While this recap barely skims the surface of the panel session, here are 9 ways we, as members of the DC Tech community, can encourage diversity and practice safe and respectful working environments: While last night’s Meetup focused on women in tech, building diversity in tech is not limited to gender equality. As Aliya Rahman shared, “Coding is about empathy– learning how to communicate with someone different than you.” We should aim to address and be inclusive of sexuality, gender, class, ethnicity and everything in between. You, who came to the Meetup or you, who saw this article in the Twittersphere (or elsewhere) are humans who love technology and this industry. It is crucial to have your support. Having open, honest conversations will contribute to better work environments for all of us. Whether it’s through recruitment tactics or by simply changing the description of Meetup events to be more inclusive, we can all make changes to our daily habits. The event was incredibly insightful, but one Meetup is not enough. Let’s continue the conversation and give a voice to those underrepresented in our community. Let’s inspire this change and speak up instead of waiting for someone else to do it. Panelists from Left to Right: Shana Glenzer (SocialRadar), Aliya Rahman (Code for Progress), Ashleigh Axios (AIGA), Bonnie Bogle (MapBox) & Melody Kramer (NPR) For information on DC Metro Women in Tech events and resources, visit the @DCFemTechcalendar here, sign up for monthly event newsletters here or join us for future Code & Coffees here. DCTech Meetup typically runs every other month and convenes 800+ innovators gather to see demos, launch products and meet their future co-founders, partners and funders. See future Meetups here.
