This special virtual session featured a keynote address by Avis Yates Rivers, President and CEO of Technology Concepts Group International, LLC, and nationally recognized thought-leader.

In October 2020 Rivers spoke to the community and provided historical context of systemic racially motivated behavior through real-life stories using data and personal experiences with the goal of raising awareness and informing action.

Rivers focused her address to the community on the issues of equity and equality. Often, conversations derail because people use the same terms in different ways. Establishing a shared language to present data, describe conditions and outcomes, and identify root causes of inequities can make it easier to understand the issues so that we can learn and take steps to help break down barriers.

At the conclusion of the keynote, participants had the opportunity to ask questions before moving into breakout sessions on the following topics.  

• Breaking Down the Numbers – This session focused on equity “by the numbers”, including data and stats around the number of women in technology and leadership roles, and a breakdown of ethnicity and minorities. The session also focused on the impact of those numbers on future innovation and the corresponding ramifications if these issues are not addressed. 
  
  — Session Speaker and Facilitator:  Catherine Ashcraft, Ph.D., NCWIT Director of Research

• Myth Busting and Micro-triggers – This session level-set participants on other common definitions of racially motivated behavior and share commonly misunderstood interpretations of certain terms. The session provided participants with a better understanding of the reasons and effects of each.
  
  — Session Speaker and Facilitator: Avis Yates Rivers, President and CEO of Technology Concept Group, International, LLC

• Majority Allies and Advocates – This session focused on defining what it means to be a majority advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Participants discussed discuss real-world experiences, current challenges, and steps to take in your own organization to ensure improved awareness and an inclusive and equitable culture.
  
  — Session Speaker and Facilitator:  Brad McLain, Ph.D., Research Scientist with NCWIT

At the conclusion of the program, our hope is that you have left with actionable ideas that you can take individually to support equity efforts within your organization.

Special thanks to session sponsor Radware.