Technical.ly<http://Technical.ly> Philly - Monday, December 3, 2018 at 11:59 AM
Listen to 20 Philly voices on tech, diversity and inclusion
At Philly Startup
Leaders’<https://technical.ly/organization/philly-startup-leaders> 2018
Diversity Dinner, a discussion around diversity in innovation economies proved
more urgent than ever, as the country grapples with soaring financial
inequality<http://fortune.com/2017/08/01/wealth-gap-america/> and the rise of
hate
crimes<http://theconversation.com/new-data-shows-us-hate-crimes-continued-to-rise-in-2017-97989>.
About 200 people gathered at the Center for Architecture and Design on Nov. 8
to discuss how Philly’s tech ecosystem can become more diverse, inclusive and
equitable.
At the event, more than 20 stakeholders — from Philly councilman Allan Domb to
Amino CEO Will Luttrel — broke down their definition of inclusion during an
episode of Shades of Success<https://penji.co/psl-diversity-dinner/>, a podcast
from Camden, N.J.-based design company Penji.
Hosted by Penji Director of Partnerships Sekinah Brodie, the 17-minute recap
gives insights into attendee’s concepts of diversity, and what some are doing
to make their companies reflect that.
“One of the answers is to create positions and create mentorship
opportunities,” Luttrell said. “You might not necessarily be looking for the
role that a diverse candidate may be coming in to fill, but maybe you should
consider creating one. That’s going to bring that voice around that table.”
Kiera Smalls, PSL’s executive director, drilled down on the importance of
representation:
“When you don’t see people who look like you, then you don’t think it’s for
you,” Smalls said. “You’re not able to operate at your best because you’re so
focused on trying to assimilate or figure out a best way to contribute without
sticking out like a sore thumb.”
Brodie, a grad of the Hopeworks ‘N Camden program, had herself a salient
concept of what diversity means.
“Diversity means acceptance, responsibility, authenticity, and representing
those without a voice,” Brodie said.
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Listen to the podcast below:
-30-
https://technical.ly/philly/2018/12/03/psl-diversity-dinner-penji-podcast/
David Goldfield
Assistive Technology Specialist
Feel free to visit my Web site
WWW.DavidGoldfield.info<http://WWW.DavidGoldfield.info>
