National Forum for Women in Technology Builds Momentum with Microsoft Canada

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National Forum for Women in Technology Builds Momentum with Microsoft Canada and Launch of BC Chapter
CATA WIT Expands its Support to Women in Technology in Challenging Economic Times

Vancouver, March 17 2009 - The Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance - Women in Technology (CATA WIT) Forum, today announced Microsoft Canada as its newest national sponsor as well as the launch of its BC chapter. Microsoft Canada's support along with CATA WIT BC will provide more value to women who join the national, community-based network committed to helping women excel in Canada's advanced technology and bio-tech sectors.

"We are pleased to support CATA WIT's endeavors at both a national and regional level," said Mark Relph, Vice-President, Developer and Platform Evangelism, Microsoft Canada. "Microsoft Canada actively encourages women to join the IT industry, and as a corporation that values diversity in the workforce, we will continue to help technical professionals realize their full potential through connections and programs designed to make a positive difference in their professional and personal endeavors."

Through Microsoft Canada's sponsorship, CATA WIT Forum will extend its reach to Microsoft's vast network of customers as well as leverage a Microsoft-based technology platform to bring additional services to CATA WIT Forum's members.

"The launch of the BC chapter with the support of national companies like Microsoft further expand our efforts as an advocator and support network for women in technology." said Joanne Stanley, Co-Founder and Managing Director of CATA WIT Forum. "With 2009 promising to be a challenging year economically, we believe investment in and support for women in technology is a key for Canada's economic advantage."

The new BC chapter is co-chaired by Joanne Hausch, Associate Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP and Tabitha Creighton, Strategy Practice Lead, KnowledgeTech. CATA WIT BC will hold its first public event in June in Vancouver. For more details visit: https://www.catawit.ca.

The other national partners of CATA WIT Forum are Merrill Lynch, MTS Allstream, NRC's Industrial Assistance Program, Helix Commerce International, Highroad Communications, Information Communications Technology Council, Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, and Status of Women Canada.