Fueling Diversity in Technology
Diversifying the tech industry is a major goal for many companies. The current reality: the numbers of women and ethnic minorities working at tech companies are very low.
People of color make up more than 42% of our workforce at AT&T. We champion for diversity in tech through programs like the FutureCast and Tech Tour at the Atlanta AT&T Foundry. At the upcoming Tech Tour, participants will tour the Foundry and listen to Ben Jealous, former president and CEO of the NAACP.
Jealous helps fund diverse startups as a partner at Kapor Capital. During the event, he will discuss how investing can have a positive impact on inclusion. He will also share how companies can use their resources to impact recruiting and retention.
The AT&T Foundry in Atlanta is one of 4 in the US; another Foundry is in Ra’anana, Israel. AT&T and its sponsors have invested more than $100 million in the Foundry to create new technologies. They have started more than 200 projects since 2011.
The Atlanta Foundry’s collaborators include several diverse startups, like:
- CN2 is a woman-owned augmented reality company. They are currently developing a trial to support concerts and sporting events for Cricket Wireless.
- Crescerance is a woman-owned company known for its MAD-Learn product. MAD-Learn engages 3rd-8th graders in tasks like app creation. Their product makes it easier for schools to teach tech earlier.
- Covello is an African-American owned company that helps clients explore the unknown. Their various services help companies become creative problem-solvers and innovators.
Learn more about the AT&T Foundry at: http://about.att.com/innovation/foundry.
*Source: www.salon.com
