GW calendar logoThis week the National Partnership for Women and Families released a report on U.S. wages, timed with Equal Pay Day. The report was not a celebration of gender equality in the workplace, but rather an indictment of persistent inequality.

The survey found that women on average still only make 78 cents for every dollar earned by male employees. STEM jobs, in particular, present a barrier to women seeking equal representation and pay.

Still, despite Tuesday’s troubling announcement, many organizations are making strides toward gender equality. The Anita Borg Institute just published a list of 13 tech companies helping female employees thrive, Seattle’s ADA Developers Academy teaches programming skills to women tuition-free, and San Francisco non-profit Planetwork is also doing its part to close the gender gap.

logo-1The organization is hosting its third annual She’s Geeky “Unconference” April 24 and 25 at the Lake Washington Rowing Club. The free-form event allows women in STEM to network and discuss issues that are relevant to their workplace experiences.

Planetwork calls She’s Geeky an “unconference” because festivities kick off with a brainstorming session where the women in attendance set the agenda. Guests are invited to bring their daughters at reduced ticket prices so women of all ages can participate in the conversation. Tickets are on sale for $10 – $75 here.

That’s one of the selections from the GeekWire Calendar, our curated list of the Pacific Northwest’s top tech events. Keep reading and visit the full calendar for more.

nw tech expoNorthwest Tech Expo. A Celebration of Jobs and Companies

What: Bellingham TechExpo + Job Fair is a presentation of the Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington (TAG). TAG is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization based in Bellingham, Washington that was formed to address the needs of a growing technology industry in Whatcom County. TAG’s mission is to inform, represent, and connect Whatcom area technology businesses and professionals and is committed to accelerating the growth of technology businesses in Bellingham and surrounding areas.

Bellingham TechExpo + Job Fair is a showcase of technology in the Pacific Northwest, as well as an opportunity to find some of the top technology jobs in our region today.  We also have a showcase of local STEM education opportunities from Kindergarten through college.

When: Friday April 24, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Where: Best Western Plus Lakeway Inn & Conference Center, Bellingham.

Register: RSVP for free here.

ZS_ZINOB2B_Logo_color_RZINO B2B Investment Forum

What: The ZINO Pitch Tank Battle Round will select the five companies that will present to Kevin Harrington and Guest Sharks at ZINO Pitch Tank (Shark Tank with Heart) in May. All 2014 and 2015 ZINO Society presenting companies will be invited to apply to present for one of the 20 (2 minute ultra-fast pitch) Battle Round slots available.

To gather courage needed for the Battle Round, there will be a Glenfiddich Scotch Tasting featuring Glenfiddich Brand Ambassador, Mitch Bouchard. The presentations will be to angel investors and business leaders including a cadre of Coaches and Judges who will make the selections following each flight of the Battle Round, followed by keynote speaker, Colin Sprake, noted business success trainer and author of three bestsellers including “Entrepreneur Success Recipe – The Key Ingredients That Separate The Millionaires From the Strugglers”.

Bellingham TechExpo + Job Fair is a showcase of technology in the Pacific Northwest, as well as an opportunity to find some of the top technology jobs in our region today.  We also have a showcase of local STEM education opportunities from Kindergarten through college.

When: Tuesday, April 21, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Where: The Rainier Club, Seattle.

Register: Tickets are on sale for $20 – $75 here.

stemSTEM: Science Uncorked

What: Come learn about the other “stem” education at Science Uncorked. Enjoy an evening sampling some of Washington’s finest wines while exploring the science straight from the vine. Enjoy unlimited tastings from participating wineries and delicious appetizers paired perfectly with various wine selections. Wineries are being added often – check back for current list of participating wineries.

Your ticket includes unlimited tastings from participating wineries, appetizers and a souvenir wine glass.

When: Thursday, April 23, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Where: Pacific Science Center, Seattle.

Register: Tickets are on sale for $45 here.

startup weekendStartup Weekend Seattle Latino Markets – All Welcome

What: This weekend will give Startup Weekend some Latin flare, while hopefully solving pain points and creating applications that serve the Latino community local or abroad. There are no requirements for the types of apps created and you don’t even have to be Latino, just bring a fresh new idea, meet new friends, and build something awesome!

When: Friday, May 1, 6 p.m. – Sunday May 3, 9 p.m.

Where: Moz, Seattle.

Register: Tickets are on sale for $25 – $99 here.

in-nw_Conference_2015Digital Innovation + Leadership Conference

What: Want to know where the best in the biz are headed? The IN-NW Digital Innovation & Leadership Conference is dedicated to dissecting what’s next for digital engagement and modern business. We gather the creators, strategists, thinkers, and tinker-ers. You get to experience their transformative ideas first-hand.

We’ve built a two day event for those in Digital Marketing, PR, Small Business Management, Social Entrepreneurship, Creative Strategy, Consulting, (and those who just dig this stuff). If you are interested in joining conversations and connecting with influencers who are shaping the future of the game, the IN-NW Conference is designed with you in mind. Join us.

When: Tuesday, April 28, 10 a.m. – Wednesday April 29, 4 p.m.

Where: Showbox SoDo , Seattle.

Register: Tickets are on sale for $250 – $325 here.

Items for this feature are picked from the GeekWire Calendar, where you can submit free listings for geeky gatherings and technology-related events in the Pacific Northwest. 

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