Diversity in Tech Roundtable

WashingTECH
Tuesday, September 27th
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tech-diversity-forum-hosted-by-congressman-...

You're invited

Tuesday, September 27th
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Although computer and informational technology jobs are among the fastest growing in the nation and command high salaries, African Americans, Hispanics, and female workers are scarcely represented in the tech sector. Recent media reports notes the virtual absence of Hispanics and African Americans employees, with many companies reporting representation in the low single digits. Also, an analysis by the National Center for Women and Information Technology found that in 2014, only 26% of the computing workforce is female, of which 3% are African American, 5% are Asian American, and 1% are Hispanic. In major technology firms, men outnumber women 4 to 1.

Many of the top technology firms had at least one contract with the federal government in 2014. This timely roundtable discussion is scheduled just days after the September 24th anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 11246 which, among other things, required federal contractors and subcontractors to take affirmative action to ensure that all individuals have an equal opportunity for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or status as a Vietnam era or special disabled veteran in recruitment, hiring, training and other employment practices.

Welcome: Ranking Member Bobby Scott, House Education & the Workforce Committee

Moderator: Joe Miller, WashingTECH Policy Podcast

Participants

  • EEOC – Chair Jenny Yang/Commissioner Charlotte A. Burrows
  • OFCCP – Director Patricia A. Shiu
  • William E. “Bill” Spriggs, Chief Economist, AFL-CIO
  • Professor Ron Hira, Howard University
  • Justin Vélez-Hagan, University of Maryland
  • Michael Denton, Executive Director, Code/Interactive
  • Leslie Miley, Director of Engineering, Slack
  • Wayne Sutton, Co-Founder, Change Catalyst
  • Debra J. Speed, Strategic Alliance, Verizon