We’re thrilled to announce Dealertrack has been recognized, with 46 other Utah-based technology companies, in the Women Tech Council’s 2019 Shatter List for actively employing measurers to break the glass ceiling for women in technology. This is the second year Dealertrack has made the Shatter List, and our first in our brand new headquarters located in the heart of Silicon Slopes. Our commitment to building a gender-inclusive culture where women are able to succeed is bringing positive change to the valley and signals a shift that technology-based careers in Utah are on the rise for women.
The significant shift
As Utah’s technology sector continues to see record growth, it’s discouraging to hear that the Beehive State hasn’t kept up with the rest of the country with equal representation in executive leadership, salary equity, and equal treatment in the workplace. As recently as August of 2018, Utah was ranked lowest (#50) in the Best & Worst States for Women’s Equality by WalletHub’s research. The Women in Tech Council (WTC), formed in 2007, is a national organization that offers mentoring, visibility, opportunities, and networking in an effort to build business environments that ensure a strong, diverse, and entrepreneurial workforce, according to their website. Since that time, Utah has benefited from talent development like STEM MX, Networking events like TechTalks, workplace development career days, and more. Forging a community of inclusion, the goal to build a brighter future for everyone in Utah’s workplace is within reach.
Diversity at Dealertrack
A commitment to inclusivity is more than a mission statement written to attract potential candidates. At Dealertrack, it’s part of our culture—and it goes beyond office perks and benefits. As Andrea Kourafas, Senior Human Resources Business Partner at Dealertrack, explains, “A diverse workforce is crucial to a strong business. Innovation and fresh ideas are the cornerstone of growth and to accomplish this, we need people from all walks of life coming together toward a common goal.” The awareness that our own culture directly impacts our brand’s promise to be forward-thinking, vested partners is a reflection of our commitment to the future. “We are looking to have a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and work in,” Andrea continues. “The more diversity and backgrounds the better prepared we are to respond to the variety of our customers and their needs. Diversity also makes the workplace more interesting and connecting for each of us.”
What it takes to move forward
The Women in Technology Council qualifies companies for the Shatter List based on four criteria: executive engagement, company programming, community investment, and formal women’s or D&I groups which support women internally. Dealertrack, along with Cox Automotive, boasts several initiatives, including the Women with Drive network which aims to cultivate an environment of gender equality and empowerment across all levels in the company. Unique programs help foster growth, awareness, and opportunities for employees across multiple locations. Additionally, Cox Automotive and Dealertrack continue to foster talent by promoting from within. With the recent appointment of Mandi Fang to Vice President and General Manager of Dealertrack’s DMS Business, Utah’s technology sector continues to see leadership examples shattering stereotypes.
“Breaking the glass ceiling for women in technology requires companies to move beyond single-sided efforts to organization-wide solutions that actively create gender-inclusive teams and environments,” said Cydni Tetro, president of Women Tech Council. “The programs and practices these companies are building and implementing are creating this type of impact for those in their organization, and helping advance women in technology across the entire sector.”
Find your next career at Dealertrack here: https://us.dealertrack.com/content/dealertrack/en/about/careers.html
