Vincennes University hosts the Women IN Tech Week Symposium & Showcase at VU’s Aviation Technology Center in Indianapolis on Sept. 17, 2025.
Provided photo
INDIANAPOLIS – Vincennes University hosted its second annual Women IN Tech Week Symposium and Showcase on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the VU Aviation Technology Center, shared in a recent VU press release.
The theme was of “Tech for All: Innovate Together,” and the event emphasized the idea that “technology’s full potential is only unlocked when a wide range of perspectives, skills, and backgrounds contribute to its creation and application.”
The press release said that tech leaders from throughout the state shared personal stories of overcoming challenges and succeeding in a traditionally male-dominated industry, connecting with more than 80 students to “inspire confidence and a sense of shared identity among those in attendance.”
The event included hands-on activities for the students, such as “Digital Detective: Cracking the Code,” where students were able to discover the unique problem-solving skills and creativity that are needed in the tech industry.
“Women IN Tech Week demonstrates the power of creating a space where students sharpen their skills and discover that they truly belong in technology,” Interim Provost Jaci Lee Lederman said in the press release. “The stories, challenges, and successes shared by our speakers and leaders give students real role models to look up to. Vincennes University is committed to breaking barriers and building a tech community that welcomes and empowers everyone.”
Vincennes University hosts the Women IN Tech Week Symposium & Showcase at VU’s Aviation Technology Center in Indianapolis on Sept. 17, 2025.
Provided photo
Keynote speaker Tiffany Trusty, Director of Digital Product Management at Eli Lilly and Company, shared her inspiring story with the students, where for nearly three decades, her experience in public safety and healthcare software led her on the journey from a programmer to a technology leader.
“Her commitment to championing inclusion is apparent through her work with organizations like Women & Hi Tech and the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT),” the press release read.
The event also featured VU female tech leaders who serve as mentors and role models, including Lederman, who leads digital transformations and is a dedicated supporter of Code.org.
The press release reported that other university female leaders participating in the event included: Kenlee Rumer, Charlene Meeks, Christy Butler, Kim Wright and Karlie Pummel. These women engaged with students in interactive sessions and table talks, sharing details of their personal journeys and professional persistence.
Also available during the event were sessions fostering an inclusive environment where students could see themselves reflected in diverse tech roles, from AI programming, which was led by Tauni Daub, to cybersecurity, led by Jay Williams and Zach Setser.
VU’s Women IN Tech Week is part of the broader effort to ”expand access to STEM education and build a more diverse workforce. “By connecting with local and national initiatives and creating a supportive, hands-on environment, VU is actively working to bridge the gender gap in technology and empower the next generation of female innovators.”
