Burtch Works and Women in Data Science (WiDS) Worldwide Announce Strategic Partnership to Boost Female Representation in Data Science and AI to 30% by 2030

Two of the most prestigious and reputable organizations in Data and Analytics combine forces to launch an interactive career advocacy platform called UpLink.
Michael Butts, CEO of Burtch Works (L) and Margot Gerritsen, Executive Director of WiDS
Michael Butts, CEO of Burtch Works (L) and Margot Gerritsen, Executive Director of WiDS

In a groundbreaking partnership, Burtch Works, a leading talent solutions company specializing in Data Science, AI, and Engineering, has joined forces with Women in Data Science (WIDS), a global network committed to empowering women to reach their full potential in the field of data science.

This collaboration marks a significant stride towards a shared vision — creating a world where women in Data and Analytics thrive. Both organizations have set an ambitious goal of achieving 30% representation in education, innovation, and leadership in the data science and AI field by 2030.

For over 15 years, Burtch Works has been at the forefront of advocating for women in the Data and Analytics industry.  The company's commitment to providing compensation transparency, industry insights, and statistically significant data has been instrumental in helping women navigate their careers in a dynamic market marketplace.

Shared Vision and Goals

The partnership between Burtch Works and WiDS is more than a mere alliance. It is a shared mission to build a world that works better, for everyone. By joining forces, these two organizations aim to break barriers and create equal opportunities for women across the Data and Analytics field. Their goal is to ensure that women are not only represented but are leading and innovating in data science and AI.

This partnership heralds the launch of WiDS UpLink, an innovative platform designed to offer a plethora of advantages and benefits for WiDS members, including:

  • Career Advancement: Members can find employment opportunities tailored to their needs, including full-time positions, short and long-term contracts, contract-to-hire roles, and internships.

  • Compensation Transparency: Access to detailed compensation data will aid in decision-making and encourage economic prosperity.

  • Career Resources: Availability of resources, training, and industry insights to help members upskill and enhance their career paths.

  • Continuous Feedback: Members will receive feedback and career advice throughout their job application process, ensuring transparency and support.

WiDS sponsors stand to gain significantly from this alliance, with the WiDS Uplink offering:

  • Diverse Talent Acquisition: Access to a diverse talent pool and assistance from trusted advisors to find the right candidates.

  • Bias Mitigation: Tools and strategies to help sponsors mitigate unconscious biases in their hiring processes.

  • Employee Advocacy: Ensuring healthcare, safety, and advocacy for employees.

  • Enhanced Hiring Process: Assistance in defining specific job requirements and strengthening the interview process to ensure successful hires.

Leadership Insights

CEO of Burtch Works, Michael Butts: "Our passion at Burtch Works is centered around our mission to build a world that works better, for everyone. This strategic alliance with WiDS marks a significant milestone in our quest to build a more inclusive and equitable industry as we work towards our mission. Together, we are committed to reshaping the data science landscape and laying the groundwork for the next generation of female leaders. Collaborating with Margot, Karen, and the WiDS team has been a profoundly enriching experience, and together, we are poised to make the UpLink platform an extraordinary achievement."

Executive Director of WiDS, Margot Gerritsen: “Our aim with UpLink is to provide a career platform that is efficient and respectful for members of the WiDS community. UpLink not only offers job opportunities, but also provides resources for upskilling, personal development, and career and training guidance. We aim to equip members of our community with the necessary skills and confidence to successfully pursue their careers and secure a great position in a great organization. We are excited to partner with Burtch Works, a long-time collaborator of WiDS, to introduce UpLink, and hope it will be an exciting new resource for WiDSers!”

For more information about this partnership, or to get involved, please contact:

Margot Gerritsen - 415-250-2597 margot@widsworldwide.org

Michael Butts - 630-740-3700 mbutts@burtchworks.com

About WiDS 

WiDS is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in collaboration with Stanford University and Community Initiatives. WiDS empowers women to reach their full potential in the field of data science. They elevate and celebrate the outstanding work of women on a global scale, fostering respect, collaboration, connection, and visibility. The WiDS community consists of over 100,000 members worldwide and provides access to programs, content, and resources that inspire, educate and support, so that vibrant voices and ideas can be shared with the world.

About Burtch Works

Burtch Works, a Rev4 brand, is a renowned leader in talent solutions, specializing in data science, analytics, AI, ML, data engineering, business intelligence, predictive analytics, and technology. With a strong focus on fostering community through advocating for talent and solving business challenges, Burtch Works serves as a trusted partner to both organizations and professionals alike, offering unparalleled expertise, career guidance, and compelling job opportunities. For more information about Burtch Works, visit www.burtchworks.com.

About the Author:

The CEO Burtch Works, Michael Butts is an industry leader in data and technology workforce transformation and sustainability, and a subject matter expert on the analytics and data science hiring market.  Michael is a frequent speaker on industry career topics, and has been an active member of the Staffing Industry Analysis and American Staffing Association. 

Over the past several years, Michael and Burtch Works have been repeatedly mentioned in the press, including the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, CNBC, The Chicago Tribune, Information Week, CDO Magazine, and many more.  Burtch Works is a specialized talent solutions firm specializing in data science, data engineering, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, recruiting for positions on both a fulltime and contract basis for organizations ranging from Fortune 50 corporations to growing startups and private equity firms.  Burtch Works has also been recognized by Forbes, Inc. 5000 and ClearlyRated as one of American's Best Talent Solution firms.

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