How to be an Inclusive Champion (Webinar)

Presented by The WICT Network: Carolinas and The WICT Network: Rocky Mountain.

We’ve gathered some of the best leaders in STEM who took the leap. These trailblazers started championing their company’s ERGs, joined leadership boards, and took full ownership to become an ally for their underrepresented colleagues and friends.

In addition to the panel, you can join us after to engage in discussion on what you learned and network with others that were on the call.

Zoom link provided with registration confirmation. Register for the post-panel discussion.

Speakers (subject to change):

Jennifer R. Franks – Director, Information Technology and Cybersecurity, Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Jennifer R. Franks is a Director in GAO’s Information Technology and Cybersecurity team. She oversees engagements that primarily focus on emerging cybersecurity issues and assessing an agency’s ability to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its sensitive data and computing infrastructure. Ms. Franks also leads the Center for Enhanced Cybersecurity, which provides technical support to GAO’s cybersecurity engagements. Her multi-disciplinary teams actively review agencies’ computer security vulnerabilities across their enterprise-wide computing environment by assessing program management compliance and technical controls recommended for the agencies to follow in accordance with federal guidance and leading practices. In addition, Ms. Franks leads reviews in the areas of IT management and operations, data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, at GAO, she serves as certified adjunct faculty and facilitates Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility courses, such as—The Power of the Unconscious Bias; Open-Minded & Mindfulness; Recognizing Ageism in the Workplace; and Workplace Civility. Ms. Franks earned a master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University in information security policy and management, and a bachelor’s degree from Hampton University in computer information systems.

Laura Silva – Senior Inclusive UX Lead | Intersectionality Educator

Laura Silva is a Vice President of Sr. Accessible UX Design Lead at Bank of America. Laura is a leader in every space she enters and leads with intention. During her time at Amazon, she was very involved with diversity, equity, and inclusion. Acting as a people champion, she built programs with people Black Employee Network and Latinos@ Amazon and built solutions for people with disabilities through her UX work. She was also the first AfroLatina to win Amazon’s Inclusion Champion award. Silva leads through service by facilitating Personal Branding for the HACE Women’s Leadership Program. Additionally, she acted as a Lead Mentor and Program Manager at Girls Who Code. Recently, she spoke at AfroTech 2022 on “My Path, Your Path – Celebrating Our Accomplishment”

Priya Gurumurthy – Director IT | Diversity Champion | Board Member | STEM Advocate

As a dynamic, resourceful, and extremely driven individual Priya has a deep passion for creating and delivering programs and solutions that empower a team, company, and customer to meet and exceed desired expectations. She is a driver for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and advocates for women and minorities through actionable deliverables.

Tyler Miracle – Principal Consultant – Business Intelligence & Data Engineering at Computer Futures

Tyler Miracle has been managing Business Intelligence and Analytics staffing partners with Computer Futures Washington DC for nearly 3 years. Over the years he has been completely immersed in the world of data through local User Groups, conferences across the US, and working with clients who are utilizing data in innovative ways. At Computer Futures we aim to expand access to new tools, strategies, and overall learning potential for candidates navigating the barriers to entry in data currently.