Yang Rohr Joins Task Force to Increase Female Representation in Technology

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, will work to expand opportunities for women in high-tech fields as a member of the new Increasing Representation of Women in Technology Task Force.

“Illinois continues to be at the cutting edge of technology research and development, because we believe that people from all walks of life can be the source of the next big breakthrough,” Yang Rohr said. “However, as it stands, Illinois needs to do more to support women in this sphere. Obstacles such as high tuition costs, exclusionary hiring practices and much more continue to harm not only those seeking these lucrative careers but our state as a whole. With this task force, we can gain invaluable insight and put forward actionable recommendations to address these and other issues. Tackling gender inequity will take more than one bill, but by joining this taskforce I hope to bring my experience perspective in creating more space for women in our technology sector.”

Yang Rohr led the effort to create the Increasing Representation of Women in Technology Task Force by passing the bipartisan Senate Bill 2682 this spring. The panel will include House and Senate legislators, statewide union representatives and advocacy groups. It will study the recruitment and retention rates for women, identify pre-existing best practices and points of improvement and recommend legislative solutions that will create more space for women in the technology sector.

The findings of this task force will be reported to the governor and the General Assembly by December 1.

Yang Rohr was appointed to the Increasing Representation of Women in Technology Task Force on Wednesday, Aug. 14 by Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch.