[Media Release] Women in Tech World announces Nicola Jones-Crossley as incoming Executive Director
Women in Tech World announces Nicola Jones-Crossley will join the organization as Executive Director, effective September 16th. Nicky is a dynamic leader and community builder with extensive experience leading organizations and international projects driving gender diversity, equity and inclusion. Alicia Close, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Women in Tech World, assumes the role of Board Chair.
September 16, 2020 (Vancouver, BC) – Women in Tech World announces Nicola Jones-Crossley as the organization’s incoming Executive Director. Nicky is a dynamic leader and community builder with extensive experience leading organizations and international projects driving gender diversity, equity and inclusion.
Over the past three years, WiTWorld has supported over 5,900 women in tech in 13 countries, provided over $109 thousand in tech scholarships through partnerships with coding bootcamps, and has been recognized internationally for its Driving WinTech research approach. To kick-off 2020, WiTWorld worked closely with Shared Services Canada to develop a community-based action plan to inform their strategy to support and advance women in STEM within the Government of Canada.
“I am extremely proud of what our team of volunteers has accomplished for Canadian women in tech in such a short period of time. Our impact would not be what it is today without the support of our incredible community—partners, stakeholders, and sponsors—that have rallied behind us,” said Alicia Close, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Women in Tech World, who will assume the role of Board Chair. “I am very confident in Nicky’s leadership and look forward to supporting her build on Women in Tech World’s foundational research and programming and create lasting change for women in tech.”
Nicky assumes this role alongside her position as Business Development Manager with Futurpreneur Canada. Her commitment to systemic change extends far beyond her day-to-day professional responsibilities. Prior to 2018, Nicky founded AKIN ASIA, a social enterprise that celebrates and shines a spotlight on women leaders through a community-driven approach. During that time, she led international projects with UNESCO, collaborated on gender equality projects for Google and created a curriculum to develop job-readiness for students at the Asian University for Women in Bangladesh.
“I’m excited to join the incredible team at Women in Tech World and build upon the important work the organization has become known for globally,” said Nicky. “Creating meaningful impact has always guided the work that I do, and I’m humbled to be given the opportunity to work alongside Alicia, Melanie and the team at Women in Tech World to bring the voices of women in tech to the forefront.”
Melanie Ewan, Board Member and Lead Researcher adds, "With such an intense history and tight-knit team, the selection process for this role necessitated a critical and in-depth journey. It was an honour to join our Selection Committee for this process and engage with the truly inspiring candidates that joined us. Today, I am so excited to welcome Nicky to our team. She demonstrates a truly compelling level of enthusiasm for the organization and our mission, as well as a breadth of experience, curiosity, and eagerness to learn on the go--all key ingredients to a WiTWorld leader and team member!"
Nicky first engaged with WiTWorld as a participant in the organization's 2018 Driving WinTech Community Activation in Vancouver. Here, she met the volunteer team and contributed her ideas for how to activate the research from WiTWorld's Gender Equity Roadmap. In her new role as Executive Director, Nicky is committed to creating sustainable change for women in tech globally. As a community champion, facilitator, mentor and connector, Nicky hopes to build upon Women in Tech World’s community-driven research framework to create a fundamental and lasting impact for women in tech.