May 19, 2015 (Philadelphia) – TechGirlz, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering girls to be future technology leaders, is proud to announce that Kathleen Utecht, partner of Core Innovation Capital, and Brigid Barron, developmental psychologist and professor at Stanford University, have been appointed to the Board of Trustees.

Utecht was recently recognized as one of Crain’s Top Ten Women to Watch in NYC Tech and was also named a member of Techweek100 for her significant impact on the technology and innovation ecosystem. Her background includes positions in operations, investing and financial services. She also had a significant leadership role in the creation and execution of early stage tech ecosystems such as the Comcast Ventures Catalyst Fund and WVP Ventures.

Prior to these roles, she was an investor and leader for toy startup Green Rock Entertainment, and an investment banker in the financial services group of Raymond James. As a TechGirlz trustee, Utecht will use her extensive background in mentoring women and entrepreneurs to help young girls become future technology leaders.

Barron studies process of collaborative learning and teaches courses in qualitative research methods, child development and schooling, and social processes in learning and development at Stanford University. Barron currently researches processes and products of collaboration in the context of inquiry-based learning environments, learning through project-based computer curriculum, design and assessment of community technology centers, and family engagement in computing activities. She previously worked as an instructor and senior research associate at Vanderbilt University. Barron’s research in children’s learning will help to further TechGirlz and encourage girls to pursue a path in technology.

“We are thrilled to have Kathleen and Brigid as members of the Board of Trustees,” said Tracey Welson-Rossman, founder and CEO of TechGirlz. “Their professional experience and expertise in entrepreneurship and technology will serve to empower the next generation of female technology professionals.”

As Board of Trustee members, Utecht and Barron will utilize their expertise to enable middle school aged girls to interact with women who have carved out successful careers in technology fields.

About TechGirlz

TechGirlz inspires young women to shatter the statistics. The organization’s aim is to help adolescent girls understand that a future in technology does not necessarily equate to “a boring computer job,” but instead transcends the cubicle into nearly every field imaginable. By encouraging women to participate in science and technology today, as well as providing a solid foundation of peers, mentors and positive role models, TechGirlz hopes to spark innovation, exhilaration and motivation in young women to become tomorrow’s tech leaders.