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Thursday 9th February 2012

Friday 7th May 2010 - Update from Maggie Berry, Managing Director, womenintechnology.co.uk

2010 is continuing apace and we can't really believe it's May already. This is a jam-packed update from womenintechnology - there are lots of events to go along to, research to get involved with, student initiatives to consider supporting, awards to enter (lets get some female technologists on the winner's podium), travel bursaries to take advantage of and calls to support charity events such as Cycle Nepal for Computer Aid - you might also like to consider becoming a STEM Ambassador and encourage the next generation of technology professionals. You can also see our upcoming training courses, our schedule of webinars as well as employment law breakfast briefings and details for our next event "Accelerating Your Career Through Coaching." We hope you find this email useful and please get in touch with the relevant contacts directly if you have any queries - thanks so much!


  1. Worshipful Company of Information Technologists - Journeyman Information Evening, Tuesday 18th May 2010

  2. Powerful Women International - Breakthrough Summit, Thursday 13th to Monday 17th May 2010, Paris

  3. Software Influentials Event – You and Udi Dahan @ Onalytica, Thursday 20th May 2010

  4. Android Course offer for womenintechnology members - Thursday 20th and Friday 21st May 2010

  5. Microsoft Career Webcasts - Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th May 2010

  6. Regus Business Boost Network Event, Tuesday 25th May at 4.30pm, London

  7. Cambridge AWiSE Career Development for Women in STEM - Friday 18th June 2010, 9.30am to 5pm

  8. "I Can" Conference, Cardiff - Wednesday 23rd June 2010

  9. 13th Annual W.I.N. Global Leadership Conference, Wednesday 6th to Friday 8th October 2010, Paris

  10. Become a STEM Ambassador - inspire young people in science, technology, engineering and maths

  11. Sussex Internship Programme - 174 paid internships for the region’s unemployed graduates

  12. Technical internships in the South East for 2008 and 2009 graduates and postgraduates

  13. Would you be interested in taking on an undergraduate student for a placement year?

  14. 2010 Google Global Community Scholarship for the Grace Hopper Conference

  15. 'Lipstick Leadership' Research

  16. Survey: Interpersonal Conflict In the Workplace

  17. Do you work in an 'eco' job?

  18. University of Bath Department of Computer Science Industrial Advisory Board - looking for new members

  19. IET Awards and Scholarships

  20. The UK IT Industry Awards 2010 are now open for entries!

  21. Female Mentors Needed for Entrepreneurs

  22. Volunteer Management Consultants Needed in Malawi for Short Term Contracts

  23. Cycle Nepal and raise money for Computer Aid International

  24. UKRC Travel Bursaries

  25. Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowships

  26. Do you work in IT in the retail sector? everywoman Retail Awards - deadline for entry Monday 31st May 2010



1 - Worshipful Company of Information Technologists - Journeyman Information Evening, Tuesday 18th May 2010
The Worshipful Company of Information Technologists (WCIT) is a City of London livery company formed in 1992 to represent the IT industry. They operate a 'Journeyman' scheme which assists potential leading IT practitioners to develop their career after their initial education and training and to enhance their case to be considered as suitable to join the company as a Freeman. The usual period of the “journey” is three years during which time the Journeyman is guided by a Journey Mentor. The role of the Journey Mentor, a member of WCIT, is to provide support and guidance to the Journeyman both on developing their professionalism and on wider aspects of participating in the IT community and WCIT. At the end of the Journey, the Mentor makes recommendations to the company as to the Journeyman’s suitability for membership. Thanks to the generosity of Fujitsu, Journeymen are eligible to enter for the John Pinkerton Award each year. This award, of several thousand pounds, is to help fund the winning Journeyman through a particular education programme or project which will add to their development as a leading IT practitioner.

