Welcome to the November edition of TechPACT's Newsletter.  

Have you signed up for TechPACT's mentoring program?  The pilot, called First 50, is an opportunity for you to directly inspire the next generation of technologists. Be part of the trailblazers that will set the foundation for our mentorship program's success. To register your interest, use the template below to send us an email and we will be in touch with the next steps. 

Join the First 50

DEIB Spotlight 

November is Native American Heritage Month. We celebrate the enduring legacy of indigenous peoples and their contributions to building America, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for all. 

During this important month, we are honored to introduce some amazing organizations leading DEIB in the Native American Community:  

Hesperus  

Hesperus was founded to invest in the next generation of Native American leadership and solve issues affecting Native Americans and Alaska Native tribal communities. By addressing these issues, they aspire to help bolster the economy of these tribal areas and enable Native Americans to benefit from tech jobs. Visit their website for more information. 

Aises  

AISES supports PK-12, undergraduate and graduate students in STEM studies through programs, scholarships, and events. They also support professionals in STEM fields through professional development, career opportunities, and networking. Visit their website for more information.  

Natives in Tech  

Natives in Tech cultivates a tech ecosystem of Native technologists crafting free and open-source technology for Native communities. Through their community, natives can network with technologists and have access to free and open-source technology that will empower their lives. Visit their website for more information. 

+1 Credo  

Acceptance and tolerance are created by actively expanding our boundaries of understanding. Add +1 thing to things you do every day- read a book you wouldn't otherwise read, listen to a song you wouldn't otherwise listen to, or sponsor a diverse colleague.    

Networking Across Generations 

Jo Ann Jenkins, CEO of AARP advises employers to consider hiring older people due to the value and experience they bring. The AARP is a non-profit organization that empowers people who are 50+ to choose how they live as they age. In an interview with McKinsey, Jo Ann shares the goals of the AARP's partnership with World Economic Forum and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development to showcase the importance of companies empowering employees to live longer healthier lives. Read more here.  

Amy C Waninger from Lead at Any Level says workforce generations will shift dramatically by 2030. She encourages organization leaders and employees to create a welcoming culture for people of all ages. Additionally, she points out that businesses whose customers span multiple generations are likely to be successful as the workforce environment changes. Click the button below to learn more about how you can network across generations. 

Watch the Video

Artist to Watch 

Elisapie is an emblematic Canadian Inuk singer-songwriter. She makes her culture resonate with finesse by mixing modernity and tradition. In her latest music, she serenades us with ethereal tunes in her native language, Inuktitut. Elisapie's current project marks her return to the classic rock sounds that originally captivated her during her childhood. Her latest single, "Uummati Attanarsimat (Heart of Glass)," is a reinterpretation of Blondie's timeless 1979 hit. Click the link below to listen. 

Listen to Elisapie

Get Involved  

The tech industry is unrepresentative of the societies we live in. It runs on biased algorithms and automation that threaten to remove people from jobs. Despite these challenges, our contribution to innovation has grown.  The practical guidance in the Lead Drive Free research paper enables us to purposefully guide innovation for the common good; leading to a community that drives equality, security and dignity for people as much as it creates economic value. Get pre-release acess to Lead Drive Free. 

Are you interested in publishing an article or contributing to research notes? Contact Edward Wilson at [email protected]. 

In Case You Missed it (ICYMI) 

Stay Up to Date with TechPACT: 

• TechPACT's latest Ignite! video featuring Kevin Japaul's story   

• The First 50 Mentorship Program 

• How to Sponsor a Diverse College 

• Lead Drive Free research paper by Edward Wilson-Smythe 

Expressing our gratitude 

SJ Innovation, AI first solutions. 

SJ Innovation constantly strives to deliver custom solutions to fuel client success. They have been in business for 19 years and are ISO-certified, Clutch-recognized, Certified NYC Minority Owned Business Enterprise (MBE), and INC. 5000-recognized company. SJ Innovation is committed to excellence and fostering lasting business relationships. 

We thank them for their tremendous support in helping maintain TechPACT's digital footprint. 

Visit their website to learn more about their services and how they can help you. 

The opportunities to create DEIB are numerous, and the impact of our collective action is endless.  

Do you have an intriguing idea on DEIB? Tell us about it and get featured in our newsletter.