Press Contact:
Rachel Kennedy
North Carolina Technology Association
919-856-0393
rachel@nctech.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2021 Diversity + Inclusion in Tech Summit (A Virtual Event)
NC TECH explores how tech companies and organizations can make DEI part of their DNA
NC TECH Announces Speakers + Topics for Its Second Annual Diversity + Inclusion in Tech Summit
Summit will take place at the end of this month with keynote speakers from Microsoft US and Blue Cross NC
Raleigh, N.C. (March 16, 2021) – Today, the North Carolina Tech Association announced its second annual Diversity + Inclusion in Tech Summit including speaker line-up, event partners, keynote and session topics. The two-day virtual summit is slated for the mornings of Wednesday, March 24 and Thursday, March 25.
Diversity is critical to the success of any workplace – it provides a wide range of viewpoints, experiences and perspectives and improves the bottom line. However, diversity, equity and inclusion programs within the workplace are only successful if they’re embedded into a company’s mission and purpose. With this in mind, the theme for this year’s Summit is Making DE+I Part of Your Organization’s DNA.
“NC TECH is thrilled to feature a distinguished lineup of professionals to discuss why diversity matters in creating an environment that drives innovation and improves the bottom line.” says NC TECH Vice President of Strategy + Development, Michelle Calton.
At this year’s Diversity + Inclusion in Tech Summit, leaders in tech will come together to explore what can be done to help make diversity, equity and inclusion part of the technology culture, both at companies and within broader communities. Companies at any stage of their DEI journey will benefit from this event. The Summit will feature keynotes, breakout sessions and a resource expo. Speakers and topics are listed below.
The full line-up of speakers, panelists and topics can be found on the event page.
Keynote Speakers
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Gina Loften, Chief Technology Officer – Microsoft US. Topic: Tech Women Rising: Experiences and Advice from Gina Loften. Executive Conversation led by Sterling Ingui with Fidelity Investments
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Fara Palumbo, Chief People Officer, Blue Cross NC. Executive Conversation led by Frine Carbonell with Fidelity Investments
Motivational Moment Topics + Presenters – sponsored by SAS
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Redefining A.L.L.I.E.S: Allyship in Action: Ayana Littlejohn, Sr. Associate Analytical Consultant – SAS
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Tech Leadership Making a Difference: Raki McGregor, Chief Transformation + Digital Officer - Novant Health
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Incorporating Different Abilities Into Your Workplace: Ronak Patel, Director of Operations & Partnerships - Ablr
Day One Breakout Sessions
- How Is Tech Doing? Measuring the Success of D + I
- Removing Bias in Data Analytics – sponsored by Retail Business Services
- Finding Diverse Tech Talent for Today and Tomorrow - sponsored by Accenture
CXO Panel Discussion Topic: Building Comfort Around Difficult Conversations - sponsored by APC with panelists from IBM, LGFCU, MCNC, and RTI.
The presenting sponsor for this year’s event is Fidelity Investments. Additional sponsors to date include: Accenture, APC, AT&T, Blue Acorn iCi, Brighthouse Financial, ChannelAdvisor, Credit Suisse, Dell Technologies, Deutsche Bank, The Diversity Movement, First Citizens Bank, HCL, insightsoftware, LexisNexis, LGFCU, Racepoint Global, Retail Business Services, SAS, Spreedly, UNC Charlotte College of Computing + Informatics, Walk West and WorkSmart.
For information on how to register or sponsor the Summit, visit the event page, or contact Tracy Sternberg at tracy@nctech.org or 919-856-0393.
About NC TECH: NC TECH is a not-for-profit, membership-driven trade association and the primary voice of the technology industry in North Carolina. NC TECH’s mission is to foster growth and champion innovation in North Carolina’s tech sector, while providing a voice for the tech community. NC TECH’s membership includes 600+ member companies, organizations and institutions employing more than 200,000 workers in North Carolina. nctech.org
