HARRISBURG, Pa. — Penn State Harrisburg will host the Technology Council of Central PA’s 5th Annual DE&I In Tech Summit on Wednesday, March 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Capital Union Building. This year’s theme, “Broadening Participation in Tech,” will focus on practical strategies to foster a culture of inclusive excellence in the tech industry.
Registration and other information is available at this link.
The summit will address barriers to inclusion in tech and the vital roles that K-12 education, higher education and industry play in building a more inclusive workforce. Conversations will focus on expanding access and opportunities for historically underrepresented and underserved groups, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities. Bringing together leaders from education and industry, the event aims to drive systemic change, increase access and foster innovation by creating a more diverse tech workforce.
“Penn State Harrisburg is honored to host this important summit,” said Penn State Harrisburg Chancellor David Callejo Pérez. “As an institution committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative learning environment, we recognize the critical role higher education plays in shaping a diverse and equitable tech workforce. This summit provides a vital opportunity for collaboration among educators, industry leaders, and advocates to drive meaningful change and expand opportunities for all individuals pursuing careers in technology.”
Summit Schedule:
- 8 a.m.: Registration and Networking Breakfast
- 9 a.m.: Welcome Remarks — Alexis Gosik, president and CEO, Technology Council of Central PA
- 9:05 a.m.: Morning Keynote Address: "Tech for All: Solving Accessibility Challenges in Tech" — Joyce Bender, CEO of Bender Consulting Services Inc.
- 9:20 a.m.: Speaker Session: “Restoring Our Shared Humanity: Bridging the Perceived Divide” — Rabbi Marc Aaron Kline, Temple Ohev Sholom
- 10 a.m.: Morning Networking Break
- 10:10 a.m.: Panel Discussion: “Not Just Men: Breaking Gender Barriers in STEM”
- 10:50 a.m.: Speaker Session: “The Power of Algorithmic Literacy: Creating Fairer, Bias-Free AI Systems” — Kelley Cotter, assistant professor, College of Information Sciences and Technology, Penn State
- 11:30 a.m.: Lunch and Networking
- 1 p.m.: “Inclusive Tech Pathways: Bridging Talent and Opportunity” — Charles Nordine, senior partner, Collective Intelligence, and Brooke Holland, vice president, Learning and Belonging / Talent, Supply and Diversity Committee co-lead, Capital Blue Cross / Next Gen IT Partnership
- 1:40 p.m.: Panel Discussion: “Removing Barriers to Tech Careers: Leveraging AI and Partnerships for Diversity and Inclusion”
- 2:10 p.m. Networking Break
- 2:20 p.m.: Speaker Session: “From Boomers to Zoomers – Effectively Leading in a Multi-Generational Workforce” — Una Martone, president and CEO, Leadership Harrisburg Area
- 3 p.m.: Afternoon Keynote Address: “Collaborating Across K-12, Higher Education, and Industry to Strengthen the Tech Pipeline” – Mary Oliveira, president and CEO, Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts
- 3:20 p.m.: Closing Remarks – David M. Callejo Pérez, chancellor, Penn State Harrisburg