Chic Geek
Women in tech face staggering attrition rates. Reducing this loss by just one-quarter would return 220,000 highly skilled women to the workforce. Chic Geek’s mission is to stop this talent drain and empower mid-career professionals through mentorship, networking, and career development opportunities.
Chic Geek’s Talent Connector, a flagship event, was designed to bridge the gap between women-identifying talent and tech industry leaders. Through targeted networking, employer brand positioning, and action-driven programming, the initiative successfully provided mid-career professionals in software development, data science, UX/UI, IT, and cloud computing direct access to hiring managers and executive mentors.
Elevating Women in Tech
Objectives & Impact
Curated a high-value networking experience connecting 100-150 women in technology with 10-15 hiring companies.
Boosted diversity in the tech sector by facilitating direct engagement between hiring managers and mid-career women looking for new opportunities.
Incorporated Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles throughout the event, ensuring a welcoming and impactful experience.
Drove measurable results, including pre-screened candidate applications, facilitated networking, and post-event follow-ups leading to job placements.
Key Deliverables
Event Production & Logistics: Managed venue coordination, vendor contracts, production timelines, and budget oversight.
Program Curation: Developed a structured agenda featuring employer pitch sessions, EDI training workshops, and a speed-networking component.
Stakeholder Engagement: Acted as a liaison between Chic Geek, corporate partners, and service providers to ensure seamless execution.
Risk Management & Compliance: Assessed and mitigated potential event risks, ensured compliance with venue and public health regulations.
Marketing & Branding Support: Worked with the Chic Geek team to align event branding and partner recognition in all communications.
Event Highlights
Employer Pitch Stage: Companies presented their workplace culture and hiring opportunities in a 3-minute pitch format.
EDI Workshop: Expert-led training on how to create inclusive hiring pipelines and workplace environments.
Structured Speed Networking: Curated one-on-one meetings between pre-screened candidates and hiring managers.
Impact Measurement: Post-event surveys tracked follow-up interviews and successful hires.
Results
Successfully executed a high-impact, mission-driven event that strengthened gender diversity efforts in tech.
Enhanced employer engagement, with several companies expressing interest in repeat participation.
Facilitated meaningful career connections, with multiple candidates progressing to interviews and job offers.
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Jay Ingram (he/him) Science Broadcaster, Author and Musician
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Erin Melnychuk (she/her)
Co-Founder, Evolved Organizational Development -
![Jennifer Merio, smiling warmly in a softly lit indoor setting. She has long, dark brown hair with bangs, striking blue eyes, and is wearing a subtle red lip color. A yellow decorative vase and greenery are visible in the blurred background.]()
"Parker's projects are successfully executed with attention to detail, clear expectations, and manageable deliverables. They communicate clearly and effectively, and explore the tools necessary to support ease in the workflow. They collaborate with confidence, curiosity, compassion, and so much enthusiasm - essential skills for a leader to bring out the absolute best in their team."
Jennifer Merio (she/her) Strategic Brand Designer, Catalyst Creates
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![Kris Schinke, smiling in a professional setting. She has short, layered blonde hair and is wearing a black blazer over a red top, accessorized with a silver brooch. The background features a modern indoor space with greenery and sleek architectural d]()
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Kris Schinke (she/her) Vice President - Integration - X5 Management
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Steve Klintberg Nagy (he/him)
Co-Founder at Virtu Venture, RocketHouse & Spin For Life -
![James G. Foster, smiling outdoors with a city skyline in the background. He has short, neatly styled hair, a well-groomed beard, and is wearing a light-colored dress shirt with a blazer. The setting includes a green sports field and urban high-rises]()
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James G Foster (he/him)
Fund Development Professional -
![Kaely Beisiegel, smiling in a cozy indoor setting. She has blonde hair, blue eyes, and is wearing a checkered newsboy cap along with a warm-toned striped sweater. The softly lit background adds to the inviting and relaxed atmosphere.]()
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Kaely Beisiegel (she/her)
Principal Consultant at Bird Creatives -
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Shone Thistle (she/they)
Executive Director, CQAS & Calgary Poert Laureate -
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Hasina Juma (she/her)
Relationship Manager -
![Kathryn Kolaczek, smiling warmly in a bright, professional setting. She has shoulder-length blonde hair, striking blue eyes, and is wearing a white turtleneck sweater under a camel-colored coat. Her elegant earrings and polished look complement the c]()
"Always the consummate professional, Parker has the innate ability to not only manage complex, large scale events, but more importantly, continually delivers and exceeds expectations. Whether it be employees, volunteers, board members, contractors, Parker uses their skill and tact to not only achieve growth for Calgary Pride but also inspires and brings out the best in their colleagues, often during high pressure, high sensitivity situations. Parker's work seeks to ensure that the voices of those who are most marginalized and vulnerable are considered and heard."
Kathryn Kolaczek (she/her)
CEO, Alchemy Communications -
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Heather Shaw (she/her)
Marketing Director & Digital Media Strategist
