[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8757]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO ITWOMEN GROUP OF TAMPA AND GIRLS INC OF PINELLAS AFTER 
                       SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID W. JOLLY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 14, 2016

  Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a non-profit 
organization striving to make a difference in the technology and 
engineering fields for girls and women. The ITWomen Group of Tampa 
looks to provide all of the necessary support for females who want to 
pursue a career in technology.
  The national organization was started in 2002 by senior level women 
from several technology companies. Their goal was to provide 
professional development, support, education, and scholarships to girls 
and women looking to break into technology and engineering fields. By 
working with non-profits, universities, various sponsors and 
organizations, they are successfully closing the gender gap in a field 
generally dominated by men.
  The ITWomen of Tampa Bay is a new branch and is increasing their 
influence in Pinellas County and by partnering with Girls Incorporated 
of Pinellas After School Enrichment Program. The Girls Incorporated of 
Pinellas works to make sure our sisters, daughters, friends, family, 
and neighbors will become the leaders of tomorrow by providing them 
with programs that promote female empowerment. Their combined goal is 
to inspire girls in our community to confidently strive towards a 
career in technology.
  Mackenzie Baird, a high school sophomore from our community who is 
hoping to pursue a career in technology, works with ITWomen of Tampa 
Bay and the Girls Incorporated of Pinellas After School Enrichment 
Program. In her free time, she helps mentor and educate younger 
elementary school girls about computer programming as well as the role 
of women in the technology sector. She is an exceptional young woman 
and I wish her luck in her future endeavors.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge and thank the ITWomen of 
Tampa and Girls Incorporated of Pinellas After School Enrichment 
Program for working hard to achieve equity in fields of engineering and 
technology. Their spirit and passion inspires our community, and ask 
that this body join me in thanking them for their efforts.

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