In 2006, a grassroots organization arose within the Oracle community. This organization later became known as the Oracle Women’s Leadership (OWL), which has a goal of “creating access to networks for women” in the technology industry. Over the years, OWL has expanded those goals to developing, engaging and empowering women. The organization currently has a presence in 41 countries. Most recently, OWL has become a “launchpad for millennials.”

OWL is not just another leadership program, according to Titina Ott, VP worldwide A&C, system and business processes at Oracle. Ott sat down for an interview with John Furrier and Stu Miniman, cohosts of theCUBE, from the SiliconANGLE Media team, during Oracle OpenWorld 2015 in San Fransisco. “Programs [like OWL] are successful when there is engagement not just from the top … executive level … but also from the bottom,” Ott remarked. She continued, saying programs need “women pulling other women up with them” through the ranks.

A female employee told Ott in 2008 that OWL made her “more committed to Oracle.” Ott credited OWL with the ability to “engage and retain” employees. OWL has more than 150 women leaders throughout the company. “A diverse workforce makes [a company] more effective,” said Ott.

OWL is sponsoring its seventh summit at Oracle OpenWorld 2015, an event that Ott described as an opportunity for members to connect to leaders of the industry. OWL and its partners also sponsor Dare 2B Digital, a STEM program for girl grades 7 through 12. Ott stated that in regards to diversity, “We still have a lot to learn, but Oracle is heading in the right direction.”

Watch the full video interview below, and be sure to check out more of SiliconANGLE and theCUBE’s coverage of Oracle OpenWorld 2015. And join in on the conversation by CrowdChatting with theCUBE hosts.

Photo by SiliconANGLE