How these women-led virtual work technologies will get you through COVID-19
Why It Matters
To follow social distancing guidelines, many of us in Canada who are privileged enough to have this capability, will be working from home in the coming days and weeks. Stay connected and collaborate with others in the social impact world through these virtual technologies.
Over the next couple of weeks, people will be trying new ways of working.
As organizations discuss work-from-home arrangements, cancel all work travel, reschedule conferences, and take preventative measures to protect their employees, I ask: how could we transform virtual experiences from one that feels isolating, to one that strengthens a sense of belonging and community?
The world just wrapped up International Women’s Day celebrations for the year, and virtual gatherings and celebrations happened alongside in-person ones, from virtual fundraisers to virtual conferences. And here’s the thing: Women-led virtual work technology companies are leading the pack in terms of traction.
I am willing to bet that people will fall in love with the new and fast-growing virtual work tech companies led by women — and they should. They are the opposite of man-made technologies I loathed from the early 2000s.
Allow me to highlight a few. These have the potential to radically enhance the way we work, network, meet, and volunteer. Most importantly, they put belonging and community at the center.
1. Run The World
Led by Xiaoyin Qu, this platform makes it easy and fun for all kinds of organizers to put together exciting online events. Organizers can simply plug and play events templates; attendees can interact with each other and experience meaningful talks, entirely online. Conference? AGM? Fundraiser? You name it. It’s beautifully designed and with community in mind.
2. Braindates
Led by Christine Renaud, this is the leading solution for events that want to provide more than just networking for their participants. Braindates are one-on-one or small group conversations based on topics of shared interest that participants book with one another through the Braindate platform. Guess what? They’ve launched Virtual Braindate. It’s absolutely brilliant.
3. Catchafire
Led by Rachael Chong, Catchafire matches professionally-skilled volunteers with non-profits and social enterprises for virtual volunteer projects. Their platform connects you with passionate, pro bono professionals looking to donate their skills through 1-hour phone calls or fully fledged projects. Their vision is a more empathetic, inclusive, and loving world.
Bonus: Caribu
While you’re at home with the kids, be sure to try Caribu, led by Maxeme Tuchman. Caribu helps children under 10 years old to read and draw with their parents and grandparents through a video-call. One of the best inventions I’ve seen this year.
At a time when in-person convening is challenged, finding new ways to connect is vital. These women-led virtual work technologies are taking a step further by integrating care, belonging and community.
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