Women in Silicon Valley? May 7, 2012My BusinessOff

California’s Silicon Valley has long been the hub of technology startups. It’s a place where trends are born and Millennials are worth millions.

So, where are all the women?

Corporations, like Apple, still have zero women in executive positions. And there’s bad news for tech-loving women entrepreneurs.

A study of the 400 biggest companies in California shows women hold less than 10 percent of board seats and top spots in tech businesses.

Some say the hiring pool just isn’t as large for women. Others blame intimidation that comes with being the only female in a college tech class. But, “I honestly believe Silicon Valley is one of the most progressive places to work,” says Kelly Battles, CFO of corporate management company Host Analytics.

She graduated from Princeton’s engineering program, where there were 10 men to every woman.

Surveys suggest there’s no real difference between men and women tech company founders. Their desires, motivations and life situations are highly similar. So, how can more women make headway?

“Women have a chance to advance because they bring in skills male engineers don’t necessarily have,” says April Zhong, CEO of SilRay Inc., an award-winning solar power company.

She says taking classes on topics like public speaking, social networking, project management and even speed-reading helped propel her to the top.

“Diversity leads to better answers and outcomes,” says Battles. She discourages women from apologizing for successes at work or feeling self-conscious when outnumbered by men.

“Resist the urge to let your confidence lag [behind] your competence,” she says.

Bonus PINK Link: Get success secrets from Google’s Marissa Mayer in our top woman profile.

What’s the best career advice you ever got? and let us know!

By Christy Rogers

“All great achievements require time.” Maya Angelou

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