Distribution giant Ingram Micro (IM) will host its inaugural Women of Technology event this week, the company announced on Monday. The event will mark the first time that Ingram Micro has specifically acknowledged its female IT leaders for their contributions to the industry.

"Those of us who enjoy rewarding careers in the technology industry want to encourage more of our female peers and girls to explore the opportunities found in this business," said Susan O'Sullivan, executive director of Sales for Ingram Micro and host of the event, in a statement. "Our goal with the Women of Technology event is to foster conversation, nurture networking and mentoring, and generally celebrate the contributions of women in our industry while brainstorming ways we can inspire more women and girls to join our ranks.”

Ingram Micro will hold the event at the Park Country Club in Buffalo, N.Y., July 31, where more than 50 of the company’s top female executives are expected to gather to celebrate the contributions of women in IT and discuss how to encourage and drive a more diverse workforce in the IT sphere, according to the release. The event is one of several activities being held leading up to Ingram Micro’s 19th annual Charity Golf Tournament Aug. 2.

Distinguished technology executive and author JJ DiGeronimo will be this year’s keynote speaker. Ingram Micro said the group would also honor attendees “who lead by example through mentorship, philanthropic involvement, diversity engagement and exemplary personal character.”

"We are committed to a diverse workforce at Ingram Micro, and this is one way we are striving to increase visibility into the opportunities within our company, the Consumer Electronics and IT industries," said O'Sullivan.