The Tech Inclusion forum will come to Nashville on Tuesday, August 29, at Belmont University. Organized by Change Catalyst, the event will explore innovative ways of improving and expanding diversity and inclusion in the emerging tech ecosystem in Nashville with supporting sponsor Google Fiber and city host partner Black in Tech Nashville.
Melinda Epler, CEO at Change Catalyst said, “We’re proud to be coming to Nashville to learn from the local community and facilitate actionable solutions around inclusion in tech. We’re seeing a strong and vibrant tech community in Nashville, which is already the fifth fastest-growing market for tech jobs in the U.S. It’s extremely important to focus now on building the local tech economy in a way that harnesses the great diversity of this community.”
“As a newer organization in the City, we are happy that our first citywide tech event will be hosting a conversation on diversity and inclusion in tech,” said Dr. Fallon Wilson, CEO and co-founder at Black in Tech Nashville. “We see this convening as the beginning of many important conversations about building a sustainable and inclusive tech talent pipeline and knowledge economy for Nashville, and, perhaps, for the entire State of Tennessee.”
Tech Inclusion Nashville focuses on promoting access and opportunity for underrepresented technology professionals. The forum will feature keynotes and panel discussions to highlight the importance of driving workplace inclusion across the Nashville technology sector with a focus on positive solutions.
The day-long schedule includes five presentations and five panels, plus a set of lightning talks. The line-up of speakers includes Daynise Joseph, Community Impact Manager at Google Fiber; Kristin McKinney, Founder of Nashville Girl Geek Dinner; Jurnell Cockren, Founder of Sophicware; Corey Johns, Project Manager for Digital Content at TN Entertainment Commission; Jerome Hardaway, Founder of Vets Who Code; Mario Avila, Board Member of Conexion Americas; and Beth Hoeg, Board Member of Women in Tech Tennessee.
Change Catalyst hosts Tech Inclusion events, conferences, startup showcases, career fairs and forums across the world to improve diversity and inclusion throughout the technology ecosystem. They also help drive solutions to diversity and inclusion through training, online toolkits and consulting for tech hubs, startups, investors and tech companies.
Registration is FREE, but tickets are limited. A reception follows at Refinery Nashville.