Angel Diaz’s Post

You are invited. On Tuesday 19th November ComputerWeekly.com and Harvey Nash are hosting the Annual Diversity in Technology Conference, including the announcement of the 50 Most Influential Women in Tech. Last Monday I, and fellow judges pored through the final shortlist. No small task. There are so many stories, so many things to inspire. But in our wider discussions it was also clear there are roadblocks that still need smashing through. At this event you will hear some of those stories, as well as hear from leaders across tech about how inclusion, and a sense of belonging, makes a real difference not just to culture, but also bottom line. You'll come away with ideas, inspiration, and are very likely to meet new people (attendees are wide ranging, and as you might expect include a fair number of very influential people in tech!) It's not a very formal event. It's fun, and above all it's a celebration of the power of inclusion. And, whoever you are, you are included. Until we reach capacity (which we always do), so you better hurry! Join up below. https://lnkd.in/e9PpFFQH

"AfroCon, organized by The House of Afros, Capes & Curls, is more than just a celebration of nerd culture—it's a vibrant and inclusive platform that celebrates diversity, creativity, and the power of fandom. Events like AfroCon are incredibly important to the Omaha community and beyond for several reasons. First, AfroCon creates a space for fans of diverse genres to come together, regardless of racial, ethnic, cultural or gender spectrum background. By embracing nerd culture through the lens of Afrofuturism, science fiction, fantasy, and gaming, it helps to expand the representation of people of color in spaces where they are often underrepresented. This gives artists, creators, and fans from marginalized groups a space to shine, contributing to a more inclusive and creative community. Second, AfroCon supports independent artists and businesses led by people of color. It serves as a vital economic platform for vendors and creators who may not have access to larger, mainstream opportunities. By hosting exclusive merchandise and captivating panels, AfroCon helps uplift these creators, fostering economic empowerment within communities of color. Finally, AfroCon has an important role in sparking conversations that bring together diverse perspectives. It’s not just about fandom; it’s about igniting dialogue on art, history, and culture through the lens of geek culture, encouraging cross-cultural understanding and community building. This is especially valuable in places like Omaha, where such events can help bridge divides and cultivate a sense of belonging. In short, AfroCon is a magical, transformative event that strengthens community bonds, uplifts marginalized voices, and celebrates the boundless creativity of nerd culture. It provides a much-needed space for diversity and inclusion, not only benefiting Omaha but also serving as a model for other communities to create similar inclusive, creative spaces. I am proud to serve as a board member of The HOUSE and support AfroCon." - Julia Parker, House Member

What does 'failure' look like in civic tech? More and more civic tech organisations are under increasing financial pressure and strain. With the squeeze of attaining grant funding becoming ever tighter, the perennial challenge of how we maintain important open source digital services and infrastructure for societal benefit is made more urgent. Recently, I took a journey through mySociety's rich history. Where some important services continue to deliver ongoing impact, sadly other inspirational services had to be laid to rest. I'd love to hear your thoughts on definitions of failure in civic tech. My reflections below 👇 https://lnkd.in/edXKnHrS #CivicTech #Society #TechForGood #PublicServices

How do we use tech in a way which brings us life (rather than exploits us)? In the third of these beautiful articles by Roseanna Dias, she explores "What are some living examples of life affirming community tech?" It was such a privilege to be a part of these roundtables, with so many people whose work I admire and respect. We can have tech that is designed for us - all of us. I strongly recommend reading the whole series! The second has a really powerful manifesto which everyone should read. https://lnkd.in/ejM6RdsK #techjustice #decolonizingtech #communitytech

Funding for women founders is drying up again as tech bro culture resurfaces. From how the pandemic and BLM affected funding for women to how AI is backtracking tech culture , read more on the current state of tech and funding👇

🧠 NEW BLOG POST ON INDIANA WOMEN IN TECH WEEK: AM I TECH? 🧠 https://lnkd.in/gJau7nWe A few weeks back, I teased a question that's been on many minds since Indiana Women IN Tech Week first took shape in 2023: "Linda, who qualifies as tech?" It's a query that's far from straightforward, as tech weaves its way into virtually every industry. No amount of my dazzling legal obfuscation or “Look, there’s a unicorn!” could relieve me of this question! In my latest blog post, "Am I Tech?" I tackle this complex question head-on. I explore the multifaceted world of tech careers, dissecting what makes a role distinctly "tech"—from coding and software development to product management and HR. I aim to illuminate how these diverse roles may contribute to the broader tech landscape. Whether you’re immersed in the tech world, serve as an executive, or are simply intrigued by the question, this post is designed to offer clarity and insight. Don’t miss your chance to delve into the evolving definition of tech jobs. Click the link to read more! Please note, this blog post reflects my personal perspectives and vernacular. I’m interested in your thoughts. https://lnkd.in/gJau7nWe #TechJobs #TechIndustry #whatistech #amITech #indianawomenintechweek #whoistech #representationmatters #techenabled #techadjacent #techeducation #techadvocacy Heidi Melton Kara Kavensky Ariel Crawley Michael Loggins Dennis Trinkle Teresa Conroy-Roth Steve Lodin Genevie Jones Carol Smith Sunny Lu Williams I use your photos in this blog as I discuss leadership.

ready to break barriers in Tech? your Vote can make it happen! imagine a world where the next generation of tech leaders aren't just heard, they lead. as one of the youngest tech executives, i have faced challenges, defied the odds, and shattered stereotypes. now, i'm on a mission to share how we can all break through barriers at SXSW. but i need your help to get there. this isn’t just about my journey, it's about creating a future where age and gender are strengths, not obstacles. if you believe in empowering young voices and championing change in tech, please take a moment to vote for me here - https://lnkd.in/eFas5HbS and if you are a young tech executive, i would love to hear from you in my comments -

More perspectives. More discoveries. Better AI. Inclusion, diversity and equity are essential to unlocking the full potential of data and AI. Discover how Databricks is fostering a more inclusive community.

More perspectives. More discoveries. Better AI. Inclusion, diversity and equity are essential to unlocking the full potential of data and AI. Discover how Databricks is fostering a more inclusive community.

from Pittsburgh Yards® based #gethype_inc Last Thursday, Kristina Newton, Founder & CEO of HYPE, took the lead at the Dream Clinic, where she empowered the girls to explore opportunities in tech. After an impactful session, she sat down with Josh Skinner from Atlanta News First to discuss HYPE's vital mission: tackling the tech industry's leaky pipeline by building a strong network through intentional exploration, education, and empowerment.⁠ ⁠ The numbers speak for themselves:⁠ * Only 2.2% of women in tech identify as Black.⁠ * Only 1.7% identify as Latinx.⁠ * Of all high school students taking AP Computer Science, just 4% are Latinx, only 2% are Black girls, and less than 1% are Native American.⁠ ⁠ HYPE is on a mission to change these statistics, creating a more inclusive tech future. Together, we’re working hard to increase the pipeline of talented women of color in tech. ⁠ ⁠ #WomenInTech #HYPE #DreamClinic #DiversityInTech #STEM #WomenEmpowerment Walter Slaton