The Roanoker March/April 2024 - 38

women
" WANT TO SEE
INNOVATION EXPLODE?
INVEST IN WOMEN IN
TECH. " WENDI PANNELL
" They helped me find, develop and have confidence in
my voice in a male-dominated industry, " Snider says. " And
I'm still developing that voice, trying to ignore the imposter
syndrome every woman knows all too well. "
Her advice is " Don't quit. When the imposter syndrome
creeps in, remind yourself that if you were invited to the table,
you can and should use your voice. That is your seat so own it.
Don't just observe, participate - ask questions, answer questions,
counter, collaborate and lead. And once you start feeling
like you own your seat, invite other women to the table. Or,
better yet, make a place for them at the table. "
Snider suggests finding a support system where you can
" talk, motivate, share, uplift, guide, vent to and celebrate. "
ANGELA POPE DICKERSON
Customer Experience Manager at Bullish
Angela Pope Dickerson began her
career with AT&T Wireless when
cell phones were the emerging
technology. Over the past 10
years, she has worked in
customer experience for
various tech companies
including cyber
security, edtech and
blockchain.
She serves as
Chapter President
of the Southwest
Virginia Chapter
of Bla c ks in
Technology (BIT)
where they are looking
to diversify participation
in the technology
ecosystem. BIT has a goal
of using technology to close
the racial wealth gap.
" I know the value of community
and I am honored to help build the community
of Black technologists and tech adjacent
folks, " says Dickerson. " While members must identify
as Black, events are open to everyone. "
Dickerson is pleased to see women in the tech ecosystem
38 MARCH/APRIL 2024
WENDI PANNELL CEO, Pannell Consulting
Wendi Pannell started out in hotel restaurant management
and when that didn't work out, she fell back on something
that felt familiar - computers. She had played around with
them in her father's business over the summers. That decision
led to over 20 years of experience in operations and leaderships
roles and to opening her own consulting business.
As Chairwomen of WoTech, an initiative of the Roanoke
Blacksburg Technology Council, Pannell has enjoyed empowering
members to soar in the tech world through mentorship
and shared successes. WoTech provides opportunities for
TheRoanoker.com
in our
region.
She's excited
that the numbers
are growing and about
the contributions that women
are making.
" Personally, I have seen more women in coding, technical
operations and cybersecurity, " she shares. " While there
are more women, there is still not a significant number of
women. I'm encouraged by what I see, but I'm not satisfied
with the status quo. "
For women considering the technology field, her advice is
to give it a try and don't be afraid to try different areas until
something grabs your interest. She also suggests finding a
mentor.
" Through BIT, I have been introduced to Black women
founders, technologists, recruiters and evangelists, " says
Dickerson. " We are not waiting for someone to give us
a chance, we are creating our own because we are that
motivated! "
COURTESY OF ANGELA DICKERSON / COURTESY OF WENDI PANNELL
http://www.TheRoanoker.com
The Roanoker March/April 2024

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