Global consulting firm Protiviti has agreed to be a formal sponsor for Girls Who Code. Girls Who Code is a nonprofit organization that seeks to close the gender gap in technology and change the image of what a programmer looks like and does. Protiviti is extending its existing regional partnerships with Girls Who Code to help empower young women across the U.S. that want to pursue technology careers.
Protiviti’s employee network group GET IT (Gender Equality in Technology and IT), one of several employee network groups that have grown out of the firm’s global diversity, equity and inclusion initiative, aims to help address the unique challenges under-represented people face when pursuing careers in technology and strives to create greater gender diversity in the field. Kim Bozzella, global leader of Protiviti’s Technology Consulting practice and one of Consulting magazine’s 2021 ‘Women Leaders in Technology. Said:
“Girls Who Code is an excellent fit for Protiviti as we share a mutual goal of advancing young women in their technology careers. We’re pleased to be able to extend our support of Girls Who Code, while looking forward to the time when our joint efforts to close the gender gap in this field are no longer necessary.”
Protiviti Chicago’s GET IT group hosted the non-profit’s local Summer Immersion Program for junior and senior high school girls. It included a consulting exercise designed to introduce participants to a career in technology consulting. Susan Haseley, executive vice president, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Protiviti, said:
“We’re excited to help ensure students continue to have access to educational resources and to support the next generation of women entering the technology field. As our technology consulting practice continues to grow, we recognize the value of bringing diverse perspectives to our clients to help them solve their most pressing technology challenges.”
Protiviti technology consultants from its San Francisco and Dallas GET IT groups have also volunteered their time and skills with local Girls Who Code Immersion Programs to teach students the basics of web design, design thinking and a range of current software languages. The new national sponsorship will bring more opportunities for Protiviti technology consultants to support similar efforts in cities across the United States.