Journeymen are qualified IT professionals, typically aged between the ages of 23 and 35, who are capable of (and interested in) taking responsibility for their own careers. WCIT would love to have more female Journeymen on the scheme and would like to invite interested womenintechnology members to an information evening on Tuesday 18th May 2010. The evening will be an opportunity for potential Journeymen to meet mentors, current and past Journeymen, the committee and other members of WCIT in order to understand the benefits they will gain and the commitment they will be required to make. The event is free and is taking place at the WCIT Hall, 39a Bartholomew Close, London, EC1A 7JN at 5.30pm. If you would like to attend, please contact kerri.mansfield@creationartisan.com


2 - Powerful Women International - Breakthrough Summit, Thursday 13th to Monday 17th May 2010, Paris
Powerful Women International's Breakthrough Summit is dedicated to women having breakthroughs in their careers, businesses and relationships. PWI's goal is that every women prospers and achieves her dreams and goals far beyond expectancy. Their events inspire women worldwide with incredibly talented speakers, professional coaches, experts and workshops. This event is for companies who want to support and promote women to be all they can be, to foster their creativity, skills and entrepreneurship and for women employees, entrepreneurs, small business owners and management professionals who are looking to take their careers to the next level and make powerful connections.

Registration includes: inspirational speakers who will inspire you to move to the next level with ease; powerful workshop with individual coaching on breakthroughs, removing fear and doubt, letting go of what holds you back and overcoming obstacles; participation in extensive networking to build lasting relationships, meeting women who are impacting the world and empowering women worldwide; opportunities to obtain support to expand your projects, sell/market your products and services and create a roadmap for your 'journey to success'; Friday reception with refreshments and beverages, speakers and musical performance, Saturday programme, lunch and display tables and global annual membership of Powerful Women International.

We have negotiated a discount ticket fee for womenintechnology members of $375 (with the additional option to bring a friend for $225). This is for the conference only. You just have to register as a member and then select our group on the online registration form. More information can be found here  or from Linda Hough - hough.linda@gmail.com


3 - Software Influentials Event – You and Udi Dahan @ Onalytica, Thursday 20th May 2010
Do you want an opportunity to learn from a master of technology, common sense and plain talk? Do you want to ask questions you may have been afraid to ask before? Or maybe you are just curious, and want to engage with these ideas and gain new insights?  If so, this event is for you: world renowned solutions architect and thought leader Udi Dahan joins Onalytica for the evening of 20th May 2010 to kick-off their Software Influentials Series.

Udi Dahan’s reputation in the broad software development community is exemplary. He is well known within the Microsoft ecosystem and also beyond its boundaries as a world class software architect and thought leader in distributed systems design specialising in service-oriented, scalable and secure systems design. At this event you’ll get a chance to meet and chat face to face with the man himself. Udi will present a personal perspective on problems and pitfalls in distributed systems design and development and share some pretty simple practices to overcome them.

If you would like to attend this event, please complete the registration form here. Please note that tickets are limited for this event and registration will close on Monday 10th May. Attendees will be selected at random and will be informed by Thursday 13th May if they have been successful. The event will be at the Onalytica offices on the 29th floor of Centre Point overlooking the centre of London.


4 - Android Course offer for womenintechnology members - Thursday 20th and Friday 21st May 2010
Telesense is running a "first teach" version of its new two day course "MA1: Deploying, Managing and Supporting Google Android". The course is designed for companies that are interested in introducing Android to their organisation. It covers the current mobile operating system market, the architecture of Android, operating system security and how the open-source code of the operating system can be modified and redistributed.

As Telesense would love to see more women on this course they are offering places on this first-run of the course to womenintechnology members for £350 + VAT (the normal price is £1,195 + VAT) for the two day course. Please go to www.telesense.co.uk for more information and if you have any queries, please contact Ewan Benfield - ewan@telesense.co.uk


5 - Microsoft Career Webcasts - Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th May 2010
Meet up to 12 different women from Microsoft Services and learn how they are helping their customers succeed. Microsoft are holding a series of webcasts to accommodate four different time zones on the three roles: Consultant, Technical Account Manager and Premier Field Engineer. They hope you will join the one that works best for you - the EMEA webcast is on Tuesday 25th May.

Who should attend - they are looking for women with great technical experience who have a passion for working with customers.  While the event is open to anyone interested in considering roles at Microsoft, their focus on the above three roles is targeted to those individuals with strong technical expertise, 3-5 years in the technology industry, a Computer Science/Engineering degree or equivalent experience. You must have a proven record of delivering business value to customers preferably on the Microsoft platform, technologies, and products. REGISTER TODAY for the webcast which best fits your region and time zone.


6 - Regus Business Boost Network Event, Tuesday 25th May at 4.30pm, London
Regus would like to invite womenintechnology members to join them for a business networking event at their business centre in Broadgate Tower, London. They will be giving away Regus businessworld gold global membership for one month (worth £35) to everyone who attends the event which will provide unlimited access to drop-in business lounges and cafés plus complimentary internet access and refreshments at over 1,000 Regus locations worldwide.

