TC Sessions: Justice – A Deep Dive into DEI in Tech

TC Sessions: Justice, our second event specifically focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and labor practices within the technology sector, is scheduled for March 3, 2021.

This one-day virtual conference will showcase leading innovators, influential leaders, and dedicated worker-activists who are shaping the future of the industry.

Featured Speakers

We are thrilled to welcome Arlan Hamilton, founder and Managing Partner of Backstage Capital, alongside Vanessa Bain from the Gig Workers Collective.

The speaker lineup also includes Parul Koul, Executive Chair of the Alphabet Workers Union, Rashad Robinson, President of Color of Change, and Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, among other prominent figures.

Event Highlights

Beyond the engaging fireside chats and insightful panel discussions, TC Sessions: Justice will offer valuable networking opportunities.

Attendees will also have the chance to view startup presentations and connect with peers from across the globe.

Accessing the Agenda

The official agenda for TC Sessions: Justice is available below. It’s already a comprehensive schedule.

However, we are planning additional surprises and speaker announcements in the weeks leading up to the event, so be sure to check back frequently for updates.

Registration Information

Secure your place at this important event by purchasing a ticket for only $5. You can find tickets here.

Speaking Opportunities

If your organization is interested in a sponsored speaking engagement and the opportunity to share your insights alongside these exceptional speakers, please contact our sales team.

AGENDA

Detailed information regarding the event schedule will be provided shortly.

Wednesday, March 3

State of the Union: A Discussion with Industry Leaders

The presence of labor unions within the technology sector has historically been limited. However, this is undergoing a significant shift as employees increasingly advocate for collective organization at major companies, including Alphabet and Kickstarter. This session features Parul Koul (Google), Grace Reckers (Office and Professional Employees International Union), and Clarissa Redwine (NYU) to explore this evolving landscape.

Identifying Emerging Investment Opportunities with Arlan Hamilton

Arlan Hamilton, founder and managing partner of Backstage Capital, has successfully raised over $12 million, investing in 150 companies led by founders from underrepresented groups. This discussion will focus on Hamilton’s approach to identifying promising investment prospects and fostering positive disruption within the industry.

Supporting Essential Tech Workers: Challenges and Solutions

Workers in the gig economy and warehouse settings have become indispensable, particularly during the recent pandemic. A new California law reclassifies many gig workers as independent contractors. Simultaneously, Amazon warehouse employees in Alabama are actively pursuing unionization to enhance workplace protections. This panel, featuring Vanessa Bain (Gig Workers Collective), Jessica E. Martinez (National Council for Occupational Safety and Health), and Christian Smalls (The Congress of Essential Workers), will address the future of these workers and the challenges they face.

Addressing Bias in Technology: A Critical Examination

Many widely used technologies and services contain inherent biases and exclusionary practices, often unnoticed by those in privileged positions but readily apparent to affected groups. This session will explore methods for identifying, documenting, and ultimately eliminating these systems, preventing their recurrence. Mutale Nkonde (AI for the People), Haben Girma (Disability Justice Lawyer), and Safiya Umoja Noble (UCLA) will lead a discussion on building a more inclusive technological future.

Founder Spotlight: Tracy Chou of Block Party

This session features a conversation with founders who are poised to become the next major innovators. We will be speaking with Tracy Chou, founder of Block Party, a platform dedicated to protecting individuals from online abuse and harassment.

Combating Online Hate: The Responsibility of Social Media Platforms

The proliferation of toxic online culture, dangerous conspiracy theories, and organized hate speech has become a pressing concern. This panel will examine the extent to which social networks bear responsibility for this rise and explore strategies for cultivating healthier online communities that contribute positively to society. Participants include Naj Austin (Somewhere Good and Ethel’s Club), Jesse Lehrich (Accountable Tech), and Rashad Robinson (Color of Change).

Networking Opportunity

Our virtual platform facilitates networking through video chat, enabling attendees to forge valuable connections. CrunchMatch, our algorithmic matching tool, will help you connect with relevant individuals, while a random matching feature offers opportunities for spontaneous interactions.

Securing Initial Funding: Insights from First-Check Investors

Beyond traditional funding routes like Y Combinator, numerous alternative financing options exist for startups. This panel brings together Brian Brackeen (Lightship Capital), Astrid Scholz (Zebras Unite), and Sydney Thomas (Precursor Ventures) to provide founders with guidance on leveraging unconventional communities and resources to secure early-stage funding.

Leadership Perspectives: Wade Davis and Bo Young Lee

While diversity and inclusion have been priorities for tech companies for years, the industry continues to struggle with achieving genuine inclusivity, despite the efforts of diversity, equity, and inclusion leaders. Wade Davis (Netflix) and Bo Young Lee (Uber) will discuss the obstacles hindering progress and the steps needed to create meaningful change.

Prioritizing Accessibility in Product Design

This session will emphasize the importance of integrating accessibility considerations into product design from the outset. The discussion will explore how the social and medical models of disability shape technological development. Incorporating the expertise of disabled technologists, makers, investors, and engineers is crucial for building a functional and equitable society, and can also unlock new market opportunities.

Supporting Re-entry for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals

Reintegrating into society after incarceration presents unique and significant challenges. This panel will examine how technology can facilitate employment pathways for individuals with prior convictions, featuring Jason Jones (The Last Mile), Deepti Rohatgi (Slack), and Aly Tamboura (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative).