1EdTech Consortium is launching the Women in Data in EdTech Network (WIDEN).
WIDEN seeks to empower women in data roles within the education technology sector by providing structured professional development, meaningful networking opportunities, and mentorship. We aim to create a scalable, high-ROI learning experience that fosters career growth, leadership development, and community engagement. Recognizing that complexity often stifles success, we focus on simplicity and repeatability in professional development, ensuring accessibility and long-term impact.
WIDEN Your Impact
Our first WIDEN cohort starts in October 2025.
The call to apply as a mentor or mentee for this cohort closed on August 13. All mentor and mentee participants were notified of their pairings in advance of the launch on October 29.
The next cohort will start in summer 2026.
WIDEN welcomes participation from any individual or organization interested in supporting and advancing women in data roles within EdTech. We encourage you to learn more and get involved!
Donna T. Petherbridge, Ed.D.
At our December cohort meeting, we're joined by Dr. Donna Petherbridge, Vice Provost for Digital Education and Learning Technology Applications (DELTA) at NC State University.
Dr. Petherbridge is a purposeful advocate and positive instigator of change. She is a former chair of NC State’s Strategic IT Committee and its Council on the Status of Women. She is a past member of the Paid Parental Leave workgroup, which worked tirelessly for over four years to help adopt and implement Paid Parental Leave into the UNC System in 2019. With extensive experience in IT strategy, instructional design, and learning technologies, Dr. Petherbridge empowers educators—especially women—to use technology with confidence and creativity. Her work is grounded in a passion for helping people.
Dr. Donna Petherbridge
Photo of speakers and participants at the "WIDEN Your Impact" launch session during 1EdTech's 2025 Learning Impact Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
Join Us
You can learn more about WIDEN at these upcoming industry events.
Digital Credentials Summit
February 18–20, 2026
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown | Philadelphia, PA
Learning Impact Conference
June 1-3, 2026
Hyatt Regency San Francisco | San Francisco, CA
Guest Speakers
Welcome, Dr. Mary Hemphill!
We’re thrilled to announce that Dr. Mary Hemphill, CEO & Founder of The Limitless Leader LLC, will be the guest speaker at our first WIDEN cohort launch in October 2025, helping us kick things off with inspiration and insight.
Dr. Hemphill is a leadership strategist, educator, author, and speaker with over two decades of experience in K–16 education, administration, and coaching. Her thought leadership has gained recognition in national circles—she’s been featured in Forbes, named one of EdTech Digest’s Top 100 Influencers (2023–24), and selected as a Senior Fellow at The Center for Model Schools.
Dr. Mary Hemphill