I've been involved for almost 10 years now with a local organization in Indianapolis focused on "attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting" women in technical fields - science, engineering, IT, etc.  We've found great advantages in building our own support network.  However, I'd like to expand upon this local effort and open up the discussion to hear from other women and men.  To realize change, will take everyone working together.

 Let me be clear about what this not.  This is not a place to complain about how men, society, academic institutions, corporate culture, etc. have held us back.  I don't want this to be an online gripe session.

What I do want is to foster meaningful dialog about the factors that have led to under-representation of women in these fields and constructive solutions to addressing those issues.  I truly hope others will join in the conversation and share ideas that have worked in your communities and institutions.