TC Sessions: Justice Agenda

TC Sessions: Justice – A Deep Dive into DEI and Labor 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 gather leading innovators, industry leaders, and prominent worker-activists.

Featured Speakers

We are thrilled to welcome Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Arlan Hamilton – founder and Managing Partner of Backstage Capital, Vanessa Bain from the Gig Workers Collective, 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 distinguished guests.

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 and Registration

The complete official agenda for TC Sessions: Justice is available below.

Tickets for this impactful event are currently available for purchase at a price of just $5. You can secure your spot 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 for further details.

AGENDA

Fireside Chats: Engaging conversations with industry thought leaders.
Panel Discussions: In-depth explorations of critical DEI and labor topics.
Networking Sessions: Connect with peers and build valuable relationships.
Startup Presentations: Discover innovative solutions from emerging companies.

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 Promising Investments: Insights from Arlan Hamilton

Arlan Hamilton, founder and managing partner of Backstage Capital, has successfully raised over $12 million to invest in 150 companies spearheaded by founders from underrepresented groups. During this session, Hamilton will share her approach to identifying high-potential investment opportunities and fostering positive disruption.

The Future of Work for Essential Tech Personnel

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 discussion, 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 challenges and future direction of this workforce.

Advancing Equity within the Tech Industry: A Conversation with Congresswoman Barbara Lee

The frequently cited “pipeline problem” as an explanation for the lack of diversity in technology is, in fact, a misconception. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, representing California’s East Bay for nearly a decade, has witnessed the growth of the tech sector firsthand. She will discuss opportunities to establish a more equitable environment within tech, benefiting underrepresented investors, founders, designers, and developers.

Addressing and Eliminating Bias in Technology with Expert Insights

Most widely used technologies and services contain inherent biases or exclusionary practices, often unnoticed by those who benefit from them but readily apparent to affected groups. Haben Girma (Disability Justice Lawyer), Mutale Nkonde (AI for the People), and Safiya Umoja Noble (UCLA) will discuss how to expose, document, and ultimately eliminate these systems, preventing their recurrence and fostering a more inclusive future.

Sponsored by Latinx Startup Alliance: Latinx Founders Championing Inclusion

Latinx founders are demonstrating leadership through inclusive teams and missions, embedding diversity into the core of their organizations.

Founder Spotlight: Tracy Chou of Block Party

This session features a discussion with Tracy Chou, founder of Block Party, a platform dedicated to protecting individuals from online abuse and harassment. We will explore her vision for disrupting the industry.

Addressing the Issues with Social Media Platforms

The proliferation of toxic content, dangerous conspiracy theories, and organized hate speech online has become a pressing concern. Naj Austin (Somewhere Good and Ethel’s Club), Jesse Lehrich (Accountable Tech), and Rashad Robinson (Color of Change) will discuss the responsibility of social networks and strategies for building healthier online communities.

Sponsored by StartOut: The Economic Impact of LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurship

StartOut and Socos Lab will present findings from the Inclusion Impact Indexes, including the StartOut Pride Economic Impact Index, which quantifies the economic contributions of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in the U.S. The presentation will include a demonstration of the index and a Q&A session.

Sponsored by Onshape: Beyond Hiring: Building True Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

While increased awareness of diversity is evident, achieving genuine equity and inclusion requires more than simply diversifying hiring practices. Embedding DEI principles into all aspects of a business – from employee and customer experiences to brand culture and corporate citizenship – is crucial for sustainable progress.

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 random matching offers opportunities for spontaneous interactions.

Navigating Early-Stage Funding: Advice from Investors

Securing initial funding doesn’t always require traditional venture capital routes like Y Combinator. This panel, featuring Brian Brackeen (Lightship Capital), Astrid Scholz (Zebras Unite), and Sydney Thomas (Precursor Ventures), will provide founders with insights into leveraging unconventional communities and resources.

Tech’s Role in Accountability: A Discussion with Jonathan Greenblatt

Despite years of focus on diversity and inclusion, the tech industry continues to struggle with true inclusivity. Jonathan Greenblatt (Anti-Defamation League) will explore the obstacles hindering progress and the steps needed to achieve meaningful change.

Designing for Inclusion: Prioritizing Accessibility from the Start

This session emphasizes the importance of incorporating accessibility into product design from the outset. Cynthia Bennett (Carnegie Mellon University), Srin Madipalli (formerly of Accomable and Airbnb), and Mara Mills (NYU) will discuss how the social and medical models of disability influence technological development. Integrating the expertise of disabled technologists is vital for creating a functioning and equitable society.

Supporting Re-Entry: Tech’s Role in Employment for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals

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