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Welcome to the Official Schedule for RightsCon Toronto 2018. This year’s program, built by our global community, is our most ambitious one yet. Within the program, you will find 18 thematic tracks to help you navigate our 450+ sessions

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Last updated: Version 2.3 (Updated May 15, 2018).

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Wednesday, May 16 • 14:30 - 15:45
Techquity: Ensuring the Future is Shaped by Diverse Innovators

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From the diversity breakdowns provided in the annual diversity reports of the major technology firms (Apple, Facebook, Google and Microsoft) to the “Google Memo” of Summer 2017, it is clear that despite ongoing diversity and inclusion initiatives undertaken by tech sector firms, underrepresented voices have yet to be meaningfully represented within the sector, particularly within positions of leadership.

The impact of this ongoing disparity is far reaching, impacting employment trajectories for underrepresented communities, missing opportunities to harness innovative new ideas that come from a diverse workforce and producing products and platforms impacting our daily lives that reflect a limited set of lived experiences in their design and function.

Conversations around these trends, barriers and missed opportunities are occurring at a moment in time when equity, respect and the dismantling of privilege are at the forefront of our societal consciousness – from national conversations such as reconciliation in Canada to movements that span across borders (Black Lives Matter, #MeToo, LGBTQ2S Rights), activists, allies, community leaders and practitioners are helping to reimagine and reshape our socioeconomic landscape.

Within such a transformative period, how can those working to address issues of equity in tech come together to collectively build upon our diverse strengths and experiences to help shape the digital platforms, products and experiences of tomorrow? This will not be your average “diversity and inclusion” panel, but rather an opportunity for those already active in the space to develop tangible takeaways and action items that can help to accelerate their efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive technology sector.

Speakers
avatar for Kara Andrade

Kara Andrade

Innovation Specialist, Counterpart
Kara is the Innovation Specialist for Counterpart International's Innovation for Change Initiative which supports and starts-up regional innovation hubs in 6 regions: Latin America and the Caribbean, Middle East and North Africa, Africa, South Asia, Central Asia, and East Asia and... Read More →
avatar for Alejandro Mayoral Banos

Alejandro Mayoral Banos

Executive Director, Indigenous Friends Association
Alejandro Mayoral Banos is a Mixtec/Totonac activist and the Executive Director of the Indigenous Friends Association based in Tkaronto, Canada. Alejandro has a Ph.D. in Communication & Culture from York University/Ryerson University, where he specialized in the intersections between... Read More →
avatar for Chief R. Stacey Laforme

Chief R. Stacey Laforme

R. Stacey Laforme is the elected Chief of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation (MNCFN). Born and raised on MNCFN, Chief Laforme has served his community for over fifteen years, being first elected to council in 1999. Chief Laforme has participated in a number of committees... Read More →


Wednesday May 16, 2018 14:30 - 15:45 EDT
200B