Increasingly, large institutions adopt policies and initiatives regarding equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA). This positioning aims, among other things, to improve and accelerate the place of women in IT. In support of this initiative, a team of women in IT decided to set up the FORTES program which encourages women of all ages to consider a career in IT.

FORTES is a comprehensive service offer created to develop and support the interest and progression of women in the IT field.

FORTES is a joint initiative of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and the National Bank of Canada (NBC).

FORTES is an initiative by and for career women wishing to share their passion by giving them a greater importance in their environment. FORTES’ mission is to increase the representation of women in the IT field.

FORTES targets secondary school girls, career women, immigrant women, and women from visible minorities by offering them coaching, mentoring, sponsorships, networking, scholarships, and company internships.