Meet Bri Crow of Women’s Technology Coalition

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bri Crow.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Currently, I am an Account Executive with Zyston, an Information Security Advisory firm, who I’ve been with since day 1 when we launched in May of 2016. I got involved with women in tech initiatives in 2012 when I was early in my career as a recruiter in technical staffing and looking to learn more about technology. I volunteered to be a helping hand for Tracey Nolte who was, at the time, the Network Director of WITI Dallas and the Design Practice & Global Community Lead at Slalom Consulting.

Flash forward to 2015 and we were still working together but I stepped into the Network Director role. I put together quarterly events of panels, presentations, and networking centered around technology trends and career growth. Flash forward to 2017 when I called Tracey to share my big vision for Women’s Technology Coalition and we joined forces yet again, along with a strong leadership team of 4 other powerhouses (and friends of mine), to make it happen.

I am deeply passionate about enabling women to pursue their biggest ideas and career goals and we do that by harnessing the full potential of not only technology but the individual expertise each member brings to the community. We had a fantastic Premiere Launch event with about 50 folks, both men, and women, which was sponsored by our leadership team, where we introduced the mission and experience we want professionals to join us in building together.

For us, it was a pretty magical night. And all because of the simple things. The energy was electric and the conversations were just so lively. For the amount of time we spend grinding and working towards big dreams – motivation comes from inspiration so… I want to be close to sources of inspiration. That is what Women’s Tech Co. is for me, a fun and endless blank slate for inspiration to do big new things.

Has it been a smooth road?
So far, so smooth. I say that while simultaneously acknowledging several changes we’ve adjusted to but I relate our process for standing up WTC as a nonprofit to the Agile methodology of software development – we’re crowd-sourcing ideas, iterating and pivoting to address feedback and unexpected issues in real time.

The only struggles to share at this point would be those associated with… having never launched a non-profit before we’re in a reactive state, although on the road to being operationally proactive though. Carving out the time to share our mission more deeply with those who can sponsor and financially enable our ideas to come to life is also a key priority we’re working to tackle.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Women’s Technology Coalition is a registered nonprofit, fueled by a strong leadership team and growing advisory board.

Made up of individuals and Coalition Partners, WTC’s mission is to support and activate women in their careers as well as further prove the theory – collaboration breeds innovation. As a Coalition, I think it’s important to not only excel in our own areas of expertise but to also respect the importance of a united conversation.

We are proud to work with some seriously amazing Coalition Partners to include: Project UX, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, PMI Fort Worth, Sharks in Heels, Women Advancing Technology Together (WATT), Technology Ball, Bold Idea, North Texas Blockchain Alliance, Cyber Law Consortium and EWF International.

Novice or veteran – the ideas of both are equally valid with us. Today, being “women in tech” is not reserved to the IT department and engineering, although fundamental to what we want to accomplish, the broader the technical knowledge of every woman (and man)… the more we can use it as a springboard to accelerated success. Continued digital transformation leaves no business unit untouched by technology so adaptability and curiosity will be invaluable.

The backgrounds of the women who have helped to build WTC speak to our mission. From advertising to finance, UX/design, sales, product management, quality assurance, branding, and talent acquisition — understanding technology is increasingly at the core of their work.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely, I am a converted Austinite who loves what Dallas has to offer. I moved from Austin to Dallas in 2011 and it’s been so good to me. Shout out to the Dallas Regional Chambers “Say Yes to Dallas!” campaign – there’s absolutely merit to it. There’s a hub for everyone I think, it all depends on your interests but you’ll no doubt be able to find an area in the metroplex that fits what, and who, you’re looking for.

I’m passionate about the Dallas startup community (Fort Worth is great too I just can’t say I spend enough time there to speak to it!). There is a lot of activity and beyond initial introductions – the first question you will undoubtedly be asked is “How can I help with what you’re working on?”. I live, and have experienced in Dallas, the motto of ‘give to get’.

We have a robust business economy – with active (and successful) startups, healthy SMB market and too many enterprise corporations with HQ’s here…. it’s stable and offers vast career opportunities for all of the college graduates we pump out every year.

As far as improvements… I’ll frame it as an idea since I’m not sure about the statistics surrounding this just more from personal experience — we need better, or more, internship and entry-level opportunities to keep these recent grads from then moving to Silicon Valley, New York etc.

Pricing:

• The 1-year membership will be $100 and include an elevated experience of access, opportunities, and merch.
• We have corporate engagement opportunities such as 1 Annual Spotlight Sponsor as well as quarterly event sponsorship levels ranging from $500 to $2,000.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.womenstechco.com
• Phone: (469) 324-9295
• Email: team@womenstechco.com

Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.