connect.IT Women: Together for more diversity in the IT
Currently, only one in five IT specialists is a woman - and that in an industry that is shaping the future. Yet it has long been proven: Diversity brings innovation. But women in IT are often invisible. We want to change that!
With connect.IT Women, the IT network connect.IT Heilbronn-Franken e.V. has launched a new initiative that makes women in IT more visible, networks them and breaks down barriers. Because a diverse IT world is not only fairer - it is more efficient and creative.
Why connect.IT Women?
IT is everywhere - from smart homes to artificial intelligence. But if only one part of society designs digital solutions, important perspectives remain unconsidered. This is exactly where connect.IT Women comes in: We are creating a strong network for women in IT, promoting exchange and making female role models visible.
The initiative was initiated by Kristin Seyboth, Head of IT at Bausparkasse Schwäbisch Hall and member of the connect.IT Board of Trustees:
IT is not a man's job - and it's time for the image in people's minds to change. We want to show role models and break down barriers.(Kristin Seyboth)
The mission:
- Make women in IT more visible
- Create networks for mutual support
- Anchoring more diversity in the industry
The founding members: women who shape IT
Behind this initiative are committed women who are already shaping the IT world today:
- Agnes Korsakas (Customer Success Manager, SAP & Board Member connect.IT) connects people and opportunities in IT.
- Edda Sellin (Lab for Socioinformatics, Heilbronn University) contributes her expertise to gender-equitable IT practices - at EU level and in Heilbronn.
- Kristin Seyboth (Head of IT at Bausparkasse Schwäbisch Hall & member of the board of trustees at connect.IT) drives diversity and strategic innovation at management level.
- Prof. Dr. Nicola Marsden (Research Professor of Socioinformatics & Member of the Board of Trustees at connect.IT) is committed to socially responsible AI and brings scientific perspectives to the group.
- Prof. Dr. Nicole Ondrusch (Professor of Software Engineering and Digital Transformation & Board Member of connect.IT) is committed to open, diverse IT networks.
- Dr. Stefanie Oestreicher (Head of Cloud Transformation, Schwarz IT) is an expert in digital transformation - and is passionate about sharing her knowledge.
- Tamara Speer (Manager HR Marketing & Recruiting, Bausparkasse Schwäbisch Hall) ensures more diversity in IT - from training to management level.
- Vanessa Vieth (computer science student, specializing in psychology in computer science, & board member of connect.IT) is committed to the next generation of IT talent as a board member at connect.IT.
An inspiring start: The first connect.IT Women event
On February 25, 2025, the time had come: connect.IT Women celebrated its premiere in the historic factory hall of 42 Heilbronn.
- 50 committed participants
- Inspiring talk by Dr. Stefanie Oestreicher on the topic of “Cloud transformation - more than just technology”
- Energetic discussions & valuable new contacts
The discussions at the get-together after the presentation in particular showed how great the need for exchange is. Participants talked about their personal experiences, discussed challenges and shared their strategies for asserting themselves in the IT industry.
“I got to know so many great women who are all passionate about their topics - this dynamic was just great!” (Participant of the kick-off event connect.IT)
This is just the beginning – be part of it!
connect.IT Women shows: Diversity is not a “nice-to-have”, but the key to innovation. But real change needs a strong community.
What's coming next?
The next event will take place at the connect.IT barcamp - and we look forward to seeing you there!
Network with us: Simply write to one of the founding members via LinkedIn and follow connect.IT Heilbronn-Franken for news & events.
Let's make the IT industry more diverse, open and innovative together!
