Part III of a 3-part series by Jessica Khaimova

As is often the case in tech (and other STEM fields), women are underrepresented. This is not just a problem in the US, but all over the world. Let’s see how it is in the Start-Up Nation. In 2014, women constituted 35.5% of the total workers in Israeli high tech (25% in the US) while tech companies employ 8.2% of the national workforce (5.7% in the US). Even though the numbers are higher in Israel, there is still a clear gender gap, especially when it comes to wages and the number of women who hold executive positions. In fact, only 9% of technology startups around Tel Aviv (Silicon Wadi) are headed by women, similar to Silicon Valley.

Part II of a 3-part series by Jessica Khaimova

When you think of hi-tech and innovation, places like Silicon Valley or companies like Google, Microsoft, Intel, or Facebook pop into mind, right? But when you think of the Middle East, specifically Israel, those would perhaps be the last phrases to enter your thoughts. Well, as it turns out, there is an ever-growing hub of technological innovation in Israel, also known as the start-up nation or “Silicon Wadi,” and this summer, I had the opportunity to experience this first-hand as an intern at the start-up onlinepianist.com, a tutorial-based website and app that teaches people how to play popular songs on the piano.

Part I of a 3-part series by Jessica Khaimova
 
When you think of hi-tech and innovation, places like Silicon Valley or companies like Google, Microsoft, Intel, or Facebook pop into mind, right? But when you think of the Middle East, specifically Israel, those would perhaps be the last phrases to enter your thoughts. Well, as it turns out, there is an ever-growing hub of technological innovation in Israel, also known as the start-up nation or “Silicon Wadi.” And this summer, I had the opportunity to experience this first-hand as an intern at the start-up onlinepianist.com, a tutorial-based website and app that teaches people how to play popular songs on the piano.

By Nicole Hellessey

Nicole Hellessey (right) and Swan Li San Sow (left) on the back deck of the RV Investigator during the P15South voyage May, 2016. Picture provided by Nicole Hellessey © Nicole Hellessey May 2016