Founded in 2011, ChiTech’s Young Women’s Leadership Society (YWLS) provides support for diverse female students’ professional advancement as future leaders in tech and entrepreneurship. YWLS sponsors events, hosts workshops, plans college campus visits and facilitates discussions with industry professionals interested in diversifying tech leadership in Chicago. All of these activities are designed to examine stereotypes, explore the development of healthy relationships, and foster the skills necessary to build social capital and cultivate valuable professional networks.

Our annual fundraising events, speakers series, and workshops create opportunities for our members to have crucial conversations with seasoned and emerging professionals in tech, business, and STEM start-ups alike.

Some YWLS events are open to the public and students outside the organization such as Little Black Dress Night (LBDN) and our After School Matters Program.

If you’re interested in exploring how you and/or your organization can collaborate with YWLS to advance diversity and inclusion in the STEM industries, please drop your information below and the YWLS Leadership Team will follow up with you.

Ways to get involved include becoming a: 

• Power Lunch (Lunch & Learn) Series Guest
• YWLS Corporate Partner
• YWLS Mentor
• LBDN Ambassador
• LBDN Venue Host 
• 11th Annual LBDN Sponsor 
• YWLS Program Sponsor