Agenda:
4.30 – 5.00pm 
Welcome Reception with Drinks & Canapés
5.00 – 6.30pm Business Workshops & Seminars. A variety of business issues will be addressed
  by the guest speakers and partners including:
  * An introduction to the local business community
  * Business Reviews & Consultations
  * Tax, HR & Accountancy Tips
  * PR, Marketing & Communications
6.30 – 7.00pm Networking
To register for this event, please got to: www.regus.co.uk/eventlondon


7 - Cambridge AWiSE Career Development for Women in STEM - Friday 18th June 2010, 9.30am to 5pm
Fitting career development specifically into our busy lives is a challenge. That’s why Cambridge AWiSE have got together experts for one day of high intensity training and networking to help you make the most of your career or take it to the next level. Vitally, all profits from the day go to help CamAWiSE continue to operate. Speakers and presenters include Dr. Suzanne Doyle-Morris - Moving Beyond the Boys Club, Michelle Brailsford - Jupiter Consulting, Kate Atkin - author of The Confident Manager, Carol Collins, International Federation Image Consultants and Elizabeth Kuhnke, author of Body Language for Dummies.

Early Bird price £199, before 16th May, £222 for womenintechnology members after that date. There is half price registration for unemployed women. Approach your HR representative or manager to see if they will support this incredible training opportunity. If not, invest in your own future. Bursaries may be available to those at risk of redundancy. More information can be found here.


8 - "I Can" Conference, Cardiff - Wednesday 23rd June 2010
The inaugural Welsh Women Mean Business (WWMB) “I Can Conference” is taking place in Cardiff in June. The mission of the WWMB conference is to inspire, empower and educate women to be architects of change in their own lives and in the lives of others. The WWMB conference is designed to be the largest and most dynamic gathering of women in Wales. This annual conference will unite female business leaders, visionaries and young entrepreneurs to share enriching stories of transformation and success, self-empowerment and life lessons.

Tickets are £120 + VAT but womenintechnology members can benefit from a special rate of £105 + VAT, please quote WIT on the booking form. More information and the booking form can be found here.


9 - 13th Annual W.I.N. Global Leadership Conference, Wednesday 6th to Friday 8th October 2010, Paris
The W.I.N. 2010 global leadership conference is the 13th in a series of visionary leadership events that inspire thousands of women, enhance their careers and improve business practices. During the three-day interactive forum, we will explore the authentic journey and the importance of how you do all you do as a way towards realising your vision. As we discover clarity, truth, beauty and how your enthusiasm can help mobilise others. Panel sessions and workshops are complemented by social and professional networking events and free one-on-one coaching sessions.

**Benefit from ten days of exceptional savings - save over 200 Euros off regular registration prices from 1st to 10th May 2010** Standard Ticket 1,000 euros; Subsidised ticket 700 euros - find out more at www.winconference.net


10 - Become a STEM Ambassador - inspire young people in science, technology, engineering and maths
One way to increase the number of girls entering the IT industry is to connect with them while they're still at school. The STEM Ambassadors Programme enables anyone with science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills to inspire young people and demonstrate the possibilities of STEM subjects and careers. Anyone who uses STEM skills, and is willing and able to excite young people about STEM subjects, can apply to become a STEM Ambassador. Ambassadors are provided with opportunities which fit their own skills and availability and include a wide range of activities such as giving careers talks, helping with projects in after-school STEM clubs or challenge days and judging competitions. They also support and inspire teachers in the classroom and help them update their knowledge of contemporary science, technology and research processes. The variety of activities and the impact they have is huge! If you'd like to find out more, please click here.


11 - Sussex Internship Programme - 174 paid internships for the region’s unemployed graduates
Unemployed and underemployed graduates living in East and West Sussex are being encouraged to apply for 174 new internship vacancies in with top companies throughout the region. The University of Sussex and Wired Sussex have joined forces with Sussex’s business community to create opportunities that will bolster the CV’s of recession hit job seekers before they have to compete with the July 2010 graduates.

