July 2008 News Release
Contact:
Lauren Ruth
MentorNet
408.296.4405
info@mentornet.net
FOR RELEASE July 1, 2008
SUN MICROSYSTEMS GRANT SUPPORTS MENTORING FOR LATINAS IN COMPUTING
(San José, CA) – Of nearly 2 million employed computer and information scientists in the U.S. in 2003, Hispanic women represented just 18,000, or less than 1%, and Hispanic men outnumber Hispanic women in this field by more than three to one. Since mentoring has been identified as a critical strategy in the retention of students, particularly those underrepresented in these fields, a grass-roots group, Latinas in Computing, is working with MentorNet, The E-Mentoring Network for Diversity in Engineering and Science, to build more mentoring relationships between students and professionals in the fields of computing.
A recent grant from Sun Microsystems will help support a web portal for Latinas in Computing developed earlier this year. Sun joins MentorNet, Latinas in Computing, Texas Instruments, and the Association of Women in Science in helping to sponsor this project. The portal provides direct access for Latinas studying or employed in computing sciences and engineering to participate in mentoring and networking, including opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and early career faculty to engage in one-on-one mentoring relationships with professionals in their fields.
Gilda Garretón, Senior Staff Engineer for the VLSI Research Group at Sun Microsystems Laboratories, has been instrumental in building the partnership between Latinas in Computing and MentorNet. "The MentorNet Latinas in Computing web portal is one more way we can reach and encourage diverse new talent, and we are really pleased to have Sun Microsystems' support in the effort," she says. "Sun is proud of its efforts to foster an inclusive global workforce, while also engaging employees in programs which meet our social responsibility goals and commitments. We know that mentoring works, and that a diverse workforce provides a competitive advantage."
"As Hispanic populations grow in the U.S., the Latinas in Computing web portal is one more way we can ensure we have the talent for tomorrow," says Carol B. Muller, Founder and CEO of MentorNet. "We really appreciate Sun's support in sustaining this new gateway for Latinas in Computing, as part of our focus on mentoring for diverse populations of engineers and scientists, and in providing a way for industry leaders to connect with future employees. MentorNet has a long track record of work toward retaining women and others underrepresented in engineering, science and related fields through e-mentoring programs and related best practices."
The portal is available on the web at: www.MentorNet.net/LiC
About MentorNet - www.MentorNet.net
MentorNet, headquartered in San José, California, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization working to further the progress of women and others underrepresented in scientific and technical fields through the use of a dynamic, technology-supported mentoring network. MentorNet aims to advance individuals and society, and enhance engineering and related sciences, by promoting a diversified, expanded and talented global workforce. In partnership with colleges and universities, corporations, government labs and agencies, and professional societies, MentorNet is international in scope, serving students and professionals from all over the world.
MentorNet was recognized in 2001 with the (U.S.) Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. Major funding is provided by IBM, Intel Foundation, Texas Instruments, Cisco Systems, Hewlett Packard, AT&T, 3M Foundation, Alcoa Foundation, and the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation.
About Sun Microsystems, Inc. – www.sun.com
Sun Microsystems develops the technologies that power the global marketplace. Guided by a singular vision – "The Network is the Computer" – Sun drives network participation through shared innovation, community development and open source leadership. Sun can be found in more than 100 countries and on the Web at http://sun.com.
Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Java and The Network Is The Computer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All SPARC trademarks are used under license and are trademarks or registered trademarks of SPARC International, Inc. in the US and other countries. Products bearing SPARC trademarks are based upon an architecture developed by Sun Microsystems, Inc.
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