If you’ve ever considered a career in software product development, product management, user experience (UX) or user interface design (UI), then join us for an evening with industry leaders from Facebook and Twitter. Hear from them as they share their experiences and share with advice on building a career in product design and product management.

In 2018, Google reported attrition data for the first time, showing Black and Latinx employees left at higher rates than their white counterparts. After implementing targeted diversity policies, attrition rates fell for those groups. The tech industry as a whole struggles to hire and retain Black talent. Blacks In Technology NYC Metro and Dr. Janice Gassam, dig into the “why” and propose practical guidance for Black employees on the bubble and for companies that have a sincere interest in retaining diverse talent.

About Dr. Janice Gassam

Janice Gassam, Ph.D. is the founder of BWG Business Solutions, LLC, a consultancy designed to help organizations create more inclusive environments. Janice facilitates workshops, delivers keynote speeches and “Awareness Talks” to spark important dialogue about workplace equity. Janice has had the opportunity to collaborate with Yale University, Nordstrom, H&M, and PayPal/Venmo among many others. She is the host of the Diversity Dinner Dialogue, a free public workshop designed to address issues around diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. She is a senior contributing writer for Forbes having authored nearly 200 articles. Janice has a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in business and psychology. She is a TEDx speaker and the host of the Dirty Diversity podcast where she discusses all things diversity, equity, inclusion, or lack thereof.

Hip-Hop Meets Tech explored the intersection between hip-hop and technology from three distinct perspectives. Grammy award winning artist and producer, Edward "DJ Eddie F" Ferrell of Heavy D and the Boyz fame who is now an IT executive and founder of EDF Development. Platinum selling recording artist Shawn "Mims", best known for his hit single, "This Is Why I'm Hot" pivoted to technology and in 2017 when he won $50,000 and bragging rights at Techcrunch Disrupt NY's 2017 Startup Battlefield competition with RecordGram (now Cre8or), a mobile app for music collaboration. And Chuck "Jigsaw" Creekmur, co-founder and CEO of AllHipHop.com, one of the longest lasting hip-hop websites on the Internet boasting over 5 million visitors per month. We discussed tech culture, hip-hop culture, music, and geeked out a little on tech.

This Blacks In Technology NYC webinar was recorded 5/26/20   As business slows across multiple industries, tech startups have unique challenges to maintain positive cash flow amidst the pandemic. Founders have to be flexible and creative to survive. Our panel of experts from Shark Tank, AWSM, and Republic, provided essential tips on raising capital, pivoting your business model, and if you're interested, what it takes to land a spot on the hit show Shark Tank. If you are a startup founder in the Angel or Seed stages of funding, you can't afford to miss this discussion.  Panelists: Tunde Kelani - Senior Associate, Republic Fritz Desir - Associate Partner Design, Boston Consulting Group | Founder & Exec. Dir. AWSM Brandon Andrews - Casting Consultant, Shark Tank | Co-Founder of GAUGE

Live recording of Blacks in Technology NYC webinar from 5/21/2020. The Ask Me Anything panel posed questions of company recruiters from Dropbox, Facebook, Netflix, and Twitter. Moderator, Erin Haywood, the founder of Powered By Purpose, she ask the tough questions regarding hiring freezes, company priorities, and tips for landing a job during this uncertain time.   

Recruiter panel: 

Erin Haywood, CEO, Powered By Purpose - Host

May 14, 2020 Blacks In Technology Webinar Recording  

Much has changed in the world. We’ve become more digital in the past two months than in the past ten years. Where does virtual and augmented reality stand in the post COVID-19 world? Explore with Christopher Lafayette as he gives us insight into the future and current state of extended reality and emergent technologies.

Are you curious to know what top company’s recruitment priorities are during and post COVID-19? Don’t miss this opportunity to hear and ask questions from company recruiters from Citigroup, PayPal, Better.com and Girls Scouts of America. Join Blacks in Technology and moderator, Erin Haywood, the founder of Powered By Purpose, on May 5th at 6:30 PM EST as we ask the tough questions regarding hiring freezes, company priorities, and tips for landing a job during this uncertain time.

For additional information visit bitnyc.org

iMentor is a youth mentoring program that empowers first-generation college students from low-income communities to graduate high school, succeed in college, and achieve their ambitions.

Mentors and mentees maintain their relationships through weekly online communication and monthly in-person events. Pairs are also provided with curriculum, and agendas for their monthly meetings; and are assigned a program manager to ensure the success of the relationship.

Additional information can be found at bitnyc.org

Whether you need to secure employment or you’re questioning your career due to the impact of COVID-19, in this FREE webinar you will learn strategies from Erin Haywood, a career consultant and founder of Powered by Purpose, on how to leverage your network, identify opportunities, and find creative ways to secure income.

She will share EXCLUSIVE hacks with Blacks in Technology members on how she landed an interview with a top tech company, two consulting contracts, and revamped her business’s brand, within 5 days of being laid off.