Leading for Change - Empowering Women with Technology

Source: http://www.catawit.ca/features/digital_opportunity_trust.asp

It's a late night in August, the rain is pouring heavily, and the muddy Kenyan road makes for a long and arduous drive after a series of meetings. As exhausted as she may feel, Janet Longmore, President and CEO of Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT), knows that the road she is on is worth it. Having just met with local partners, it's a drive like this that affords her a rare opportunity from her 'go, go, go' schedule to reflect on the success of the work that DOT has been leading around the world.

Digital Opportunity Trust is paving the proverbial road to self-reliance with programs that promote technology as a necessary tool of empowerment. As the Founder of DOT, Janet has set the vision and guided the celebrated international social enterprise to success. Launched in 2002 with a particular focus on youth and women, DOT has mobilized thousands of local young interns to become leaders of change. They train and coach their communities and schools, in developing countries and regions under stress, to apply 21st century skills as they promote entrepreneurship and the use of technology.

Mentorship and Networking - The Right Advice

With DOT's focus on empowering women through technology it is not surprising that Janet is a strong proponent for mentorship in the technology sector. Janet contends that a culture of mentorship needs to be championed from the top. To be effective it needs to be implemented through a structured support system. Recognizing that a mentoring relationship is a great avenue through which to make change, Janet is especially pleased to see more female mentors today than there was when she first began her career. Some of her most important professional learning was passed down from her mentors.

"There was a mentor I had who taught me one of my biggest lessons and that was to 'take the high road.' It is imperative to not burn bridges, it just isn't worth it. You encounter so much when you build an organization and those personal relationships that you make along the way really form a solid base of support. Over the years I've seen that building networks has been critical to the growth of DOT," adds Janet.

Leadership and Influence - Developing the Skill-set

Janet's leadership is undoubtedly another reason for the organization's success. She acknowledged her desire to work in the social sector at a young age, having risen to a leadership role with a social enterprise at the impressive age of 27. From working the store-front to running a massive organization out of the US, Janet has "walked the talk" and performed in a plethora of positions that have developed the leadership skill-set she has today.

"It's my job to be an influencer, to build a culture of innovation at the executive level. Our goal is to initiate real change and make a difference in the world," says Janet. "We share a persistent belief in our vision, focusing on a collaborative and rewarding environment. I think that's really at the core of our success."

Entrepreneurial Spirit - Belief in Vision

Janet's own entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills have been recognized by her peers. Janet was the recipient of the 2011 CanWIT Sara Kirke Award for Woman's Entrepreneurship. The award recognizes a woman who has displayed outstanding technological innovation and corporate leadership -leadership that has significantly expanded the frontiers of Canada's advanced technology industry. As a positive role model to other female entrepreneurs, Janet contends that passion for what you do is the key to achieving the goals you set for yourself.

"Driving the growth of DOT and our network has been my biggest achievement. I am really proud of the fact that we have established operations in 12 countries around the world where our over 600 employees and interns are working with hundreds of communities," says Janet. "My passion is that we continue to grow as a catalyst for change and the global economic empowerment for women and youth. Technology has such a role to play in empowering women and developing communities." For more information on DOT please visit: http://www.dotrust.org/

About Canadian Women in Technology

CanWIT (Canadian Women in Technology) is a community network designed to boost women's participation and advancement in the high-growth technology sector. Our mission is to help women in technology companies advance in their careers and succeed as entrepreneurs through mentoring, networking, professional development and advocacy. Our vision is to be Canada's premier "go to" forum that is committed to the advancement of women in technology under the CATAAlliance innovation umbrella. http://www.catawit.ca