Top 10 Women in Tech Groups and Resources in Columbia, MO in 2026

Table of Contents

• Building Your Tech Hive in Columbia, MO
• The Women's Network
• Columbia Women in Technology
• AnitaB.org and Grace Hopper Celebration
• Girls Who Code Columbia Chapter
• Missouri Women’s Business Center
• WomenTech Network and Regional Circles
• WomenRising 2026
• Employer-Specific ERGs and Diversity Initiatives
• That’s What She Said Columbia
• LinkedIn Professional Groups and Local Forums
• Thriving Together in Columbia's Tech Community
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Women's Network

Functioning as the central apiary for Columbia's business and tech community, The Women's Network under the Columbia Chamber of Commerce provides an essential, low-pressure environment for forming genuine connections. Its signature "flash networking" events are designed for accessibility, creating spaces where meaningful professional relationships can begin.

One participant described the experience of gathering with about 15 others as "come-as-you-are, low-pressure, and full of real connection." Beyond networking, the network invests directly in the community through initiatives like the Women's Network Scholarship, which provides financial support for professional development to underrepresented individuals within Chamber-member businesses and is active through 2025.

Membership is managed through the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. The value for women in tech at companies like Shelter Insurance or Boone Hospital Center includes:

• Access to exclusive events and leadership development workshops.
• A powerful directory of local professionals for cross-industry collaboration.
• Direct lines to potential mentors and advocates within the Columbia ecosystem.

Columbia Women in Technology

This community-focused group acts as a vital pollinator in Columbia's tech ecosystem, dedicated to education, outreach, and fostering the next generation of female technologists. The members move beyond peer networking to actively spread interest in STEM throughout the mid-Missouri region through hands-on volunteer work.

Their direct outreach is crucial for building the long-term talent pipeline that benefits every tech employer in Columbia. A prime example is members volunteering at local girls’ camps, where they’ve led engaging sessions like the "Star Wars Hour of Code" to make programming exciting and accessible. This early intervention helps feed talent directly into Mizzou’s computer science programs and the local economy.

Involvement typically centers around meetups, educational forums, and volunteer opportunities. The value is twofold: professional networking with local tech peers and the profound satisfaction of giving back to shape a more diverse, inclusive future. For those interested in community-driven tech initiatives, the City of Columbia's Community Connectors Program offers another avenue for civic engagement and dialogue.

AnitaB.org and Grace Hopper Celebration

While not based in Columbia, the global resources of AnitaB.org are indispensable, providing a borderless professional network and cutting-edge career insights. The organization offers year-round, virtual mentorship matching for women at all career stages, delivering guidance that transcends geographic limits and is accessible from anywhere in mid-Missouri.

Its flagship event, the Grace Hopper Celebration 2026 in Anaheim, remains the world's largest gathering of women in technology. For professionals and students in Columbia, the key is leveraging robust virtual participation options and scholarship programs. These scholarships are a critical resource for students and faculty at the University of Missouri, helping to offset costs and connect local talent to a global stage.

You can explore mentorship and community resources directly on the AnitaB.org website. For the conference, monitor the Grace Hopper Celebration 2026 site for scholarship announcements and award programs. The gain is a powerful credential and a network that resonates with employers from Columbia to Kansas City and beyond.

Girls Who Code Columbia Chapter

Building the colony starts with nurturing the youngest bees. The Columbia chapter of Girls Who Code actively combats the gender gap by hosting free, project-based computer science education for high school girls, with programs active through the 2024-2025 school year.

These Saturday classes, often hosted in partnership with institutions like the University of Missouri’s College of Engineering, provide early, hands-on exposure to coding in a supportive, all-female environment. Sessions like the engaging "Star Wars Hour of Code" make programming exciting and accessible, serving as a vital early intervention for the local talent pipeline.

High school students can apply for club membership, while professionals can explore volunteer or facilitator roles to give back. The Columbia Engineering Outreach Programs page provides current information on initiatives. The gain is twofold: foundational coding skills and confidence for participants, and a direct investment in a more equitable tech future for Columbia's employers.

Missouri Women’s Business Center

For the woman in tech with an entrepreneurial spirit, the Missouri Women’s Business Center (MoWBC) provides the essential tools, training, and support to transform an idea into a viable business. This is particularly valuable in Columbia’s growing startup ecosystem, supported by hubs like the Mizzou Research Park and the Missouri Innovation Center.

The MoWBC celebrates this drive through events like the Women Who Own It Awards, which highlight the positive impact of women-owned businesses in the community. Whether you're developing an AI application or a new cybersecurity service, the center offers practical, business-centric knowledge - from writing a business plan to securing funding - tailored to the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in the Midwest.

You can connect through their workshops, one-on-one counseling, and networking events. Engaging with local civic structures like the City of Columbia's Community Connectors Program can also provide complementary avenues for dialogue and community-centered business development.

WomenTech Network and Regional Circles

The WomenTech Network serves as a powerful digital hive mind for Columbia professionals, offering 24/7 access to career advice, job postings, and discussions on key topics like remote work transitions. This global platform is frequently utilized by local tech workers seeking support beyond geographical boundaries.

