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AUTMHQ invites you to join the movement.
AUTMHQ UPDATES Hola!
This week, I read an article about Sesame Street announcing the implementation of diversity and inclusion training for its employees. As much as I would like to be happy about this announcement, I find it troubling that they are only now beginning to build this culture among their parks, and that this is happening after a class-action lawsuit alleging multiple instances of discrimination. Building an inclusive culture is something that most corporations strive for now, and I'm disappointed for saying "now" as in the present tense when this should have always been the norm in the work environment. Many companies are adopting this type of work culture to improve their reputation because of social media, but the benefits of an inclusive environment are enormous. Austin Urban Technology Movement (AUTMHQ) has been fighting to increase the representation of the Global Majority in the tech world. We accomplish so by assisting with job placement, career development, and providing excellent networking opportunities. As a 501c3 organization advocating for this purpose, we are aware of the tangible benefits of this practice: A diverse workforce brings a variety of perspectives, which boosts creativity. As a result of a healthier work culture, problem-solving ability and decision-making improve. An inclusive work environment increases profit, and, as more people relate to the mission, new opportunities for clients and business partners emerge. So, are you ready to join the movement toward diversity & inclusion in the workplace? Paty Sesma VP of MarCom at AUTMHQ
TECH NEWS
?? Help is here now for thousands of Austin households who need a home internet connection
Help is here now for thousands of Austin households who need a home internet connection but can’t afford it. Whether it’s for the school children’s homework, finding and applying for jobs online, working from home, completing medical forms, printing documents or other projects, there’s a new government program designed to help those in need. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) run by the Federal Communications Commission is for qualifying households* and provides:
?? A $30 per month discount toward broadband services; many Austin-area internet service providers have a $30 a month ACP plan so new customers don’t pay anything a month;
?? A one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from a participating provider as long as the buyer contributes more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
“Austin’s vision is for every resident to be fully engaged in the digital society and to have access to digital and communications technology,” said Rondella Hawkins, The City of Austin’s Telecommunications and Regulatory Affairs Officer. “The FCC’s new Affordable Connectivity Program with its discounts for internet access and a device goes a long way to help those most vulnerable who are now unserved or underserved online.”
ATX EVENTS
Mentor Chat: How to start a career in Program Management
Mentor chats are a new, informal way to learn about a mentor’s experience and ask questions related to a specific field or industry. This webinar will provide an opportunity to get feedback on ideas, talk through challenges, and learn from an expert’s experience. You’ll also get to learn from others as you hear their questions and responses. This mentor chat features Summer McAfee, lead program manager at the USAA Austin Design Studio with 22 years on the USAA team including 15 years in various leadership roles. She has been part of the military community her entire life as her dad served 24 years in the Air Force, and that sparked her advocacy for military families. She has an MBA in Business Administration/Marketing from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). In 2020 she completed the Nonprofit Leadership certificate from the University of Texas and the certification for the National Diversity Council Certified Diversity Professional (NDCCDP).
Outside of work Summer is passionate about volunteering and community outreach with an emphasis on military kids, STEM initiatives, and minority youth empowerment programs.
?? Event details: Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. CT
TECH NEWS
Teens, Social Media and Technology 2022
TikTok has established itself as one of the top online platforms for U.S. teens, while the share of teens who use Facebook has fallen sharply
The landscape of social media is ever-changing, especially among teens who often are on the leading edge of this space. A new Pew Research Center survey of American teenagers ages 13 to 17 finds TikTok has rocketed in popularity since its North American debut several years ago and now is a top social media platform for teens among the platforms covered in this survey. Some 67% of teens say they ever use TikTok, with 16% of all teens saying they use it almost constantly. Meanwhile, the share of teens who say they use Facebook, a dominant social media platform among teens in the Center’s 2014-15 survey, has plummeted from 71% then to 32% today. YouTube tops the 2022 teen online landscape among the platforms covered in the Center’s new survey, as it is used by 95% of teens. TikTok is next on the list of platforms that were asked about in this survey (67%), followed by Instagram and Snapchat, which are both used by about six-in-ten teens. After those platforms come to Facebook with 32% and smaller shares who use Twitter, Twitch, WhatsApp, Reddit, and Tumblr.
TECH NEWS
Why can’t tech fix its gender problem?
A new generation of tech activists, organizers, and whistleblowers, most of whom are female, non-white, gender-diverse, or queer, may finally bring change. Much of tech’s gender problem is a corporate America problem. Women, especially women of color, remain grossly underrepresented in top executive ranks across sectors. But tech is an industry that promised to think differently, change the world, and make money without being evil. It also has a long history of employing many technical women.
DEI NEWS
Sesame Place to Train Employees on Diversity and Inclusion
Philadelphia (AP) -- Sesame Place has announced the implementation of diversity and inclusion training for its employees following a $25 million class-action lawsuit alleging multiple incidents of discrimination after outcry sparked from a video of a costumed character snubbing two 6-year-old Black girls went viral online.
The Sesame Street-themed park, operated by SeaWorld Parks, in a statement Tuesday said that all employees will be mandated to participate in training created to address bias, promote inclusion and prevent discrimination by the end of September.
ATX EVENTS
This weekend brings a fantastic opportunity! Spread the word!
?? Event details: Saturday, August 20, 2022: 9 am - 5 pm Impact Hub Austin - North Loop 5540 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78756
Wednesday, August 24, 2022: 9 am - 5 pm Impact Hub Austin - Bouldin Creek 411 W Monroe St, Austin, TX 78704
ATX EVENTS
?? AUTMHQ is celebrating with the Battle for Austin Tech
As an Ambassador for Battle for Austin Tech, AUTMHQ is looking forward to bringing our community together with Austin Technology Council to celebrate 30 years of tech’s influence in Austin by honoring the first-ever recipients of the Austin Tech Awards and witnessing the ultimate Battle of the Tech Bands. ?? Event Date: September 22, 2022, at ACL Live at the Moody Theater To get involved, visit https://www.austintechnologycouncil.org/awards/.
ATX EVENTS
NSBE AP and Dell Technologies presents FreshStart.
FreshStart is a National Society of Black Engineers – Austin Professionals (NSBE-AP) program. We use interactive workshops to introduce Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) concepts to 6th – 12th graders.
FreshStart 2022 is IN-PERSON
We’re excited to be back IN PERSON this year! You do not want miss this opportunity for both students AND parents. Breakfast and Lunch provided.
?? Register today!
We’ll have great workshops that will give students an opportunity to get a better understanding of what it takes to have a career in STEM fields. We also have a parent track to provide valuable insights on how to support your student’s STEM journey.
Date: Sunday, September 25, 2022 Time: 8:30am – 4:30pm Location: Applied Materials Campus 9700 US-290, Austin, TX 78724 Building 34 (Lakeside Entrance)
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