Dearest Gentle Readers,
It has come to this author’s attention that the Con has recently been whispering—some in admiration, some in scandalized curiosity—about a most unconventional gathering soon to appear upon the conference stage. The title alone has caused more than a few raised brows and discreetly fanned faces: Bad Ass Bitches. A Candid Panel on Power, Confidence, and Owning Your Space in Tech.
Yes, dear reader. Quite.
Now before anyone faints into their teacup, allow this author to recount how such a brazen title came to be. One might assume it emerged from a moment of reckless rebellion or a late evening fueled by too much champagne, if there is such a thing. In truth, its origins were far more civilized—and far more deliberate.
You see, in our fair society of technology conferences, the stage has long been populated by the usual suspects: the polished expert, the confident architect, the veteran practitioner who speaks as though every success arrived neatly tied with a ribbon. Admirable, to be sure. Yet it leaves a curious absence in the narrative.
Where, one might ask, are the stories of the women who carved their places in this world when there were very few seats at the table? Where are the voices of those who arrived later, navigating pathways that others helped clear? And what of those just stepping onto the dance floor, learning the steps while the orchestra plays at full tempo?
It was during a most ordinary conversation among several formidable ladies of our community that the idea first appeared. The discussion began innocently enough—how careers evolve, how confidence grows, how each generation of women in technology finds its own way forward.
But as the stories emerged, so did a realization.
Dear reader, these were not delicate tales of polite advancement. They were stories of persistence. Of audacity. Of learning, failing, trying again, and occasionally kicking down a door that stubbornly refused to open.
In short, dear reader, these women were—how shall we say it—rather extraordinary.
Someone, in a moment of impeccable clarity, voiced the phrase aloud.
And instantly, the room erupted in laughter.
Because it was true.
Not the sort of title one might embroider upon a ballroom invitation, perhaps. Yet there was something wonderfully honest about it. No polite euphemisms. No carefully polished language. Simply a recognition of the grit, humor, and resilience required to build a career in this peculiar and ever-changing industry of ours.
Thus, the session was christened.
Bad Ass Bitches.
Not as an act of rebellion, you understand. But as a small celebration. A recognition that strength in this profession takes many forms—and that the women who navigate it deserve to speak candidly about the journey.
And so, dear reader, when the curtain rises on this particular panel, you will not find a collection of carefully rehearsed success stories.
Instead, you will hear from three women at very different chapters of their careers. One who has weathered decades of change, one who is firmly in the midst of shaping her path, and one who represents the next generation stepping confidently forward.
Join us in welcoming to the Con:
The Baroness of Builders – Julie Yack
The Baroness of BizApps – Ashley Steiner
The Baroness of Branding- Sam Bush
Together, they will speak not only of achievement, but of mentorship, of community, and of the curious way that one woman’s courage often becomes another woman’s opportunity.
Scandalous? Perhaps.
Necessary? Undoubtedly.
Then allow this author one final observation, dear reader.
In another era, a lady attending a grand ball would carry a dance card—a small booklet where she carefully recorded the names of those who had claimed a dance. The most sought-after evenings were those where every line was filled, each turn around the floor promising a new conversation, a new perspective, perhaps even a new opportunity.
A modern technology conference is not so very different.
Attendees arrive with their own version of a dance card, scanning the schedule and deciding where to spend their time, which voices to hear, which conversations might be worth joining.
And if this particular session finds its way onto your card, rest assured: the music will be lively, the conversation will be candid, and the company will be… formidable.
After all, every good ball deserves at least one dance that people will still be talking about long after the evening ends.
And if a certain phrase happens to make a few pearls clutch themselves in protest… well, that may simply be proof that the conversation was overdue.
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