Elizabeth Hoffler

Tell us your story.

As a professional social worker, it may seem strange for me to be featured as a woman in tech, but I’ve learned that it has become a responsibility to utilize digital platforms in order to promote your message. In order to make your voice heard, influence others, and ultimately accomplish your goals and contribute to the broader social good, embracing tech and media is no longer an option—it’s an obligation. Further, we are fortunate to live in an era when we can communicate the things we are most passionate about to a vast audience across the globe.

I am an advocate for women in the workforce and along with my mentor, recently launched Start Smart Career Center which is a virtual mentoring network for women who want to thrive in nonprofit organizations. Featuring the voices of a diverse group of leaders at different stages in their careers, Start Smart Career Center is a space for women to learn from the stories, experiences, and lessons of others who have dealt with barriers to professional success. We’ve also published a book (100 Ways to Start Smart and Stay Ahead in Your Career) which is full of advice covering everything from minor daily irritations in the office to major career dilemmas.

Our motto is that every woman deserves a mentor she can trust and depend upon when she faces the inevitable adversity that arises when women choose to lead. Much like the women in tech project, we believe in the power of a movement that showcases and supports audacious women who know their worth and refuse to back down.

What do you most want other women and young girls to know about being a woman in our digital culture?

Be fearless in promoting the issues you are passionate about. Your voice is unique and deserves to be heard. Find innovative ways to promote your message. Find unique people who believe in you and support your vision. Don’t take no for an answer and if you do face barriers, find the inner strength to knock them down. Always ask yourself “what is the worst that can happen?”

Pass it on!

My mentor, friend, and co-founder of Start Smart Career Center, Betsy Clark, is the type of leader that I hope all women have an opportunity to learn from one day. I want to promote her message that it is ridiculous for us to not recognize our own power. We have a responsibility to do everything we can to be our best, pursue our passions, and change the world for future generations of women.

The Women in Tech campaign exists to help redefine what women in technology means in the 21st century. Started independently by a group of professional women who, after many impassioned discussions about women in tech knew we wanted to expand this definition beyond 'traditional' technology skills. To us, it includes most every current, emerging or evolving role within an organization. By featuring leaders and emerging leaders across industries who embody this we hope to collectively 'stand up', be proud of our place in the digital world and inspire young women or those new to the 'tech space' to get involved.