Stepping up

How women can get ahead in federal IT management:

* Network. Start with Executive Women in Government.

* Find a mentor. Women who have come up the ranks are willing to reach back and help others.

* Go to class. Recommended are CIO University and the eGoverment Fellows program offered by the Council for Excellence in Government.

* Be resourceful. Tap such resources as the Institute for Women and Technology, Women Work! The National Network for Women's Employment and the Labor Department's Women's Bureau for information.