Event slated to pair diversity with tech opportunities
FORT WAYNE -- A unique event is being planned to serve diverse, would-be employees in technology in Northeast Indiana. “Come Together Over Tech” is a think-tank opportunity for diverse stakeholders to literally come together and discuss solutions to increase more diversity in the area’s tech industry.
JobWorks, Inc., is a national workforce development organization based in Fort aimed at helping employers with innovative solutions while assisting employees in dissolving barriers to employment and is leading the charge hoping to bring more awareness around diversity in the tech industry. Supporting and co-hosting the event is Indiana Tech along with two Indianapolis groups Techpoint and Innopower.
“Our mission is to bring these conversations to the table,” said Tom Kavanagh JobWorks, Inc.’s chief operating officer. “We want the solutions to come from many viewpoints within the community. That’s why we’re inviting educators, employers, politicians, community members and business owners to come and join the conversation.”
Slated to be held Tuesday, February 28th at Indiana Tech’s Corporate Engagement Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., this free event is open to community members interested in working in tech as well as organizations supporting talent development.
“Bringing together a group like this means we can hear ideas from a variety of different perspectives,” said Greg Perigo, Indiana Tech’s director of strategic partnerships. “This allows us to align partnerships and like-minded people with a singular focus – to bring more intention to not only tech jobs in the area, but opening up these opportunities to a diverse demographic.”
Kavanagh and Perigo agree that this event isn’t all talk, but a starting point to effectively carryout targeted actions that’s seen in the community.
“This is just to get the ball rolling,” said Perigo. “We hope to end the day having a plan of attack for what’s next and how we can continue coming together to address serving those that can benefit most from tech opportunities.”
“Come Together Over Tech,” is an event fueled by Techpoint Mission 41K, an effort to add more than 41,000 tech jobs to the Hoosier workforce. TechPoint, the non-profit, industry-led growth accelerator for Indiana’s tech ecosystem, and InnoPower, a seed-stage impact investment program led by former NFL stalwart Emil Ekiyor, are working to increase employment opportunities for Black and Brown Hoosiers in Indiana’s burgeoning tech sector. TechPoint, InnoPower, and JobWorks, Inc. will facilitate the gathering focused on developing inclusive tech talent in Fort Wayne and surrounding areas.
For more information about the event as well as links to register to attend visit www.jobworksincorporated.org/tech.
