Women of Chicago are Changing the Tech Gender Rules

Call them Trailblazers, Mavericks, Groundbreakers –a strong and unstoppable female force that’s shifting the gender demographics of Chicago’s Tech and Start-up industries. This “movement” isn’t a social media, viral phenomenon, but a slow ground-swelling that continues to strengthen with time that will eventually correct the imbalance of power. As a female led company, CultureFit takes an immense pride in being a part of this Chicago led evolution. But the attribution to what’s made Chicago a leader across the US belongs to a combination of female led networks and mentorship programs, leadership conferences, and institutional investors dedicated to advancing and empowering women to breakdown any old barriers.

CultureFit had an opportunity to interview two women who are leading two uniquely different, but vital organizations, based in the Chicago area:

DyMynd Angels – Carolyn Leonard, CEO & Co- Founder. Launched in January 2018 at the Mercantile Exchange. DyMynd Angels is Chicago’s first angel investment fund established to empower female investors to get involved in the entrepreneurial space and disrupt the way in which female entrepreneurs access capital.

Chicago Innovation, Women’s Mentoring Co-Op (WMC) – Allison Dillon, Program Manager. She leads the first Chicago Innovation program designed specifically to connect successful Chicago innovators with women who have a demonstrated interest in innovation and want to grow their businesses and careers in the Chicago region through the support of a mentor.