TiE Seattle Continues to Lead Drive for Diversity Among Entrepreneurs and Business with Special Fireside Chat on Women and Diversity in the Workplace

Event Features Female Executives from Microsoft, Madrona Ventures, Moderated by former IBM VP


SEATTLE, May 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TiE Seattle, the local chapter of one of the largest nonprofits dedicated to growing and fostering entrepreneurship in the world, is continuing its initiative to promote diversity among entrepreneurs and business with a special charter members-only event focusing on diversity in business and the workplace on Tuesday, June 5, from 5:30 – 9:30 pm at the Seattle Yacht Club. 

The event will include three leading local female executives in technology and venture capital – speakers Sona Venkat, Senior Vice President, Business Development at Microsoft and Maria Karaivanova, Principal at Madrona Venture Group and hosted by Global Empowerment speaker, former IBM Vice President, TiE Seattle Board Member, tech startup investor and consultant Shelmina Abji - who will all share their insights and experiences on diversity in business in a fireside chat setting.  Topics they will cover include what is takes to have the competitive edge in today’s innovative landscape, the challenges of leadership especially among women leaders and how the momentum of women in the workforce may be shattering the glass ceiling.

“The issue of diversity in entrepreneurship and venture capital is extremely timely, especially in technology and an important one for entrepreneurs, investors, executives and business professionals to be up on and to understand,” said Sharmilli Ghosh, president of TiE Seattle and a female entrepreneur and executive with a background in the technology industry, including big data and education.  “This fireside chat on diversity provides a rare opportunity for entrepreneurs, investors, executives and business professionals to explore the topic further, in a fireside chat setting, with seasoned local female executives who are among the top in their fields.”

TiE Seattle has a history of diversity, especially among women, who account for more than 30 percent of its membership.  Charter membership in TiE gives entrepreneurs, investors, executives and business professionals unique opportunities and access to resources and events like this, on a wide variety of topics and disciplines.

The event is open to charter members of TiE Seattle and their guests.

About TiE Seattle

TiE Seattle is the local chapter of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), a global nonprofit dedicated to growing and fostering entrepreneurship throughout the world.  TiE believes in the power of ideas to change the face of entrepreneurship and growing business through the five pillars of its global mission: mentoring, networking, education, incubating and funding. TiE Seattle hosts approximately 40 events a year, across all its programs, addressing entrepreneurs, startups, mentors and investors. TiE events are sponsored by the leading VCs and enterprises in the Seattle ecosystem, including enterprises such as Amazon, law firms such as Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, K&L Gates and Fenwick & West, and leading VCs such as Madrona Venture Group.

TiE was founded in 1992 by a group of successful entrepreneurs and is currently the world’s largest entrepreneurial organization.  With members across 60 chapters in 17 countries, TiE is reaching out and fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs. 

Media contacts:

Belinda Young                                                                                  
BYPR                                                                                                     
206-932-3145                                                                                    
byoung@bypr.com