Friday, April 21, 2023
Janine Savarese, founder and CEO of NextTech Communications, led discussions with panelists Amanda Pietrocola, president and CEO of Momentum Technology; Jenna Gaudio, co-president at Vydia; and Jasmine Ward, vice president, strategy and operations for TechUnited NJ.
In opening remarks, Savarese recalled Bell Works' prominent role in U.S. history, as "the best-funded lab of all time," that produced eight Nobel prize winners and helped win World War II. Today, the enormous building offers a variety of workplace options, she added, including headquarters for Fortune 500 companies and event space for private and public gatherings.
While acknowledging improvements in workplace parity, Savarese noted women continue to face barriers. "Over 50 percent of women have reported discrimination and inequality," she said. "In addition, only 9 percent of women-led startups have attracted venture capital investment and 26.7 percent currently hold tech-related jobs."
Panelists reflected on their career journeys, sharing advice on how to overcome self-doubt and challenges while striving to close tech-sector gender gaps and identify growth opportunities. Emerging technologies are creating a safer, greener world, they noted, by protecting privacy and driving security best practices. In addition, they commended New Jersey's tech community for providing resources, funding and a generally supportive network of like-minded innovators.
Pietrocola shared that most female CEOs have achieved success through talent and skill sets rather than gender. "I'm here because I worked hard, and I'm great at the work that I do," she said, adding that young professionals should think of being underestimated as a Superpower. "Treat your area of responsibility as if you own it and handle it with care," she said. "We promote people who pay attention to detail."
Ward agreed, stating she would like to see more inclusive job descriptions, as many firms frequently use AI to pick up key words and perpetuate deeply held biases. "We need to leverage data to build a more diverse world," she said.
Gaudio encouraged aspiring female technologists to show up authentically, be adaptable and speak up when necessary, stating, "How will they know what you are thinking if you don't tell them?"
Savarese described NextTech Communications as a women-led, integrated communications agency owned by The Bliss Group and part of The Next Practices Group. The company works with a range of companies, she added, from startups to enterprise brands and looks forward to continuing collaborations with TechUnited, a non-profit membership organization.
Savarese went on to say that Forbes called TechUnited's annual Propelify Innovation Festival, the "South by Southwest of the Northeast." The festival has attracted more than 40,000 attendees over the years, she said. Arianna Huffington, Gary Vaynerchuk, Al Roker, Beth Comstock, Bobbi Brown, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Tim Draper have spoken at the conference.
Organizers of the New Jersey Women in Technology Forum thanked speakers and attendees for making their inaugural event a success. For information on future events, visit NextTech Communications on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/nexttech-communications/ 
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