The value of an engaged community experience lies in how it can offer opportunities to align thoughts, feelings, and actions, supporting the entirety of its members' journeys. This year, ASUG Women Connect committed to this mission by providing the ASUG community with a shared space in which members could express themselves, evolve, and connect. The intention was simple: amplify and uplift the unique expression of both our individual and collective voices.
ASUG Women Connect was first established in 2017 and has since played a crucial role in providing support and fostering a sense of belonging for ASUG members. Since its relaunch a year ago, its membership has grown from less than 30 to over 300. The ASUG Women Connect offerings have enhanced member experiences both in person and virtually, with panel-led sessions at our conferences and online ASUG Women Connect Community Conversations featuring guest speakers. Discussion topics have ranged from DEI best practices and expanding professional networks to allyship and distinguishing oneself by building a personal brand.
All of these events have been driven by the desire to elevate our members’ journey and deepen the relationships that exist within our professional community. "Ultimately, it’s the people who make these sessions impactful," explains Mary Claire Goetz, ASUG Women Connect member and ASUG Account Executive for New Members. "Their willingness to share unique experiences, challenges, and successes creates a space of connection and support. Without these shared stories, our sessions wouldn’t hold the same power."
It’s easy to prioritize the big picture of a journey over the individual steps required to make it possible, but we wouldn’t be where we are today without each moment of progress made this past year.
In 2024 we:
- Created an online resource center to house all member-recommended resources and reference materials in one place.
- Introduced and produced the ASUG Women Connect Community Conversations series, which drew nearly 500 registrants.
- Developed in-person panel sessions and networking events to foster connections and strengthen community ties.
- Grew our social media presence by 310% on LinkedIn.
Each of these milestones represents a step toward fostering the sense of belonging and connection we want our community to represent. While empowering members to support one another, we explored strategies to advance careers while cultivating a more inclusive and dynamic professional network.
“Personally, I have greatly benefited from the in-person Women Connect sessions, forming lasting relationships with dynamic and inspiring women whom I deeply admire and respect,” says Alyssa Perna, Producer of Enterprise Content Programming at ASUG.
In-person and online discussions, meanwhile, reflected the complex experiences of women in the workplace. From career development and leadership in the tech industry to fostering work-life balance, mental well-being, and personal growth, ASUG Women Connect covered topics relevant to women in the workplace—professionals who cannot be defined by any one aspect of their identities but who are instead diverse and multi-faceted.
In 2024, we hosted three sessions that provided members with opportunities to understand new perspectives, take actionable steps forward, and enhance their networking abilities. Our DEI session focused on cultivating self-advocacy, practicing inclusive leadership, and addressing mental health and work-life balance. Our Allyship, Mentorship, and Sponsorship session focused on career advancement, with attendees learning how to foster mentorship and networking opportunities, design a “personal board of directors,” and make the most of advancement opportunities, from gaining international experience to taking on mission-critical roles.
Our third session, Building Your Personal Brand, encouraged members to distinguish themselves professionally by creating personal brands that highlighted their unique professional narratives, while learning to balance the perceptions of others with one’s own identity.
Acknowledging that women bring their whole selves—professional and personal—to life and work, ASUG Women Connect offered empowering discussions to amplify women's potential to thrive in all areas. Bringing professional women together at ASUG events provides a unique opportunity to foster meaningful connections, exchange valuable insights, and cultivate a sense of belonging. Together, the 2024 sessions formed a cohesive strategy for professional growth, empowering individuals to thrive in their careers, support others, and contribute to a vibrant, inclusive community.
ASUG Women Connect's 2025 sessions will build on this growth, with the following sessions planned:
- Establishing Your Leadership Brand & Navigating Leadership Role - March 13, 2025, 12:00 PM CT
- Developing Emotional Intelligence (EQ) - June 12, 2025, 12:00 PM CT
- Effective Communication and Public Speaking - September 25, 2025, 12:00 PM CT
- 2025 Recap - Friday, December 5, 2025, 12:00 PM CT
As we look toward 2025, the ASUG Women Connect team reflects on how our community has grown together—through the connections we've made, the roles we've taken on, and the shared experiences that have shaped us. ASUG Women Connect has been a space where we’ve nurtured one another’s growth. Given the momentum of this past year, we are excited to continue shaping the path ahead for women in enterprise technology.
There are several ways to get involved with ASUG Women Connect in 2025, including:
- Exploring the ASUG Women Connect Resource Center
We look forward to continuing these vital conversations, and to the further growth of this vital community, in 2025.