Betsy Davies named Idaho Women for Education Executive Director to lead Microsoft Pilot Program for Idaho.

diane@igniteidaho.com (Diane Bevan) — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 02:34:41 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Boise, Idaho . Idaho Women for Education announced earlier today by President, Cindy Wilson, that the board has selected Betsy Davies as it's first Executive Director. Ms. Davies, a co-Founder of the new nonprofit, knew it was the perfect time to step into this role and lead the effort to serve at-risk women and girls as part of the recently announced Microsoft TechSpark program.

“Over the last year, we knew that the time was right to emerge our passion nonprofit and put our mission and vision to work”, said Cindy Wilson, President of IDWE. “Through our work with other statewide stakeholders, we have started to hold discussions to better understand what resources are currently available and where we see that we can make the most significant difference. We are so appreciative for the opportunity Microsoft’s commitment through TechSpark affords us and Idaho and celebrate Ms. Davies as our new Executive Director.”

Ms. Davies has served in multiple roles over the last 6 years for the Idaho Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Idaho Hispanic Foundation, and most recently a Grants Compliance and Accounting Director for the Idaho Women's Business Center and Idaho Connect SBA Programs. She has managed over 6 million in federal and non federal awards over the last 5 years and looks forward to bringing her nonprofit and grants management experience to this new role. Formerly, Ms. Davies led multiple years of Leadership Meridian Programs and is well qualified to work with Microsoft to develop and implement a pilot program in Idaho.

"This just feel right", said Betsy Davies, Co-Founder of IDWE and new Executive Director, "It speaks to my heart and I look forward to this amazing opportunity to follow my passion and make an impact for good. There is a great need for an organization like Idaho Women for Education to outreach and engage Idahoans in increased support for women in our corrections facilities. We will fully engage and support current programs, developing an innovative approach with Microsoft's support and encouragement to increase digital skill bridging of the under-served."

The overarching mission of IDWE is to Idaho Women for Education, (IDWE) a new 501(c)3 nonprofit, and has a mission and desire to provide workforce readiness and business education, training and support for young women and adults within the State of Idaho.

More information can be found at IDWE.org

For more information about Idaho Women for Education and the TechSpark program, follow us on social or email us at info@idwe.org.

Click here to see the full Microsoft announcement.

Idaho Women for Education Selected as Part of Microsoft's National TechSpark Program to Grow Economic Opportunities in Idaho

diane@igniteidaho.com (Diane Bevan) — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 16:53:39 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Boise, Idaho. Idaho Women for Education is thrilled to announce that it has been selected by Microsoft to join with other community-based organizations throughout the country in the national expansion of the tech giant’s TechSpark program. As a TechSpark fellow, IDWE will work with Microsoft to foster inclusive economic opportunity, job creation, and innovation in Idaho.

- “It is beyond exciting to be selected as the only community-based organization in the state of Idaho to work with Microsoft in this effort”, said Cindy Wilson, President of IDWE. “Through our work with other statewide stakeholders, we will develop a digital inclusion strategy to help women -- we know that IDWE is not the only organization in Idaho doing the great work of making sure underserved, at-risk women are digitally connected, however, we are grateful for the opportunity Microsoft’s commitment through TechSpark affords us and Idaho.”

- "By receiving this opportunity, it gives us a chance to work towards real issues facing at risk women. We know that with passion, and resources, we can change the narrative and make real change for women in Idaho", Betsy Davies, Co-Founder of IDWE.

- "Since we launched TechSpark in 2017, we’ve helped communities secure more than $125 million in funding and helped create thousands of jobs,” said Kate Behncken, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Philanthropies. "By expanding TechSpark to all 50 states, we hope to continue our hyperlocal, partner-driven work to help communities realize the potential of technology and foster greater economic opportunity."

- "Resources granted by the TechSpark Program will be used to launch an innovative program for at risk women to help overcome current systemic barriers", said Diane Bevan, Co-Founder of IDWE.

The overarching mission of IDWE is to Idaho Women for Education, (IDWE) a new 501(c)3 nonprofit, and has a mission and desire to provide workforce readiness and business education, training and support for young women and adults within the State of Idaho. I DWE has a goal to generate awareness concerning the need for strong business education, technical awareness and financial literacy; through receiving donations from the general public, foundational grants and sponsors, using these funds for women-focused business trainings, scholarships, competitions, conference workshops, and the like for at-risk women.

- "What an incredible honor for our organization to be selected, I appreciate this new partnership with Microsoft and know that the TechSpark Fellow Program will catapult the innovative strategies of our organization to serve in impactful ways." Crystal Arnold, Founding IDWE board member.

More information can be found at IDWE.org

For more information about Idaho Women for Education and the TechSpark program, follow us on social or email us at info@idwe.org.

Click here to see the full Microsoft announcement.