OTTAWA, Canada, October 17^th , 2005 —CATA WIT (Women in Technology) Forum, an organization devoted to helping women in technology advance in their careers is celebrating the launch of their Ottawa Chapter at the Ottawa Marriott Hotel on 100 Kent Street. The event titled “Breaking through the Glass Ceiling” encompasses an interactive discussion panel comprised of women from all professional levels. These women were able to overcome barriers in the industry and achieve a high level of success to reach the top -- through hard work and determination.

The Ottawa Launch Event is part of a CATA WIT initiative for helping women working within technology companies and as entrepreneurs to advance their careers through networking, mentoring, professional development and advocacy.

Although significant progress for gender equality in the high-tech sector has been made, a Glass Ceiling that hinders women’s career development, particularly at senior management and executive levels, continues to exist. This event seeks to promote an opportunity to connect with our community’s most successful women by inspiring others to overcome the common challenges, varying from institutional prejudices surrounding management promotions to striking a balance between career and family.

This is the first event of the “Steps to Success for Women in Technology” series organized by CATA WIT to provide the current generation of women in high-tech the ability to participate in networking opportunities with prominent women in the industry.