A central focus of my work as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Technology Policy during the late 1990s was preparing American workers—especially scientists, engineers and technologists—for jobs in the new economy. Today, with enormous changes afoot in the world of information technology (IT), preparing Americans to compete and win in the digital economy is even more important—and more challenging—than when I served in government.

Every year, NCWIT has two national meetings. Last week (November 17th and 18th), we held our inaugural NCWIT Practices Workshop, coincident with our Alliance meetings, at Carnegie Mellon University. We had most of our meetings in Newell Simon Hall, a beautiful building home to the university's School of Computer Science, packed with computing students and hi-tech gadgets.

In my role at NCWIT, I have wonderful opportunities to talk to people all over the United States about technology and innovation. As a technologist and innovator myself, I love this part of the job. September brought together several thought processes for me that I am only now finding the time to write about. All concern the impact of information technologies on our global, social, and economic systems, and the role that women must play.

Recently I spent hours watching HBO's Six Feet Under so I could catch up before the series finale aired. As an Executive Mom, the innovation of "On Demand Television" has definitely enhanced my life. I now have access to hundreds of high-quality, fun, educational programs for my children. Better yet, I'm spending more quality time with my husband. (And it is indeed quality time, because my husband loves to cuddle in front of the television.)