GREENVILLE, S.C. - s4story -- Greenville, SC

Upstate Women in Software Engineering (UpWiSE) Announces New Leadership and Bold 2025 Initiatives

Greenville-based nonprofit expands programming and community reach with strengthened leadership team

Upstate Women in Software Engineering (UpWiSE), a nonprofit initiative dedicated to empowering women in technology across Upstate South Carolina, today announced the launch of several new initiatives for Q2 2025 — alongside a refreshed organizational structure and expanded leadership team.

Effective immediately, Jen Bauer has been named Executive Director. She will be joined by Kara Mansel as Director of Technology and Empowerment, and Em Blitstein as Director of Communications. This leadership trio brings a wealth of experience in technical education, community engagement, and strategic storytelling, positioning UpWiSE for deeper impact in the region's growing tech ecosystem.

"UpWiSE has always been about creating projects for building skills, networking opportunities, and support for women in tech," said Jen Bauer. "This next chapter allows us to scale that mission — with intentional planning and a team built to meet the moment."

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In Q2 and beyond, UpWiSE will launch:

• More robust in-person and virtual meetups to foster connection and peer learning
• Expanded educational programming, with workshops and career support for all experience levels
• A stronger presence in local schools, companies, and tech spaces to raise awareness and representation

Originally founded as an independent organization following the global dissolution of Women Who Code in April of 2024, UpWiSE is now proudly nested under RefactorGVL, a Greenville-based software and innovation hub dedicated to growing a vibrant, inclusive tech community across the Upstate.

About UpWiSE

Upstate Women in Software Engineering (UpWiSE) is a nonprofit initiative based in Upstate South Carolina. As part of RefactorGVL, UpWiSE empowers women and gender minorities in tech through training, mentorship, meetups, and leadership development. Learn more at upwisesc.org.

Media Contact:

[Em Blitstein]

Director of Communications

em.blitstein@upwisesc.org