RightsCon Toronto 2018

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.