In ‘TECH-nicolor:’ How Maryland Smith Alumni Are Changing Tech

At today’s leading technology companies, executives are making a commitment to achieving greater diversity, equity and inclusion. And, at Google, SpaceX and Workday, Maryland Smith alumni are leading the charge.

At an event this week, they gathered, virtually, to network with Maryland Smith students and alumni, and to discuss how their work is helping to reshape the tech sector.

The event, appropriately called “Working in TECH-nicolor,” brought together Google’s Sherika Ekpo, MBA ’09, Workday’s Akiva Lewis, MBA ’05, and SpaceX’s Jamin Gallman, MBA ’15, and about 200 Maryland Smith students and alumni.

Together, they talked about the importance of creating more opportunities for Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) and paving the way for other corporations to adopt more inclusive practices.

“This notion that the demographics of the world are shifting and technology is more pervasive in everything we do – it will dramatically shape how the world looks in the next 20 years,” said Lewis, principal diversity partner at Workday. “There’s a special responsibility for tech companies to increase opportunities for people from different backgrounds.”

There’s a responsibility, too, for each of us, Lewis said. “Each individual has power to move these efforts forward. Make it a priority in your job search. Ask questions during interviews and be ready to provide your input. It’s all about finding ways to be part of the solution.”

Ekpo, the global DEI lead for AI and research at Google, shared how her company is committed to building its community through its State of Black Women event. The event addresses issues of retaining and supporting Black employees, especially Black women.

“The tech industry has experienced exponential growth over the last few decades and that means we need to be trendsetters,” said Ekpo. “As creators of innovative products, it’s important for us to have diverse teams that consider different experiences in their creative process.”

Jamin Gallman, head of D&I at SpaceX, spoke about the company’s efforts to increase broadband internet access around the world, and its goal of increasing the amount of STEM learning in K-12 education.

“The most important thing is to be an active bystander,”  said Gallman. “Get in the arena and be willing to put your privilege on the line to move the needle. You don’t need to be a leader, but you can support others by helping them speak up.”

Following the panel discussion, attendees were invited to a special networking event where they could interact with the panelists and fellow Maryland Smith BIPOC alumni in smaller breakout sessions.

Sophomore Tamara Bethea said she walked away from the panel and networking event with insights and encouragement.

“What stuck out to me was the emphasis on authenticity and presenting ourselves, as well as our background and experiences, in any setting,” said Bethea. “We know moving forward what we can bring to the table, and that we have a right to be in these spaces.”

Abi Shitta-Bey, a 2021 MBA candidate, praised the candidness of the panelists.

“We received so much great advice on how we can contribute to increasing diversity in organizations and other ways we can make ourselves extremely marketable,” said Shitta-Bey. “It was just a great moment for us to connect with Maryland Smith alumni to ask questions and share our experiences.”

Watch video: “Working in TECH-nicolor: Smith Alumni Leading the Forefront of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion”