It’s not often that you see women entrepreneurs working in the male-dominated tech space, but you’re about to meet three females who are bucking the norm and contributing to a greener economy in the process. These female social entrepreneurs are breaking the mold and takin’ names.
Kickboard Software Helps Teachers Teach More Effectively
Too often, teachers (especially those in public institutions) are so overworked that they really can’t be the change they want to be in their students’ lives. And though they’re required to submit all manner of reports to their superiors, rarely do they have the time or mental capacity to work with the data themselves to track trends and see problems before they come.
Enter Kickboard, created by Jennifer Schnidman Medbery, a computer science graduate from Columbia. This web-based software makes it possible for teachers to use the data they collect to actually improve student performance. With an easy to use interface, teachers are able to quickly enter information and then analyze it efficiently to determine where interventions are necessary. The great news: a teacher can sign up for free and track unlimited students on an unlimited number of academic and behavior indices.
Code for America Working to Create Greener Cities through Software
Frustrated by the lack of services found in many American cities, social entrepreneur Jen Pahlka started Code for America, a web technology firm focused on tackling municipal issues of sustainability. Their motto: “Helping governments work better for everyone with the people and the power of the web.”
Fielding project proposals from cities and towns throughout the US, Code for America carefully identifies projects it will tackle each year – using web-based solutions. To date, the collaborative tech firm has developed things like a platform for Detroit residents to track data on vacant properties in the city to battle the decline in population. They also created WeLovePublicService.org – a website where citizens can thank their local public employees. Who knows what new and interesting social problems Code for America will tackle next?
Style Seat Connects Consumers with Stylists from City to City
Ever feel lost when you move to a new city? Finding a new hair stylist can be particularly annoying if you don’t know anyone who could recommend someone trustworthy for styling your hair. But Melody McCloskey is trying to solve that problem with Style Seat, an online tool where consumers can find stylists, book appointments online, and get inspired by photos of a professional’s previous work. The site also hopes to make it easier for stylists to overcome the challenges of a slow economy. By using tools on Style Seat, stylists can track trends in their own business, and target marketing and promotional campaigns to increase interest in their work during slow days or seasons. Ingenious!
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I work in the aerospace industry, which is nearly totally dominated by men, yet I work for a woman-owned small business. As a male, I may not fully understand the significance of that acheivement (a woman owning a business in a male dominated industry) but it is a good reminder: work hard and no one can stop you from succeeding.
We could surely use more inline services like this at our company. Cutting down on commuting, face to face talking time, etc. Saves money and the environment, need more technology that has this in mind.
You’re right, you don’t see a lot of woman doing a lot of man stuff LOL! I joined the army and now I work for technical support where it’s mainly male driven. I also have a love for learning about tech stuff!
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Really inspiring indeed! It is also rather significant that female entrepreneurs are the ones who find solutions to everyday problems that they have experienced themselves…
I think it’s great that women are succeeding as entrepreneurs, but it doesn’t surprise me at all. Most women I know are smarter than me anyway
Also, I really love all of these green businesses that are blossoming (pun intended).
ya Women are leading the world now a days… Good for highlighting these achievements of tech women entrepreneurs. Great to know about their work.
I liked Code for America. It’s a niche that could make a difference and be profitable. I really love the idea for their current featured app – Adopt – a – Hydrant. Cool site they have.
Hey Maryruth,
What an excellent set of female “techies”. I love seeing the contributions and I especially like the Kickboard idea. Teachers continue to be one of the most underappreciated professions out there.
Now, I’m just waiting for men to claim their stake in the flower business so we can even things out.
It’s always inspiring to read about people succeeding in business.. and I have to admit as a woman, I particularly enjoy the women success story!
Plus I get good tips.. thx, dee
Hello Maryruth, Thanks for sharing this resources through your article with us. It is true that women, some women can indeed make a difference in this world and even in the tech space where the word authority has a male orientation.
I really admire and wish the best to aspired, smart and daring female entrepreneurs and business owners to continue making a great difference in our world in many areas, and make it a better one
All the best,
Ann
I smirk a little every time I hear or read about women in “male-dominated” places. In my life, *all* traditionally male dominated spheres are filled and led by women. From home renovations businesses I’ve worked with, to archaelogical excavations, to IT – women everywhere, doing an excellent job all around.
It’s great to see these female social entrepreneurs at the helm of these cutting edge high tech ideas! I am also impressed with the kickboard idea.The frustration teachers often experience with not enough hours in the day! This idea is genius.
Totally inspiring. Everyday women are taking the tech industry by storm, and as a women, it’s so refreshing seeing that. Makes me want to be even better at my career.
It’s great to see women emerging into a field that was dominated by men. It’s important to have both demographics inside this industry, because everyone encounters there own problems and everyone has their own solutions. Freeing up the web to allow both men and women creates a more innovative and creative space, which benefits us all in the long run.
Great post! Thanks for sharing!