Welcome to our new feature ‘I’ve never been to…’, where we intend to entice you to take a leap of faith and finally get yourself along to all those places and events that you hear other people talking about and always seem to end up saying ‘Oh yeah, I’ve never been to…’ – I’m sure you get the drift!
Our very first feature looks at the fabulous Girl Geek Dinners in Leeds, hosted by Carbon Imagineering’s Imran Ali and Linda Broughton, Head of nti.
1. Hi Imran and Linda, first off can you tell us what a ‘Girl Geek’ is?
Imran: LOL, well we’ve tried to avoid overtly defining a girl geek, so we can keep things open and inclusive, but I see it as anyone doing interesting work in digital media, computing, design, science, technology and social media; indeed anyone just curious about such areas is geeky enough for me.
Linda: I would say its self-defining. Most of the women who come to events have a passion for working in what I call the digital sector – and that’s pretty broad, and covers anything from creative through to extremely technical, and all shades in between. We did have a debate about this at one dinner, and there was an interesting observation from one guest, who noted that being a geek was relative to the other people you happened to be with at the time. Amongst an audience of technophobes you can feel as though you are incredibly geeky, whereas with others you can feel as though you don’t know anything!
2. So what’s with ‘Girl Geek Dinner’ – what inspired you to set it up?
Imran: From my perspective, early on in my career I’ve had great female mentors and role models from the internet industry and yet, industry events seem to be made up mostly of men. Sarah Blow, the founder of the Girl Geek Dinners, had great success organising get-togethers for women, but also reaching out to men to help genders understand each other’s issues. The cause attracts controversy, but we know we’re meeting a need, which we hope will diminish as gender issues are tackled. Ultimately, we’d love to reach out to schools and universities to encourage more girls into tech.
Linda: I had read a great deal about the Girl Geek Dinners in other cities, and it appealed to me as it sounded more sociable and fun that other women-oriented events which can sometimes be about sorting out your wardrobe and manicures. Not that I’m averse to those things but I was impressed by the speakers that these events were able to attract. In and around Leeds there are some great meet-ups and the grass roots events are great but this is a great way to meet other women in the sector and its great fun. During the years I’ve worked in the sector there seems to be fewer and fewer women entering, and staying in the profession, and I wanted to try and do something to address that.
3. Explain a little bit more about what happens at a Girl Geek Dinner?
Imran: Firstly I really should stress that it isn’t an exclusionary event – it’s really open to all genders, though the bias is towards women. If you want to come just ask…no one will be turned away because of gender! Generally, we pair up a couple of interesting keynote speakers, sometimes one of the guests grabs the mic for an impromptu announcement, and of course there’s great food and drink and a chance to network.
Linda: Its about relaxing after work with a glass of wine and some food, and hearing some inspirational speakers. Also making new contacts and networking. There’s something about the atmosphere at the events where women are in the majority, which makes for a very enjoyable evening, and very different to other networking events that I get involved in.
4. Tell us a little bit more about your speakers this month. Are they the epitome of Girl Geeks?
Imran: Definitely. Christine Morris runs a popular iPhone podcast – ‘Apps & Hats’ – entirely produced and distributed through her own efforts. Sarah Hartley is one of the leading ‘post-digital’ journalists in the country, showing that the decline of newspapers doesn’t signal the decline of journalism. Sarah and Christine both illustrate how to skillfully create new opportunites and cultural impact by weaving together media, technology – and chutzpah! We’ll also be screening a short documentary on prominent women in Silicon Valley and also annoucing a couple new initiatives.
Linda: Imran has said it all!
5. Finally, here is your chance to sell, sell, sell! In no more than 25 words convince our readers why they should never miss out on a Girl Geek Dinner ever again
Imran: For women – opportunities to hang with the city’s brightest creatives, technologists, developers, entrepreneurs, marketeers and PRs. For men, to understand more about gender issues in tech.
Linda: Hear some inspirational speakers, have a drink and some lovely food and meet some amazing fabulous women form across the city. A wonderful way to spend an evening.
Sounds pretty darn good to us so why not join us Culture Vultures and get along to Girl Geek Dinner on 21st October at The Loft, Leeds from 6 – 9pm. Full details are available on their website
What’s more one very lucky winner can win a free ticket for the event. All you have to do is name all the apps reviewed in Christine Morris’ last podcast in the comment box below. Good luck!
NB: Please be sure to read our terms and conditions which you are deemed to have accepted by entering! Winners will be picked randomly using random.org. Closing date: 19th October 2009
Competition closed thanks folks!