As the tech industry continues to evolve, the importance of equity and inclusion cannot be overstated. By embracing equity, fostering inclusive cultures, and championing diversity, we can collectively shape a future where technology truly serves and benefits all members of society equitably.
Join us as we embark on this journey towards a more inclusive and innovative tech industry.
8:30am-9:10am – Fireside Chat
9:10am-9:20am – Break
9:20am-10:00am – Building an Inclusive Tech Culture
10:00am-10:20am – Break
10:20am-11:00am – Leadership Perspectives on Equity in Tech
8:30am-9:10am
Embracing equity in tech isn’t just a moral imperative — it’s essential for driving innovation, creating more resilient products, and ensuring technology serves all of society equitably.
It’s imperative for the tech community to commit to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse voices are heard, supported, and empowered.
By prioritizing equity, the tech community can harness the full spectrum of human talent and experiences to tackle complex challenges and create solutions that truly benefit everyone.
Taylor leads CDW’s Global Social Impact team. As a global provider of technology products and services, CDW believes that everyone should have equitable access to the unlimited possibilities that technology unlocks. Guided by this purpose, Taylor strategically engages employees and nonprofit partners to provide access to technology, support education initiatives and build a workforce reflective of our world.
Jason Strle joined Discover in July 2023 as executive vice president, chief information officer. Prior to joining Discover, Jason served as EVP & Group CIO of payments, virtual solutions, innovation and community banking business units for Wells Fargo. Before Wells Fargo, he spent almost 13 years with JP Morgan Chase in roles of increasing scope, culminating as CIO, consumer banking, business banking and auto.
9:20am-10:00am
Fostering an inclusive tech culture at organizations requires a commitment to sharing strategies for creating an inclusive work environment, drawing from diverse perspectives on fostering diversity and inclusion in tech.
By highlighting best practices and lessons learned, companies can cultivate an atmosphere where all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute their unique insights and talents, ultimately driving innovation and success in the tech industry.
Embracing inclusivity isn’t just about meeting quotas; it’s about creating a culture where every individual feels respected, heard, and supported in their professional growth and contributions.
Amanda Kreutziger is responsible for Corporate Services Technology solutions at Discover including leading a team of engineers to build and integrate modern technology solutions to support Discover’s corporation functions including Corporate Finance, Human Resources and Corporate Risk. She also has responsibility for Discover’s Agile Management Platform technology and Quality Assurance environment operations.
Ruben Abarca has been a distinguished leader in higher education since 2009, forging corporate partnerships that have resulted in the enrollment of hundreds of students. He has developed and implemented successful enrollment strategies for several prestigious institutions, including the University of Chicago, DePaul University, Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, Illinois Tech, DeVry University, and the University of Phoenix.
10:20am-11:00am
Leadership support of equity in tech is crucial for driving meaningful change and fostering a culture of inclusion within organizations. When leaders prioritize equity, they set the tone for the entire company, signaling a commitment to diversity, fairness, and opportunity for all.
Such support not only enhances employee morale and engagement but also enables businesses to harness the full potential of diverse perspectives, leading to greater innovation and success in the tech industry.
Tauseef is a Partner and growth leader for Mercer’s Career practice in Northern California and Hawaii. His expertise is in translating business strategy into a talent strategy through work design and transformation, rewards effectiveness, people analytics, and digital experiences. Currently based in San Francisco, he has also been based in Mercer’s Los Angeles, Dubai, Melbourne, and Houston offices.
Liz Connelly is the Senior Vice President, Vertical Markets at CDW. She is responsible for managing all aspects of CDW’s vertical markets comprised of healthcare, financial services, and nonprofits. She has been with CDW since 2018 and previously served as their Senior Vice President of Healthcare and their Chief Human Resources Officer. Liz brings a different perspective, as well as her depth of experience and business knowledge, to CDW after a long career in the banking industry.
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