When I came to WITI's 2004 conference in San Jose, I was at a point where I wanted to give up at my job and move on to another. I was frustrated with my employers, management, and the lack of direction I felt the company had. It was a very low point for me. I was hoping to gain some perspective at the WITI conference on how best to move on. Instead, I was completely turned around and reenergized. I enjoyed the overall program, the keynote speakers, and the various seminars, but one that made an incredible difference in my overall attitude was "Taking the Lead: Breakthrough Tools for Authentic Leadership" by Randy Methven of On Your Mark Corporate Coaching and Consulting. I can't say enough about how much of a difference the one-hour class made, but I came back to work with a new enthusiasm, perspective and attitude, so much so that my boss was thrilled and told me to go ahead and expense the trip (I had gone on my own). And I'm still at the same job and still have a great attitude.

I led the "Radical Sabbatical" panel last year at the annual conference in San Jose and it was standing room only. Truth is better than fiction as these panelists proved and it was great to hear how they had all adapted to their Radical Sabbaticals.

I have been involved with WITI since the mid-90's. I have participated in many of the conferences and events, and have been joined by many of the women I've worked with. Our participation led to multiple opportunities to build relationships with existing and potential clients, and also served as an excellent platform for recruiting. Furthermore, the general networking and experience sharing has been invaluable in developing new insights and opening up new doors - both personally and professionally!

While I am just becoming acquainted with WITI, I wish I had known of it 15 years ago as I was building my career. It's a great support organization that I'm proud to be associated with now.

WITI has provided me with a myriad of positive experiences. I am so thankful that I got involved with this organization several years ago. My fondest experience was several years ago in Santa Clara, when I was speaking to a roundtable of "women of color". We were sharing some preliminary thoughts and introducing ourselves, when this "loud" and colorful lady came in the room and interrupted our session. She said she didn't think a roundtable should be conducted with women sitting in chairs in a classroom arrangement. I was new to WITI, so I invited her to help us arrange the room in a manner she felt would be more comfortable. After we had made a big circle so we could see each other and read each other's expressions, she introduced herself as Carolyn Leighton Tal, the founder of WITI. Carolyn can always be found around the conference, lending a hand and showing others how to network and make the most of every experience that WITI has to offer.

I have been with WITI since the very 1st meeting at Sun Microsystems. I have watched it grow in numbers and impact both nationally and internationally. I always meet fantastic women at WITI events!

WITI's 2003 National Conference blew me away. I was surprised at the level of professionalism and the caliber of speakers. I met women from different walks of life, from different countries in the world. The sessions and seminars were powerful and provided a wealth of knowledge. The speakers actually shared their experiences and knowledge! I had a wonderful time at this very enriching and rewarding event. I knew then I had found an organization to be part of.

The WITI Conference have been an inspirational, educational and motivating event that I look forward to every year. I get valuable professional advice, and I enjoy the warm and welcoming environment this special event brings to women. It's a wonderful opportunity to network with many diversified, successful women, and it's awesome to see them recognized.

Attending my first WITI Conference in Santa Clara in 1997 inspired me to take an active role in mentoring girls and women in careers in technology. Since the conference, I have co-founded a woman's network at Raytheon Fullerton, Winning Opportunities for Women, and have sponsored Introduce a Girl to Engineering Days at the site. I not only enjoy mentoring but believe it is my responsibility to help encourage and guide girls and other women on their journey.

I was fortunate enough to attend one of the conferences this year in San Jose and I tell you it was so wonderful. What was invaluable to me is getting charged up. I was getting tired and feeling overwhelmed and then all these dynamic women walking around. It put me right back on track. Thank you WITI!

It's the most fabulous experience you could ever imagine. I will never forget the first time I went to a WITI conference, and I saw all these amazing women and they got up there in a panel... You know how you are watching cartoons and the eyes of the character get as big as saucers? That's how I felt because it was that big of an awakening. The fact that they were not only all here together in one place, but they would be so honest and sharing valuable stuff that I could go back to my business and use.

Not only did my employees return to work from WITI's conference energized, enthusiastic and expectant that their careers have real growth potential, but I found unexpected value in meeting women professionals from across the country and - specifically in our company - who are making a real and positive difference.