WIT WISE (Women in Software Engineering)
Welcome to our WIT WISE Community
We are honored to partner with Red Hat to bring you The WIT Network Women in Software Engineering (WIT WISE) community, a dynamic initiative empowering women to explore, excel, and redefine possibilities in software engineering. By shining a spotlight on the diverse roles within the field, we aim to inspire established and aspiring engineers to discover their passion and shape impactful careers. Through dynamic webinars and workshops, personalized mentorship, hands-on coaching, and technical training, our dedicated leadership team and volunteers provide the tools and confidence needed to succeed. Together, we’re not just supporting individual growth—we’re driving meaningful change and innovation across the industry. Join us in building a stronger, more inclusive future for software engineering.
"Community is at the core of who we are at Red Hat, and I am proud to see Red Hatters lending their expertise to The WIT Network to create the Women in Software Engineering community. This is a strong example of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in action, and I am grateful to all our volunteers."
- Matt Hicks, President & CEO, Red Hat
WIT WISE Programming
WIT WISE programming offers a comprehensive approach to career development for women in software engineering, addressing the unique challenges they face in the industry while creating an inclusive, supportive community for learning and growth. Covering a diverse range of topics, we aim to cultivate both technical expertise and essential soft skills, empowering women to navigate and overcome barriers and embrace opportunities. From mastering the intricacies of coding and problem-solving to building communication, teamwork, and leadership capabilities, our sessions are tailored to support balanced development and career success. By offering a welcoming, collaborative space where women can connect, share experiences, and uplift one another, we provide the tools and confidence needed to thrive in a dynamic and often demanding field. Together, we are shaping a stronger, more equitable future for women in software engineering.
Find WIT WISE programs on our What's Happening Page.
Workshops and Webinars
WIT WISE Webinars and Workshops are thoughtfully designed to equip women in software engineering with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need ot thrive. These interactive sessions offer participants a chance to dive into cutting-edge technical topics and explore bst practices in coding. Our programs also address vital areas like communication strategies, teamwork dynamics, and personal and leadership development.
Our exclusive Coding Coaches program offers a unique opportunity to be mentored by accomplished women who have navigated the software engineering career path. Whether you're an experienced software engineer, just starting out, or interested in joining this fantastic industry, this forum is for you.
Visit this page for blogs, resources, and other information that will help you in your Software Engineering career.
Our WIT WISE Leadership Team
Guided by the inspiring leadership of Hilliary Lipsig, this dedicated and passionate team is committed to supporting and empowering this vibrant community of software engineers.
"At the beginning of my career I spent many a weekend attending the San Fernando Valley Linux Users Group in Los Angeles. The passion for technology, the mentorship, and the technical presentations there contributed to my career and myself as an individual. As I work on creating this community, I look to emulate what was done there on a global scale. With my leadership team and volunteers within Red Hat and The WIT Network, I am very excited to lead a community that serves engineers, both current and aspiring, to help them learn new things, reach their goals, and have a place to call home."
- Hilliary Lipsig, Senior Principal Site Reliability Engineer, Red Hat
Join the WIT WISE Team!
Be a WIT WISE Speaker/Mentor
Are you a passionate and experienced software engineer looking to inspire and empower the next generation of women in tech? We invite you to join our dynamic team as a mentor, featured speaker, or panelist.
As a leader in software engineering, your insights and experiences are invaluable. By sharing your journey, challenges, and successes, you can help shape the future of women in technology. Whether you specialize in coding, project management, AI, cybersecurity, or any other area within software engineering, your voice can make a difference.
Why Join Us?
- Inspire and Empower: Motivate aspiring women engineers by sharing your story and expertise.
- Network and Collaborate: Connect with other industry leaders and expand your professional network.
- Make an Impact: Contribute to a supportive community that encourages growth and innovation.
If you're ready to make a meaningful impact and be part of a supportive community, we would love to have you on board. Join us in our mission to elevate women in software engineering! Click below to begin the journey.
Learning Resources
WIT WISE: A Community to Support Women in Software Engineering
The WIT Network and global champion partner Red Hat have launched WIT WISE (Women in Software Engineering), a community to support established and aspiring software engineers who identify as women.
Hilliary Lipsig, principal site reliability engineer and team lead at Red Hat, conceptualized this community to raise awareness about the vast spectrum of software engineering positions available that women may not have considered. This community also helps women develop the skills and confidence they need to get into the roles they feel passionate about, ultimately strengthening and changing the industry.
WIT WISE: Thinking of a career in software engineering? Maybe you should be
Why should more women consider entering the software engineering field? Apart from the fact that we need more diverse perspectives in this field, the answer is simple: there’s increasing demand and it pays well.
- There are 26.9 million software developers worldwide, a number that is expected to grow to 27.7 million in 2023 and 28.7 million in 2024[i]
- The projected growth of jobs in this field from 2020 to 2030 is 22%, much faster than the average for all occupations (this translates into approximately 189,200 job openings each year)[ii]
- Software engineers are paid a median salary of $110,140 per year,[iii] with an average starting salary of $65,000[iv]
Also, it’s fun, dynamic, and flexible. There are so many facets under the software engineering umbrella that you can find your happy place, and so many paths can lead to becoming a software engineer.
We asked three women working in the field to share what they do, why they love it, and how they got there.
Draw in diversity by changing the interview process and coding test – here’s how
The biggest impediment to attracting and hiring female software engineers (and other diverse candidates) is the interview process and coding test. Change this process, and you’ll start to change the industry. We offer ways to make the process better based on women’s experiences inside the industry.
"Throughout my career, I have gained an immense amount of insight, information, and empowerment from knowing and networking with other women within Software Engineering. This partnership and community being established with Women in IT and Women in Software Engineering enables women at all points of their career, including myself, to expand their horizons. I am very excited!"
- Tracy Rankin - Vice President, OpenShift Engineering, Red Hat