UC Davis Womxn in Technology Hits Crowdfunding Goal

UC Davis Womxn in Technology— a new employee resource group (ERG) within the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion—recently broke a DEI funding record during the university’s most recent crowdfunding campaign. 

Womxn in Technology (WIT) raised more than $5,000 in less than one month through the university-sanctioned grassroots fundraising effort this past October, thereby achieving 100 percent of its fundraising goal. With this achievement, WIT has raised more money through crowdfunding than any other ERG has achieved to date. The group was elated, especially considering it was the first time WIT participated in Crowdfund UC Davis.

“It was really exciting to be involved and as the amount of donations started to grow, it got even more exciting!” said Erica Avila, WIT board member and lead of WIT’s crowdfunding campaign. “Once we got to the 75 percent threshold, I knew we we’re going to meet our goal.” 

She continued, “It was also heartwarming to see that people really believe in our mission and, with their gifts, they showed us they support our group and the work that we do.” 

Avila said the funds will be invaluable to advancing WIT’s mission which is “to provide a supportive and safe place for womxn in technology to gather, learn, share and strive for equity,” according to the group’s website. The group, which is part of University of California Womxn in Technology, represents employees at both UC Davis and UC Davis Health. 

“Technology is a really hard field to grow in as a (womxn). There’s a stigma around the advancement of (womxn) in the technology fields and we see men advance at a faster rate than (womxn),” Avila said.

Funds fuel dreams

Specifically, the funds WIT raised through the crowdfunding effort will allow the ERG to expand their offerings including events, panels, social gatherings and networking opportunities. They also hope to use funds to create professional development scholarships, start a mentorship program, invite guest speakers to their events and possibly host a WIT conference in the future.

“We’ve achieved so much as a group already and overcome so many hurdles,” Avila said. “We have big dreams for the future but making them a reality takes an investment. This funding provides us with the crucial resources we need to bring our vision to life and accomplish even greater things.”

WIT was among 31 teams across both UC Davis and UC Davis Health campuses who participated in this fall’s crowdfunding effort. It was one of only 14 project teams to meet or exceeded their fundraising goal. 

WIT has been in existence since 2018; however, it did not become officially recognized as an employee resource group until July 1, 2024. Once the university officially recognized the group, WIT was then allowed to establish a designated financial account and begin fundraising. Many members of WIT put in long hours and reached out to their networks to reach their crowdfunding goal. They also said the UC Davis Annual Fund team within the Development and Alumni Relations team made the experience easy for them to participate.

Faculty and staff are largest supporters

Of those who donated to WIT’s first crowdfunding campaign, 59 percent were faculty and staff, 34 percent were friends of the university and 19 percent were alumni. Avila said it was wonderful to see a broad range of support for their group, as well as hear the stories of those who gave.

“We had a board member whose college-aged daughter donated,” Avila said, “And one male I.T. leader who made a gift said, ‘I’m dedicated to your cause because I have a daughter in high school who I hope works in I.T. someday, and this is the type of group I want for her.’ So, it was really nice to hear that people value the work that we are doing.”