To be eligible to apply you must have graduated with a Bachelor's or Master's degree from a university or affiliated college in Sussex after June 2008 (including those who took their finals in 2009) or graduated with a Bachelor's or Master's degree from any other UK university after June 2008 (including those who took their finals in 2009) AND have a permanent address in East Sussex or West Sussex. For further information and to apply please visit www.sussexinternships.co.uk where you can register and upload your CV.


12 - Technical internships in the South East for 2008 and 2009 graduates and postgraduates
If you completed a first degree or masters in 2008 or 2009, you are eligible to apply for an internship through GradSEED. The internships are paid placements and offer great experience to enhance your CV and get a foot in the door!  If you would like to sign up to receive relevant notifications about internships through GradSEED please register with their website: www.gradfutures.com/companies/GradSEED


13 - Would you be interested in taking on an undergraduate student for a placement year?
The University of Bath run seven degrees within the Department of Computer Science and these include MComp in Computer Science, BSc in Computer Science, BSc in Computer Science with Maths, BSc in Computer Science with Business, BSc in Computer Information Systems, BSc in Computer Science (ab initio Japanese/Mandarin Chinese) and BSc in Computer Science with French/Spanish German. All of the degree programmes are highly technical in nature with students studying programming, networking, database management, project management amongst other technical components. These placement degree programmes incorporate a year in industry where the student can put into practise the skills learnt at University to further enhance those skills, alongside learning new skills. Typical placement roles include software engineering, programming, web development and design, consultancy, hardware and software support, information technology, etc. Salaries range from £15,000 to £38,000 with the average salary being £20,000. The students normally look to secure placements along the M4 corridor but they have had students placed as far north as Newcastle and throughout Europe.

If you have a requirement for a student with these type of skills, please send information on how you would like the students to apply, a job description and any further details you would like to send. The placements will be advertised on their secure placements e-learning course. Students begin the application process in October to take up placements in the following summer for a 12 month period.

Please click here for further information  or contact Louise Oliver, Industrial Placements Officer, Department of Computer Science, University of Bath - 01225 383381 or l.oliver@bath.ac.uk


14 - 2010 Google Global Community Scholarship for the Grace Hopper Conference
As part of Google's ongoing commitment to encouraging women to excel in computing and technology, they are offering student scholarships to help students attend the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing Conference in Atlanta, USA on 28th September to 2nd October 2010. Conference details can be found at www.gracehopper.org

A group of female students outside of the USA will be chosen from the applicant pool so they're encouraging women from throughout the world to apply. Each selected student will receive up to $2,750 USD for airfare, hotel, conference registration and other travel requirements.

Candidates must be:
  • Enrolled full-time in their undergraduate or graduate study in a university outside of the United States
  • In Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical field major
  • Maintaining a strong academic background with demonstrated leadership ability

Visit the Grace Hopper Scholarship page for more information and to complete the online application. Please mention that you are applying for the Google Global Community Scholarship in the first sentence of the essay portion of your application. All applications must be submitted by Friday 14th May 2010. Please contact gracehopper@google.com for any questions.


15 - 'Lipstick Leadership' Research
The Worklife Company are conducting an extensive piece of research entitled 'Lipstick Leadership' - the objective of the research is to explore both female excellence in leadership and model behaviours that contribute towards excellence and female leadership responses to specific scenarios in the workplace including strategy development, change and communication in order to define behavioural preference in approach.

The research will be carried out as part of a one to one interview with Lynne Copp, MD of The Worklife Company. Each interview will take no longer than one hour and the interview questions will be designed to collect qualitative and quantitative data - answers will be analysed to identify common attributes and qualities of excellence and preference. For the purposes of the survey analysis, demographics will be collected from the interviewee in order to define the criteria for excellence in a given role, task or method of leadership and to explore behaviour in given scenarios and sectors. Personal data protected at all times. Interviews will be conducted before the end of June 2010.

If you would be interested in taking part in this research, please contact Lynne Copp - 01672 811170 or 07831 406914 or lynne.copp@theworklifecompany.com


16 - Survey: Interpersonal Conflict In the Workplace
Krissy Jackson, The IT Girls Coach, who runs webinars for us is undertaking a survey about bullying in the workplace. If you have ever worked with a bully, watched on as a friend was bullied, worked in an office where one of your colleagues was so miserable they made working there hell for everyone, or watched on as one of your colleagues enjoyed favouritism because they were having a relationship with the boss, you will definitely want to participate in this survey. This is your chance to have your say! You may also be very surprised at just what is, and what is not considered bullying in the modern workplace.

