According to three executives associated with CompTIA, a nonprofit organization for the information technology (IT) industry and workforce, true progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the technology industry depends on individual and organizational commitment. We need a greater commitment to the cause.
On its theme of International Women’s Day 2023 and #EmbraceEquity, CompTIA Board Chair Tracy Pound said: Tracey Welson-Rossman, founder of non-profits TechGirlz and Women in Technology Summit. and her CompTIA executives Jennifer Browning (Chief People Officer) and Nancy Hammervik (Chief Solutions Officer) shared their views on the state of equity in the industry, along with actions to increase inclusion. bottom.
“As a woman in tech, I’ve told many men over the years that it’s not ‘fair’ that women should be given another chance to be promoted, promoted, and recognized. Head of MaximITy, an IT training, consulting and project management firm in Tamworth, UK: “Minority groups seek help simply because they don’t yet have an equal voice.” They need support to feel included and worthy to shine, whether based on gender, ethnicity, beliefs, disability, or other potential prejudices. is in need of
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“Embracing fairness begins with a mindset that values influence over intention,” said Browning. “Beyond policy and training, only organizations that act with a real commitment to tangible results can become equity vanguards.”
“Everyone in the organization needs to be aligned and invested in the organization’s DEI strategy and practices,” says Hammervik. “Not only is it the right thing to do, but it will significantly improve the company’s overall productivity, innovation, market prospects and positive reputation.”
said Welson-Rossman, Founding Member and Chief Marketing Officer of Chariot Solutions, a leading Philadelphia-area enterprise applications and mobile development consulting firm. “It took me a while to admit there was a problem. We’ve made progress, but we’re not where we should be yet.”
Welson-Rossman believes a bold “moonshot” plan is needed to increase the number of women and underrepresented people working in tech. This includes increased funding and support for the K-12 STEM curriculum. Support these groups in college or other non-college programs. Increase the number of companies recruiting at these universities, not just large organizations.
“But we need more,” she continued. “To continue to accept that underrepresented groups are part of this industry, to make sure we have childcare resources, and to make every effort to keep these people in the workforce, we need to change the culture. We have to, and we have to do that for our economy to grow and thrive.”
“Women, people of color, and other diverse people still struggle to rise to senior management positions, and many diverse employees lack a sense of social integration. , abandon or change jobs mid-career,” added Hammervik. “An employer cannot just talk. He must hold himself and his staff accountable for putting the DEI concept into practice every day in every workplace activity, from hiring to building his leadership team. yeah.”
“At CompTIA, inclusion is the first step toward equity and can pave the way for new ideas and innovation,” said Browning. “We support it through our Cultural Committee and CompTIA ERG’s Women’s Inclusive Employee Resource Groups. These groups highlight the importance of equity and provide real opportunities for growth and advancement. We are empowered and funded to influence through high voices and actions that create
Note: CompTIA is a content partner of WRAL TechWire.
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