Black Women in Technology was created as a Meetup group in late 2014. New to LosAngeles and a self described tech enthusiast, she attended technology events around the city. Much to her surprise she noticed most of the events were not well attended by Black Women. She asked several women of color why and found one nagging reason – they didn’t know the event was taking place. Lori began to post technology and technology-related events held in Los Angeles and surrounding areas to BWiT’s Meetup page. The postings allowed members the support of knowing someone else, like them, would be attending. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive and encouraging. In October 2018, BWiT launched its first inaugural NW Summit in Seattle. The successful event was held on Microsoft’s campus and hosted over 300 women of all backgrounds on topics ranging from blockchain to self-care. The summit solidified Lori and BWiT’s mission to meet the need of such an incredible community.
Lori Pressley-Mitchell, BS, RRT has worked in technology since 1996. Self-taught to function as a system analyst in 1996 while a Respiratory Therapist, she eventually returned to school to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems from Pennsylvania State University (2002). She enjoys her 3 grandchildren and is currently the Director of IT Applications for a behavioral health company.