Erie Meyer and Aminatou Sow: Providing Women in Tech an Open Venue

Erie Meyer and Aminatou Sow became tired of the refrain about women’s relative absence in the technology industry in comparison with their male counterparts. As an answer, the duo co-founded Tech LadyMafia, a Listserv and membership group exclusively for women in technology.

The site provides its members with the open venue to brag about their accomplishments, exchange tips on wide range of subjects, and brainstorm on projects, all with the underlying goal of providing that, indeed, women in tech do exist.

Today, it has more than 750 members from various parts of the world from California to China; it started with just 40 members. Its two women co-founders are also active in the technology industry – Sow is the digital engagement director of IAVA, an organization that provides support for veterans; and Meyer is a senior advisor to the Chief Technology Officer at the White House.

Interested women can choose from a series of mailing lists on the Tech LadyMafia website as well as apply for membership. When you become a bonafide member, you will instantly gain access to a network of women in the technology industry who can become your source of inspiration, contacts, and resources as well as your possible mentors, confidantes, and event planners. Think of Tech LadyMafia as the more sophisticated version of LinkedIn albeit for a specific cohort.

The brag Listserv feature not only encourages women to brag about their notable accomplishments but also provides inspiration for others about their own capabilities. According to Sow, women who read about the accomplishments of their fellow women in technology are more confident about their own abilities.

The job board is yet another useful feature since it provides women with the opportunity to expand their personal and professional networks. Members can tell other women about job opportunities, desired connections, and other networking possibilities. Even men have been used to log on to the site to look for suitable women employees through the job board.