Session Abstract

An interactive and inspiring speaker panel focusing on the unique perspectives and contributions of women in the tech industry. Renowned panelists will explore their distinctive journeys, challenges faced, solutions discovered, and the influence they wield in shaping the future of technology. This engaging conversation aims to encourage more women to enter and thrive in tech roles, stimulate discussions around gender equity, and offer valuable insights to businesses on nurturing diversity. The session promises a profound understanding of the role of women in driving technology forward and presents an empowering narrative that's critical for the tech ecosystem.

Sharon Weaver

Sharon is the founder and CEO of Smarter Consulting, a business and technology consulting company. She founded her business to grow and diversify the technology resource pool by providing opportunity to underserved individuals such as women and minorities by providing them with the opportunity and support to add a technical skill set to their existing industry experience. Her goal is to create a business environment based on diversity, inclusion, and opportunity. As a Microsoft RD, MVP, MCT, and Productivity Expert, Sharon's background in Software Development, Business and Systems Analysis, Project Management, and Agile combined with her Developmental Psychology degree and Six Sigma Black Belt blend perfectly with her love of helping and training people to make her a well-rounded leader, consultant, and coach. Solving both process and technical problems, Sharon has the unique ability to listen and uncover client pain points to develop a plan that will not only build the needed solutions but also drive change, adoption, and education in a way not typically seen from technical consultants. Being part of the community is extremely important and she is an active leader, participant, and mentor. Sharon speaks professionally globally on subjects such as Microsoft 365, Business Analysis, Leadership, Teamwork, and Women in Technology. She is the founder of the Kansas City M365 User Group and lead organizer for CollabCon. She currently serves as an advisor and mentor for the Digital Women of Kansas City and is the Founding President and advisor of the Kansas City IIBA chapter. When she's not working, Sharon watches tv and movies, reads, hangs out with her family, or is traveling somewhere interesting, most likely on a cruise ship out of the country with no access to communication.