXWIT is a great resource for women in technology. I'm so thankful our company welcomes and honors the value of our diversity."

Janet Peterson, DrPH, RDN, FACSM, Medical Policy Research Analyst:
"Listening to tales of mentorship allowed me to reflect on my own career journey. As a relatively new Cambia employee, I was inspired to seek mentorship from within the company and from external sources. I enjoyed meeting internal folks and those from beyond Cambia."