AnitaB.org Names ThoughtWorks a 2017 Winner of the Top Companies for Women Technologists Program

CHICAGO, Oct. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, ThoughtWorks, a global technology consultancy, has been named the Top Companies for Women Technologists 2017 Winner for companies with under 1,000 technical employees by AnitaB.org, a nonprofit organization focused on the advancement of women in computing. This recognition underscores the ongoing commitment from ThoughtWorks to increase the representation of women technologists and foster a workplace that welcomes and celebrates multifaceted experiences and identities.

This year's national program consisted of 63 companies with more than 1.3 million US employees across 9 industries. A total of 28 organizations were named to the Leadership Index and ThoughtWorks is humbled to be honored at the highest level as one of four companies who demonstrated unparalleled leadership in recruiting, retaining and advancing more women in technical roles.

"As technologists, it's our responsibility to ensure the software powering our world is built by a workforce reflective of the society we serve," said Dr. Rebecca Parsons, Chief Technology Officer, ThoughtWorks. "Programming and design decisions are too often made by homogenous teams, allowing human and structural bias, both conscious and unconscious, to creep into systems. To safeguard against a perpetual cycle of bias, which becomes increasingly difficult to break, inputs must come from a diverse set of technologists.  Building better tech for tomorrow requires all of us to act with urgency today in addressing and solving the challenges of building and maintaining a diverse workforce."

Over the past seven years, ThoughtWorks has made great strides in increasing diversity at all levels, from graduate hires to senior leadership, through a variety of programs and approaches. Past initiatives that have moved the needle include ThoughtWorks casting a wide net for talent and looking beyond computer science degrees, which includes self-taught coders, or graduates who majored in disciplines like economics, liberal arts or mechanical engineering. Additionally, ThoughtWorks committed to and continues providing focused training, workshops, and discussions on topics that impact and affect society including unconscious bias awareness, sexism, gender diversity and inclusion, privilege, and race and ethnicity.

New this year, and inspired by our success with our graduate training and onboarding program, ThoughtWorks University, we introduced an immersive onboarding program called First Year Experience. Each new employee comes to us with a unique background and set of experiences.  In order to unleash an employee's full potential, they need to be able to bring their authentic self to work. ThoughtWorks' First Year Experience addresses the need to provide customized support because each individual's journey will be slightly different. The program includes training, coaching and frequent reflection designed to provide time to appreciate growth and plan for the path ahead.

"AnitaB.org would like to congratulate ThoughtWorks on being recognized as a top company for women technologists for the second consecutive year," said Elizabeth Ames, Senior Vice President of Programs, Marketing, and Alliances, AnitaB.org. "ThoughtWorks continues to be a great example of a technology company where women can thrive and that gender diversity in tech can be achieved."

The AnitaB.org 2017 key findings and insights report can be found here.

ThoughtWorks is proud to be recognized at the 2017 Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing event and honored alongside Accenture, GEICO and IBM, who are also making strides to improve gender diversity. The event, the world's largest gathering of women technologists, provides an opportunity to celebrate the collective progress made in pursuit of equality. To learn more about ThoughtWorks visit www.thoughtworks.com/ghc17 and follow us on twitter @ThoughtWorks. #UpwardTogether

About Top Companies
AnitaB.org's Top Companies for Women Technologists is a national program that recognizes companies committed to building workplaces where women in technology roles can thrive. The program uses a rigorous methodology to analyze data from participating organizations and produce insights across three key areas: representation, employee experience, and programs and policies.

About AnitaB.org (Previously referred to as the Anita Borg Institute)
AnitaB.org, inspires and guides women in computing and organizations that view technology innovation as a strategic imperative. Founded in 1997 by computer scientist Anita Borg, our reach extends to more than 87 countries. We believe technology innovation powers the global economy, and that women are crucial to building technology the world needs. AnitaB.org is a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 charitable organization.

About ThoughtWorks
We are a software company and a community of passionate, purpose-led individuals. We think disruptively to deliver technology to address our clients' toughest challenges, all while seeking to revolutionize the IT industry and create positive social change.

SOURCE ThoughtWorks