Join us for our annual Summer Soiree at The Armory, brought to you by Intel and Cambia Health Solutions.
The theme for this year’s Summer Soiree is Social Change in Open Source.It is difficult to break into open source for two key reasons. One, it is community driven technology and many people do not have the time or capacity to do the unpaid work that is often required to get involved. Two, even if you do have the time to contribute, it can be very difficult and even toxic if you are a woman or minority due to harassment by leaders in that space. These barriers, along with so many others that underrepresented folks are facing, make it difficult to have the experience required to obtain sought-after jobs at companies doing open source work.
To support this discussion, our conversation starter for the evening is “how can open source be more accessible to underrepresented communities?”
The Summer Soiree will feature a panel discussion followed by networking.
Moderator: Dr. Harriet Nembhard, School Head of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering at Oregon State University
Panelist: Sage Sharp is a Diversity and Inclusion consultant and the founder of Otter Tech
Panelist: Esther John is Director of Software Stacks Engineering in the System Software Products at Intel Corporation
Panelist: Tara Robertson is the Diversity & Inclusion Strategic Partner for Mozilla
During the event, we’ll have an Activity Table where people can get creative. This is a fantastic way to meet others if large groups are not your thing. If you have trouble finding it, look for Meg Aul, our Event Activities Director.
We will also have a community partners section featuring amazing organizations:
Women Who Code
Adelante Mujeres
Girls Inc
Here’s more on our event sponsors:
Cambia Health Solutions, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is dedicated to transforming health care. Our company reaches more than 70 million Americans nationwide, including more than two million people in the Pacific Northwest who are enrolled in our regional health plans.
Intel Corporation’s Women of System Software is an organization of technical professionals committed to fostering an inclusive environment and building a strong community for women and non-binary people in software technology.
Agenda:
5:30 p.m. - Doors open / Networking
6:30 p.m. - Introductions
6:45 p.m. - Panel Begins
7:30 p.m. - Networking
8:00 p.m. - Event ends
Our events are inclusive. ALL people who support our purpose are welcome.
We’re on the lookout for speakers
Do you have a unique story to tell? Do you have a specific skill set you’d like to share with our community? We’re always looking for speakers to share their knowledge at an upcoming PDXWIT event. Learn more about our current speaking opportunities.
Do you want to host an event?
Is your company interested in hosting a PDXWIT event? This is a great opportunity to gain powerful exposure to the local workforce while showing your support for inclusion in Portland’s technology industry.
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