Interpersonal Conflict In the Workplace survey (please complete it by Friday 21st May at the latest - thank you). The information derived from this survey will be used to inform a paper entitled 'Managing Interpersonal Conflict in the Office - A Guide for Employees'. If you would like to receive a copy of this paper please send an email to assistance@itgirlscoach.com and they will be happy to forward a copy to you as soon as it is available.


17 - Do you work in an 'eco' job?
Real Cool Futures is looking for people to be profiled for an exciting new website which is hoping to inspire young people all over the UK - backed by The Eden Project and endorsed by the Department for Children Schools and Families, the website is aimed at 14-19 year olds and they’re especially looking to profile people in the first 10-15 years of their career. They are looking for people who are earning their living doing jobs which are helping us to adapt to environmental challenges like climate change. From food to fashion, every part of our life has an effect on our planet.

So do you enjoy your job and work for an organisation which is in the environmental and low-carbon sector? Do you have a ‘green’ job within a more traditional company (working on sustainability for Waitrose for example)? You could have no qualifications, you could have a PhD, you could be from anywhere in the UK and be from any ethnic background. Essentially they would like you to complete an interview (written) about your life, work and passions in response to the questions in this document. These answers will be uploaded to the Real Cool Futures website alongside your photo. If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please contact Caroline Bosher - caroline@olibarrett.com.



18 - University of Bath Department of Computer Science Industrial Advisory Board - looking for new members
The Industrial Advisory Board provides a forum in which the Department’s educational and research programmes and related policies are presented and discussed with representatives from industry. The board examines new educational themes and proposals for first and higher degrees, promotes close academic/industrial collaboration in undergraduate, postgraduate and post experience education, promotes collaborative research activities between the university and industrial partners, reviews relevant UK government and EC initiatives and policies and informs the Department’s research, teaching and knowledge transfer strategy.

Meetings normally take place twice a year and members are normally expected to serve for a minimum of three years subject to annual renewal by mutual agreement. Members from industry are a representative cross-section of senior executives from those sectors of industry utilising the technological disciplines of the Department and academic members are an appropriate selection nominated by the Head of Department.

Currently the board doesn't have any female members and they would be really interested in hearing from anyone in the womenintechnology network who feels they would be able to make a relevant contribution to their work. If you might be interested in this opportunity, please contact Laura Manning on l.manning@bath.ac.uk


19 - IET Awards and Scholarships
The IET rewards engineering aspirations, enterprise and excellence with a range of annual scholarships and awards including the Achievement Awards, the Ambition Awards and the Innovation Awards. So do you know someone who shines? Or do you know someone who could do with some extra cash during their degree? Or do you think your innovation has the potential to become the latest ‘must-have’ product or application in its field? For more information and details of closing dates, please click here.


20 - The UK IT Industry Awards 2010 are now open for entries!
The UK IT Industry Awards are the benchmark for excellence throughout the computer industry. The Awards focus on the contribution of individuals, projects, organisations and technologies that have excelled in the use, development and deployment of IT in the past 12 months. Winning a UK IT Industry Award from Computing and BCS can be a major boost for your company's profile and business opportunities. There are lots of categories for 2010 and the individual excellent awards include: CIO of the year, IT manager of the year, Young IT professional of the year, Developer of the year, IT service & support professional of the year and Business analyst of the year. It would be GREAT to see lots of women nominated for these awards so please have a look at the Awards website and consider nominating yourself or a female colleague! The deadline for entries is 5pm on Friday 16th July. More information can be found here.


21 - Female Mentors Needed for Entrepreneurs
Do you know about STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths and construction)? Do you know about business? Do you know about the environment?

GreenSTEM, an initiative run by women's charity LeicestHERday and the British Science Association to help unemployed female STEM graduates in Leicester and Leicestershire, is looking for mentors for their entrepreneurs. They need female mentors who know about science or the environment and about business. You would need to spend about one day per month mentoring your entrepreneur and helping her to develop a concept for a green business. Most of this support would be done via email or the telephone but they would expect you to meet face-to-face at least once. They're needing people who would be willing to spend time helping to show a scientist how to think like a business person whilst remaining focussed on environmental issues. If this is of interest, please contact Phil Brown, East Midlands Regional Officer, British Science Association - 024 7671 7275 or 07808 294 844 or philip.brown@britishscienceassociation.org


22 - Volunteer Management Consultants Needed in Malawi for Short Term Contracts
Challenges Worldwide (CWW) is an international development charity and award winning social enterprise. They are currently sending experienced management consultants into temporary, but highly specific, business capacity building consultancy roles on a voluntary basis in Malawi (placements are generally for three months). The Capacity Building for Enterprise (CBE) project is government funded so there is no cost to the consultant except for the loss of salary earnings while away. So far they only have men on the programme and they would love to get some women involved! 

