The Women in Tech Initiative at UC Athena Awards recognize those who embody, encourage, and promote the inclusion of women in technology. Awardees are leaders who inspire others to pursue and persist in technical careers by way of their outstanding contributions, and service and mentorship to foster inclusion in science and technical fields. Nominations are open to all candidates regardless of gender, age, institutional affiliation, and country of residence.
Awards are given in these four categories:
- Executive Leadership (individual)
- Academic Leadership (individual)
- Early Career (individual)
- Next Generation Engagement (organization)
Awards are announced during the annual Women in Tech Symposium, which celebrates innovators and explores the experiences of women in a tech related field. Take a look at the previous Athena Award winners: 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020.
Nominations are now open. To received notifications, join our mailing list.
Fall 2020 Timeline:
September 21: Nominations open
November 6: Deadline to submit nominations
February 1: Women in Tech Initiative at UC Athena Awards Winners announced
March 12: Women in Tech Initiative at UC Athena Awards presented at the Women in Tech Symposium
To Nominate:
1. Click on the category NOMINATE button below, then click APPLY to start your nomination. [Preview questions]
2. Register or login to begin the nomination form (this way you can save your work).
3. Complete eligibility questions and mark as complete. Then click on “2020 Women in Tech Initiative at UC Athena Award Application” link in the middle of the left hand sidebar to start your application.
4. Complete the form describing your wonderful nominee and submit
Award Information
Executive Leadership Award
The Executive Leadership Award recognizes individuals (all genders) who demonstrate exceptional leadership by supporting the professional development and promotion of women in technology within their companies, organizations, or the field at large.
Selection Criteria
- Demonstrating leadership and innovation in promoting greater diversity and inclusion in the field or sector
- Expanding opportunities for engaging women in technology
- Demonstrating impact at scale on advancing women’s professional achievements in technology
- Nominees typically have at least 5 years of experience in their executive leadership role(s) in companies with more than 500 employees
Academic Leadership Award
The Academic Leadership Award recognizes senior leaders in academia or national labs (faculty or staff) who have a demonstrated record of technical accomplishments and have encouraged or mentored young scholars or colleagues.
Selection Criteria
- Undertaking technically innovative work
- Demonstrating leadership in their field
- Expanding opportunities for engaging girls in technology and science
- Mentoring students, postdocs, junior faculty and/or young women professionals
- Nominees typically have at least 10 years of experience in their academic leadership role(s)
Early Career Award
The Early Career Award recognizes promising young STEM leaders in industry, academia, or the public sector.
Selection Criteria
- Undertaking technically innovative work
- Demonstrating potential for leadership in their field
- Expanding opportunities for engaging girls in technology and science
- Demonstrating impact on advancing women’s participation in technology and science
- Nominees typically have fewer than 5 years in their career
Next Generation Engagement Award
The Next Generation Engagement Award recognizes organizations or programs that encourage girls or young women to pursue interests in STEM careers.
Selection Criteria
- Demonstrating innovation in expanding extracurricular opportunities for girls and young women to explore technology and science
- Demonstrating impact on advancing women’s participation in technology and science
- Demonstrating support for young women undertaking college-level, graduate or postgraduate studies in technology and science
- Supporting and highlighting accomplishments of women and girls in technology