Equity in Tech Summit

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Milwaukee’s first ever Equity in Tech Summit provides organizations and individuals with the tools, training and connections needed to build an inclusive, equitable workforce. These resources are meant to help both employers and job seekers remain competitive within the Midwest and across the US.

This event is hosted by the Milky Way Tech Hub and MARS Solutions Group along with presenting sponsor, the Milwaukee County Office of Equity. Community partners include Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee (HPGM), i.c.stars |* Milwaukee and Latinas Connect Milwaukee.

Sponsors

Logos of Milky Way Tech Hub, MARS Solutions Group & Milwaukee County Office of Equity

Community Partners

Logos of Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee, i.c.stars and Latinas Connect Milwaukee
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Meet the Speakers

Previous
Next
1 Keynote #1
2 Human Resources
3 Community
4 Transformation
5 Keynote #2
Keynote #1

Dr. Cynthia Overton, Kapor Center for Social Impact

Against the Odds: Bridging Racial Disparity Gaps in the Tech Sector

Time: 1:45 - 2:30 PM
Room: Dada

Tech companies are known for developing innovative solutions to tackle society's most challenging problems. Yet little progress has been made around advancing disparities throughout the industry. Dr. Cynthia Overton of the Kapor Center explores factors that are often overlooked when approaching DEIB initiatives and activating individual agency to drive organizational change.

Dr. Cynthia Overton, Kapor Center for Social Impact
Human Resources

Human Resources Track [Method]

Breakout #1: Mitigating Bias in the Hiring Process

Speakers: Rashi Arora Khosla, MARS Solutions Group; Ruben Gaona, The Way Out; Eli Rivera, The Way Out
Moderator: Nadiyah Johnson, Milky Way Tech Hub
Time: 2:45 - 3:30 PM
Room: Method

In today’s job market, employers are increasingly opening their eyes to new avenues to find talented people to fill vacant roles. In this panel discussion, the topics of returnships as well as re-entry employment will be discussed.

3:30 - 3:45 PM - BREAK

3:45 PM - Breakout #2: The Difference Between Diversity & Equity

Speakers: Kobena-Marcus J. Collins, Traveler Consulting; Kia Reed, BDS Connected Solutions; Christopher Pierce, Kohler
Moderator: Chauntel McKenzie, America's Black Holocaust Museum & PowHer Network
Room: Method

Many people use the phrase DEI without a clear understanding of the difference between each of the words in that acronym. These speakers have spent much of their careers forging more inclusive pathways for those that come behind them. Listen as we discuss the difference between diversity and equity, and learn why this event was very intentionally named the Equity in Tech Summit.

4:30 - 4:45 PM - BREAK

Community

Community Track [Deep Image]

Breakout #1: Horizontal Networking & Multidimensional Employees 

Speakers: Ranell Washington, American Family Insurance; Adam Gabornitz, Northwestern Mutual; Jackie Hermes, Accelity
Moderator: Leia Ferrari Traner
Time: 2:45 - 3:30 PM
Room: Deep Image

Your job title defines who you are in life, right? Wrong. The speakers in this conversation have a multi dimensional presence and will speak to how they each established themselves and their various identities. Hint: being intentional with who you surround yourself with has a lot to do with it.

3:30 - 3:45 PM - BREAK

Breakout #2: Women in the Boardroom

Speakers: Leana Nakielski, American Family Insurance; Oby Nwabuzor, Landmark Credit Union
Moderator: Nicole Whitbeck-Dohnal, MARS Solutions Group
Time: 3:45 - 4:30 PM
Room: Deep Image

The percentage of women on the boards of the top 50 Wisconsin public companies has increased from 9.3 percent in 2003 to 23.3 percent in 2021, according to Milwaukee Women inc, an organization dedicated to ensuring that number continues to increase. Panelists will speak on the importance of women in leadership roles (on boards and in the C-suite) as well as their experiences serving on various boards.

4:30 - 4:45 PM - BREAK

Transformation

Transformation Track [Dada]

Breakout #1: Less Talk & More Tools for Diversity

Speakers: Joy Daniels, i.c.stars; Rosa Fowlkes, Colorful Connections
Time: 2:45 - 3:30 PM
Room: Dada

Speakers from two different organizations, both dedicated to the advancement of people of color and professional career paths, will speak on tools and techniques that they use to increase equity and their respective fields.

3:30 - 3:45 PM - BREAK

Breakout #2: Using Data to Advance Racial Equity

Speakers: Paula Phillips, Milwaukee County Office of Equity; Irissol Arce, Northwestern Mutual; Sarah Dollhausen-Clark, Northwestern Mutual
Moderator: Nadiyah Johnson, Milky Way Tech Hub
Time: 3:45 - 4:30 PM
Room: Dada

In recent years, we have seen the use of data to identify inequities. How can we use it to advance racial equity? Learn how Milwaukee County and Northwestern Mutual are moving from public statements to tactical strategies on how data can guide and gauge DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging) efforts. Leave this session with new ways to create and measure efforts that drive better outcomes.

4:30 - 4:45 PM - BREAK

Keynote #2

Corry Joe Biddle, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) [Dada]

Click Through: Cultivating Workplace Equity Through Intention & Transparency

Time: 4:45 - 5:15 PM
Room: Dada

Nearly 140 employers have signed on to the MMAC’s Region of Choice Pledge to increase the advancement of Black and Latino/Hispanic managers by 25% and employees-at-large by 15% by 2025. This collective of companies holds itself accountable to this promise by reporting hiring numbers and encouraging transformational workplace culture change. Attend this talk and get an update on pledge progress and what talent and employers are learning about what it takes to truly foster equity and inclusion. Corry Joe Biddle will discuss the metrics, systems, and honesty companies are embracing to offer workplace opportunities that click for everyone.

Corry Joe Biddle, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) [Dada]
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Mission

We are gathering current and aspiring tech and HR employees and executives to consider how we might create more equitable, accessible opportunities for community members to thrive.

Vision

We envision a Wisconsin that boasts some of the most positive economic outcomes in the country for Black, Brown and Indigenous residents. The path to that future will be charted by members of those communities, made possible with the trust and support of corporate and political leaders.

Location

Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel
139 E. Kilbourn Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53202

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