By providing world class consultancy services to micro, small and medium enterprises in Malawi they are helping to build indigenous consultancy capacity and expertise in Malawi in a sustainable way. Challenges Worldwide works through a combination of development expertise and professionally skilled volunteers and for CBE is using UK management consultants, working on a pro bono basis, as its primary resource. Their role is to lead and direct consulting engagements, train and guide local associate consultants and apprentice consultants specifically recruited for CBE.

This fully funded project is an opportunity for UK management consultants and other business experts to take a meaningful, challenging and interesting career break in the “warm heart of Africa”. If you would like to find out more, please contact Sarah Spence at Challenges Worldwide on 07884 001 032 or send a CV to sarah@challengesworldwide.com


23 - Cycle Nepal and raise money for Computer Aid International
Tired of regular holidays? Why not try the adventure of a lifetime! Cycle Nepal and raise money for Computer Aid International
Over 10 days from the 30th October to the 8th November 2010 cycle over 217 miles and experience a truly amazing country of highly diverse geography, culture and religions. You will also get to visit a Computer Aid project and witness first hand what a difference your participation makes to disadvantaged children and communities.

Why should you do this challenge? Well the easiest thing to say is no, but if you say yes you will be part of an amazing once in a lifetime experience that you will never forget! In the land of Everest and birth place of Buddha, you will challenge yourself, get fit, see wonderful landscapes and be inspired by the people you meet.

You can register for £199 and agree to raise a minimum sponsorship amount (please ask about flexible payment options and team discounts). For a free no obligation information pack e-mail events@computeraid.org or call Maurizio on 020 8361 5540. More information can be found here: www.computeraid.org/events
 

24 - UKRC Travel Bursaries
The travel bursaries offered by the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science Engineering and Technology (UKRC) are intended to help women in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) to attend a conference or an event that will benefit their career. Since 2004 almost 100 women have benefited from a travel bursary from the UKRC and have travelled to destinations all over the world including; India, China, the US, Greece, Italy, Spain and Australia to present papers and attend conferences and seminars. 

In order to be eligible to receive one of the bursaries, you must meet the following criteria:
  • You are a woman who is employed in a technical, scientific, research post in the UK SET industry or in academia, or are studying or undertaking training in SET and/or you are a woman who is normally employed in SET and are looking to return, for example after taking a career break.
  • You are aged 19 or over
  • You are UK national or have the right to remain and work in the UK and have been based in the UK for 3 or more years other than for the purpose of full time study.
  • You have not received a travel bursary from the UKRC in the last three years.

More information and the application form can be found here.


25 - Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowships
Applications are now open to travel in 2011!  Applicants must be over 18 years of age and a British citizen and the travelling can last 4 to 12 weeks which can be split into different trips. Amongst this year's categories are SET, business and education and applications need to have a well thought through project that clearly demonstrates some wider benefit to your community or field of interest, not just to yourself. Full details can be found on their website: www.wcmt.org.uk


26 - Do you work in IT in the retail sector? everywoman Retail Awards - deadline for entry Monday 31st May 2010
The 2010 Specsavers everywoman in Retail Awards are taking place on Tuesday 14th September 2010 and the deadline for entries is the end of this month. There are a number of different categories including Hidden Talent of the Year, Star of the Future, Innovator of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Inspiration of the Year, Leader of the Year and Woman of the Year. Perhaps you work in IT for a retail company, maybe you run an online 'shop' or develop stock distribution technology - if you do, please consider entering for these awards. It's a great opportunity to get noticed and show your senior colleagues and competitors the passion you have for your industry. You'll have the chance to network with key influencers in retail and create new business opportunities for you and your company and you can celebrate and encourage the women in your business to realise their potential. For more information and to enter, please go to: everywoman.com/retailawards