HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2020-4668

HR 4668

ByRepresentatives Slatter, Ryu, Callan, Thai, Dufault, and Ramel

WHEREAS, Women in Cloud celebrates female entrepreneurs in the tech industry as a source of inspiration and support that connects and empowers women throughout Washington and beyond; and

WHEREAS, Washington is home to many thriving tech companies; and

WHEREAS, Women in Cloud cultivates partnerships with innovative companies, leaders, and governments to advance the success of women in tech; and

WHEREAS, Women in Cloud strives to change industry narratives by creating economic access for women in the cloud economy; and

WHEREAS, The underrepresentation of women in tech leadership not only harms technological development, societal and economic growth, but is also unacceptable in the 21st century; and

WHEREAS, Only ten percent of leadership positions in the tech industry are held by women and more than half of U.S. tech start-ups lack female representation on their boards; and

WHEREAS, Fifty-six percent of women in tech fields leave their positions midcareer, double the turnover rate for men; and

WHEREAS, Female mentorship in tech fosters valuable skills in communication, leadership, adaptation, and networking; and

WHEREAS, Inclusivity and representation empower young women and girls to pursue careers in tech; and

WHEREAS, Women in Cloud connects female entrepreneurs with leaders in business, tech, and politics to further opportunities for growth and mentorship; and

WHEREAS, Women in Cloud is partnering with global leaders and women entrepreneurs with an aim to create one billion dollars in economic access in the public and private sector by 2030; and

WHEREAS, Women in Cloud will expand their accelerator programs in 2020 to reach eight additional countries including India and Canada; and

WHEREAS, The 2021 Women in Cloud Summit will be an international event dedicated to uplifting women in tech across North America, India, Africa, and Europe;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives recognize the achievements of the Women in Cloud Initiative to foster opportunities for emerging women entrepreneurs and leaders in the tech field around the world.