Women in Tech

PEARLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN

story by DEBRA HULL                                photos by JUDY ANN PHOTOGRAPHY

Salty, Marsh Breezes, Frolicking Dolphins, and … a Celebration of Technology?!

It’s a mix that makes perfect sense in our dynamic corner of the Lowcountry!

The Beaufort Digital Corridor’s fledgling Women in Tech (WIT) Meetup recently gathered for a scenic afternoon cruise aboard the Salty Dog to celebrate a significant milestone — their two-year anniversary. “Our WIT group aims to create community among Lowcountry women looking to foster relationships, add to their skill sets, grow their network, and give back to their profession and community,” explained Jeannine McConnell, a senior level technology executive and 45-year veteran of the industry, who serves on the Beaufort Digital Corridor (BDC) Board of Directors. McConnell added that the group is part of the larger South Carolina Women in Tech group and participates in statewide activities like an upcoming summer book club.

The celebration’s theme was “You are a pearl, unique and valuable, emerging from the depths of your experiences,” and began with a signature mocktail “Pearls Just Want to Have Fun” (a fun homage to Cyndi Lauper’s 70th birthday), and the opportunity to have a headshot by professional photographer Judy Agiu, of Judy Ann Photography.

Jess O’Brien, the BDC Executive Director, who founded the WIT group in 2022, welcomed the women saying, “Today we come together not just to celebrate our successes but to support one another in our ongoing journeys. Your presence here is a testament to the vibrant and growing community of women in technology in Beaufort.” In fact, one of the VIP women in attendance was Monica Hagewood, the founder of MoxieTowns, a curated atlas of the most remarkable small towns in America. Beaufort is featured as one of America’s MoxieTowns, and according to Ms. Hagewood, the Digital Corridor was one of the attributes that contributed to its selection. “We have found that the presence of entrepreneurial support innovation centers like the Beaufort Digital Corridor, engaging co-working spaces, and niche networking opportunities like WIT are a signal that a town is embracing innovation while owning and designing how they grow,” Hagewood explained. “These are dynamic towns that welcome new talent and engage newcomers into the community.”

CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY MAKE EVERYONE BETTER
Indeed, according to program manager Angela Coxe, who helped co-organize the anniversary event, connection is the thread that binds this tech community together. “The value of the BDC is that as an Entrepreneur Support Organization we are able to provide resources, space, community, and capital to grow a pipeline of highly skilled professionals in Beaufort County,” added Jess. Amy Doerflinger, a senior program leader for a national financial giant and one of the inaugural members of the WIT group, takes advantage of that support and co-works at the Digital Corridor’s Base Camp. “This is a place that I find camaraderie,” she explained. “It’s a space I go to create and innovate. When you are part of a high performing team, you need to think differently. My involvement with this group challenges me, helps me to grow, and increases my acumen at work,” she stated. Growth, innovation, and risk-taking are certainly a WIT theme. Artist Tatiana Tatum, originally from Russia, was a fine arts student at the University of South Carolina at Beaufort and started visiting Base Camp because of her interest in branching out to design video games. “I love working in different mediums and the interaction with all kinds of design professionals,” she smiled. As a result of the collaboration and entrepreneurial support that Tatum found at the BDC, she became part of a dynamic team, designing a project that won a prestigious Tech Stars competition, and receiving support and funding for its development. “The support, resources, and people that I have found at the BDC are everything,” Tatiana enthused. “Co-working at the Digital Corridor is how I met a lot of friends and got connected to the community,” added Anne Huddle, who moved to Beaufort a year and a half ago and works for a solar software company. Dawne Walker, a 20-year veteran of the industry, is the Director of Digital for a Washington, DC firm that is one of the largest digital data firms in the world. “I see WIT as an opportunity to give back (via mentoring and networking) to other women coming up behind me in the field,” she stated. Chloe-Ann Bell is one of those younger women, a Technical College of the Lowcountry student studying cybersecurity – one of the hottest fields in the tech industry. “I volunteer at the Corridor because I can connect with other professionals who are already established in the cybersecurity field. They give great advice, insight, and help to mentor me at this stage of my career,” Chloe explained.

TWO ADVANCEMENTS IN THE BDC PURSUIT OF INNOVATION AND GROWTH
Historically, the Beaufort Digital Corridor was created to foster innovation and growth within the community. Attendees at the WIT anniversary celebration were privileged to be some of the first to hear two exciting announcements in the organization’s pursuit of those goals, and they were in the perfect setting – on a beautiful boat! “A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats” is the theme for the organization’s newly formed Beaufort Digital Corridor Foundation, a 501(C)(3) charitable foundation which is the next chapter in the organization’s evolution. “The Foundation is committed to advancing economic growth and social equity in our community by providing accessible educational pathways and opportunities for individuals to upskill and thrive in high-wage tech jobs,” stated Jess. The Foundation will be dedicated to addressing the critical need for talent development and education, and serving individuals by equipping them with the skills and resources needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving tech industry. “Our evolution to a Charitable Foundation 501(c)(3) status is crucial for us to fulfill our broader mission of fostering economic growth,” stated Jess. “By establishing a nonprofit arm focused on education and workforce development, we can directly address the skills gap in the tech industry, and create a more inclusive and prosperous economy while leveraging tax-deductible donations and grants to fund the educational programs and initiatives that benefit our entire community,” she finished.

To that goal, the second announcement outlined the Foundation’s inaugural program, “Whole Person Mentorship.” Jeannine explained, “Economic opportunity begins with digital literacy. The more digitally literate and financially prosperous a community is, the better for everyone who engages with or within that community!” According to the Foundation, the mentoring program will focus on the whole person, using a 360-degree view of personal enrichment and the development of professional skills. Several of the WIT veteran executives are already part of this evolving program.

THE TIDE IS RISING AND THERE’S A RIPPLE EFFECT THAT BENEFITS ALL OF BEAUFORT COUNTY
In an era where we are led to believe that technology means the absence of personal touchpoints, a vibrant Lowcountry afternoon aboard the Salty Dog, with the Beaufort Digital Corridor’s dynamic WIT group, serves as a shining example of the importance of connection, friendship, education, resources, and mentorship. The Beaufort Digital Corridor’s commitment to innovation and the needs of their entrepreneurial community is creating a ripple effect. As each woman stated in her own way, the BDC fosters a culture of collaboration, creativity, and risk-taking that is permeating the local tech community. As a result, more individuals are encouraged to embrace innovation, leading to an overall positive shift in the region’s entrepreneurial mindset. Cheers to Beaufort Digital Corridor’s Women in Tech! Their two-year anniversary is the first wave of many BIG things to come.

For More Information:
Beaufort Digital Corridor
843.470.3506
BeaufortDigital.com
info@beaufortdigital.com

Beaufort Women in Tech Meetup
https://meetu.ps/c/4YGgR/n7gyC/a

Women in Tech Summer Book Club
https://meetu.ps/e/Nbjh8/n7gyC/i

Beaufort Digital Corridor Foundation
(Donations also accepted)
https://givebutter.com/bdcfoundation

Beaufort Digital Corridor
“Whole Person Mentoring Program”
https://www.beaufortdigital.com/about/contact/

MoxieTowns
https://MoxieTowns.com | Insta: Moxietowns