Regionally, dedicated groups like the WomenTech Circle for the Mid-West provide a more intimate setting for professional development and mentorship tailored to our local scene. These circles allow for discussions on specific Midwest opportunities, such as strategically leveraging Columbia’s central location between the Kansas City and St. Louis job markets while maintaining a rooted life in Missouri.

Professionals can join the global network and seek out regional circles listed on platforms like the Women in Tech Network. The gain is twofold:

• Access to a vast, online community for continuous learning and support.
• The focused camaraderie and localized insights of a regional peer group facing similar market dynamics.

WomenRising 2026

Focusing squarely on leadership ascension, WomenRising 2026 is a group dedicated to providing actionable strategies for climbing the career ladder in Columbia's tech industry. Through webinars, meetings, and talks from accomplished leaders, the group offers both inspiration and practical tactics for professional growth.

One participant highlighted the value, noting that "The speakers are really great. They offer practical advice and inspiration for women in the workplace." This curated focus on executive presence, negotiation, and strategic career management is invaluable for women aiming for senior tech roles at established employers like Veterans United or those seeking to lead digital transformation teams within MU Health Care.

Engagement is typically through event attendance and active participation in discussion forums. The value lies in gaining the specific skills needed to break through local and industry glass ceilings. For those interested in broader community leadership, Columbia’s Community Connectors Program offers additional pathways for civic dialogue and engagement.

Employer-Specific ERGs and Diversity Initiatives

Some of the most impactful and stable "hives" are found within Columbia’s leading tech employers. Companies actively foster internal communities through Employer Resource Groups (ERGs) and dedicated diversity initiatives, creating safe spaces for mentorship, advocacy, and professional development tailored to their specific culture.

Key local employers with recognized programs include:

• Veterans United Home Loans, consistently recognized for its women-focused initiatives.
• Shelter Insurance, which maintains dedicated diversity programs to support women in IT and other departments.
• The University of Missouri (Mizzou), the area’s largest employer, which leads IT diversity efforts and partners with external groups to bridge the gender gap.

Involvement is typically open to employees, offering direct access to leadership and visibility. These roles are among the most stable and well-compensated tech jobs in the region. Mizzou's partnership with groups like Girls Who Code exemplifies how internal initiatives connect to the broader talent pipeline, while external recognition, such as the Columbia Values Diversity Award, highlights the community-wide importance of these efforts.

That’s What She Said Columbia

This event platform serves a vital purpose in Columbia's ecosystem: public celebration and visibility. By showcasing the stories and achievements of local female leaders from all sectors, including tech, it creates powerful role models and strengthens the community's collective sense of possibility.

The platform celebrates leaders recognized for their vision and commitment, such as Gemma Riley. Seeing local women celebrated on stage normalizes success and reinforces the supportive network available within the city. This visibility is crucial for inspiring the next generation of technologists and entrepreneurs.

Celebrates local leaders like Gemma Riley, recognized for vision and commitment to community service.

You can get involved by attending the annual showcase event or related talks. The value is multi-faceted: direct inspiration, expanded local networks, and a potent reminder of the talented hive of women leaders thriving here. This celebration aligns with broader community values, as seen in initiatives like the Columbia Values Diversity Award.

LinkedIn Professional Groups and Local Forums

Never underestimate the power of a well-curated digital network to extend your local hive. For Columbia tech workers, LinkedIn Professional Groups focused on Kansas City Tech, St. Louis Developers, or specific programming languages are critical tools for gathering intelligence and forging connections across the Midwest.

These forums are where local job openings at regional firms and discussions about industry-wide trends - such as the noted importance of cloud certifications as a "career safety net" - take place with a relevant, regional flavor. They provide a direct line to the hidden job market and peer support in the greater Kansas City and St. Louis corridors.

Proactively search for and join relevant groups. The gain includes:

• Real-time market intelligence on regional hiring and skills demand.
• A broad peer network for technical problem-solving and advice.
• Direct access to opportunities beyond Columbia's immediate borders while leveraging our central location.

While the global Women Who Code organization has sunset, its legacy community of over 250,000 technologists remains an active digital resource, and platforms like the WomenTech Network offer dedicated regional circles.

Thriving Together in Columbia's Tech Community

The journey in technology need not be a solitary inspection of frames in a quiet field. In Columbia, MO, the interconnected hives are active and resilient, transforming individual effort into collective thriving within a supportive colony.

From the foundational support of Girls Who Code to the executive advocacy at major employers and the global reach of the Grace Hopper Celebration, the infrastructure for a successful tech career is firmly established here. The key challenge is not a scarcity of opportunity, but navigating the map to your specific colony within this vibrant ecosystem.

This guide serves as that map. By seeking out these communities, contributing your unique strengths, and accessing resources like the comprehensive support from AnitaB.org, you can build a resilient career. Together, we can ensure Columbia's tech scene - fueled by its lower cost of living and strong talent pipeline - not only grows but flourishes with innovation and diversity for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions