TAMPA, FLORIDA, September 17, 2024 — Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE), the rapidly growing organization dedicated to empowering women in technology and entrepreneurship, is pleased to announce its inaugural student chapter in partnership with the University of South Florida. WTE USF members will gain access to WTE’s network of trailblazing leaders and invaluable tech industry resources, all while igniting change and creating new pathways for a more inclusive, dynamic, and innovative world. 

Three times more diverse than the technology sector as a whole, Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE) is a dynamic community of women whose ambition is only matched by their generosity. WTE is a diverse group of high-performing, non-conforming women working in various sectors, including technology, start-ups, venture capital, entrepreneurship, economic development, and business support organizations.

“Thanks to the tireless support of leaders like Dr. Andy Hafer, Allen Clary, and our passionate team of student leaders, I’m thrilled to return to my alma mater to launch our first collegiate chapter at the University of South Florida,” commented Raechel Canipe, Founder and CEO of Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship. “The mission of this new chapter is to empower students to drive the future of technology and entrepreneurship by breaking down barriers and catalyzing the transformative power of community. As our collegiate chapter members graduate to become the next generation of tech leaders, they are crucial to carving a more inclusive, balanced, and prosperous path for us all.”

"Bringing WTE to the University of South Florida is a game changer for students pursuing tech careers and entrepreneurship," said Sidra Riaz, WTE USF President. "WTE’s presence on campus and network of successful founders and executives throughout the state will undoubtedly influence the development of the next generation of leaders, equipping them with the skills, mentorship, and resources needed to drive innovation and create meaningful impact in the tech industry."

WTE’s 2024 USF Chapter Members & Supporters include:

• Raechel Canipe – WTE CEO & Founder, RevStar Chief Marketing Officer, USF alum
• Dr. Andy Hafer – Serial Entrepreneur, Synapse Summit Co-Founder, Co-Founder of DCE Productions, USF alum, professor, & benefactor, former interim Director of the USF Nault Center for Entrepreneurship
• Allen Clary – Director of the USF Nault Center for Entrepreneurship
• Dr. Lei Zhang – Faculty Advisor
• Sidra Riaz – WTE USF President
• Anastasiia Fedosova – WTE USF Marketing Chair
• Sophia Lauro – WTE USF Events Chair
• Maryam Ashraf – WTE USF Treasurer
• Mahek Patel – WTE USF Community Engagement Chair

"USF is honored to be selected as the first WTE collegiate chapter and looks forward to witnessing how the chapter accelerates the innovation community in the Tampa Bay area," commented Dr. Andy Hafer. "Not only is this an important resource that will give our students a leg up as they enter the workforce, but it's one that is being led by a summa cum laude graduate. We’re grateful that Raechel is bringing her time and talents back to USF."

WTE USF members can access an array of curated benefits and activities designed to foster connections, ignite innovation, and propel their careers forward. WTE’s collegiate opportunities not only provide practical insights and experiences but also embody the organization’s ethos of community, empowerment, and continuous learning such as:

• Monthly Networking Mixers: Casual events for members to connect with high-performing, non-conforming women leaders across various sectors, fostering a culture of mutual support and growth.
• Exclusive Events: Invitations to member-only events, conferences, and panels featuring influential speakers from the tech and entrepreneurial landscape.
• Global Job Board: Access to WTE’s global job board for access to careers and internships within the tech and entrepreneurship sector.
• Educational Opportunities: Priority access to workshops, webinars, and courses designed to enhance skills and knowledge in technology, entrepreneurship, and related sectors.

Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship was founded in 2022 with the goal of creating a movement toward a more balanced, inclusive, and prosperous future for women in technology and entrepreneurship. WTE provides comprehensive support through near-peer mentorship, educational programs, and a robust support network completely free of charge. Today, WTE has reached 5,000+ women and established chapters across the state of Florida, including Tampa, St. Pete, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Jacksonville.

For more information about joining WTE’s USF chapter, students are encouraged to register here for the launch event on Tuesday, September 24 from 6pm–8pm ET located on campus at the Marshall Student Center (MSC) 3308 – The Collaboratory. For WTE partner opportunities and a schedule of upcoming events, please visit wte.network or connect with us directly at info@wte.network. 

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About Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE)

Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE) is a rapidly growing organization dedicated to empowering women in technology and entrepreneurship through near-peer mentorship, educational opportunities, and a supportive community. WTE’s vision is to provide communities and resources that promote economic empowerment for ambitious women globally by 2030. Established in Tampa, Florida, WTE strives to expand its network across multiple cities in the state and beyond.