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BRIDGING THE GAP: LATINO REPRESENTATION IN THE TECH INDUSTRY

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Back in early November, I took a Civil Service Exam for a Communications Specialist position with Erie County at the downtown E.C.C. City Campus. Since I was one of the first to enter and take a seat in the testing room, I noticed the group of other test takers who attended that morning. While sitting in the room, as about 65 or so additional test takers trickled in, I observed there were zero Black test takers and I was the only Latino that I could recognize sitting in attendance. This scene reminded me of other scenes I’ve noticed in my professional experience and reflects a broader trend where Latinos remain conspicuously absent from various sectors, including technology. Lack of Latinos in Tech Spaces: In recent times, the spotlight on diversity and inclusion within the tech industry has intensified, revealing a significant gap in representation, particularly for Latino and Black professionals. As someone deeply embedded in both the tech field and the Latino community, I’ve observed firsthand the disparities that persist in this critical sector of the economy. The lack of diversity isn’t just a matter of numbers; it’s a systemic issue that demands urgent attention. Tech is a growing industry that employs millions of Americans; however, Latinos continue to make up a small portion of the tech workforce. Although I’m a filmmaker, my current day job is within the tech field, working as a Software Implementation Consultant/Coordinator within the higher education space. My work within tech has been ongoing for the last 13 or so years, and one thing I have always noticed was the low number of Blacks or Latinos working within the technology fields. A few weeks ago, I attended a Crowdfunding Seminar for Latino creatives, and one of the connections I made during that seminar was with a young lady out of Orlando who is working on a series that revolves around Latinas in Tech. We shared our common experiences and observations and the question continued to be raised, why aren’t there many Latinos/Latinas or Black people of color working within these fields? Numbers don’t lie: Statistics paint a clear picture of this disparity. Despite being one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in the United States, Latinos occupy only a fraction of positions in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) fields. Shockingly, as of 2021, only 8% of the 34.9 million Americans in STEM are Latino. This underrepresentation extends across various subfields within STEM, indicating deep-rooted barriers that hinder Latino participation and advancement. The implications of this underrepresentation are profound, not only for the Latino community, but for the nation as a whole. With Latinos projected to account for nearly one-quarter of the US population by 2030, fostering their inclusion in the tech industry isn’t just a matter of equity, it’s an economic imperative. As technology continues to drive innovation and shape the future workforce, harnessing the talents and perspectives of Latino professionals is essential for sustained growth and competitiveness. Addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Latino representation in tech requires a comprehensive approach. It begins with education, where efforts should focus on expanding access to computer science education from an early age. By integrating computer science concepts into K-12 curricula and diversifying the teaching workforce, we can empower Latino students to pursue careers in technology from a position of strength. Moreover, postsecondary education plays a crucial role in preparing Latino students for tech careers. Community colleges, in particular, can serve as vital pathways for Latino students seeking to enter the tech industry. By forging partnerships between educational institutions and tech companies, providing financial aid, and removing logistical barriers, we can ensure that Latino talent is nurtured and supported throughout their educational journey. However, increasing Latino representation in tech doesn’t end with education. We must also address systemic issues within the tech workplace itself. From improving hiring practices to fostering a culture of inclusivity and belonging, there are numerous steps that companies can take to create environments where Latino professionals can thrive. Ultimately, bridging the gap in Latino representation within the tech industry requires collective action. It demands commitment from policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and advocates to dismantle barriers and create pathways for success.  By harnessing the full potential of Latino talent, we can not only build a more diverse and equitable tech industry but also drive innovation and prosperity for generations to come. Ultimately, bridging the gap in Latino representation within the tech industry requires collective action. It demands commitment from policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and advocates to dismantle barriers and create pathways for success.  By harnessing the full potential of Latino talent, we can not only build a more diverse and equitable tech industry but also drive innovation and prosperity for generations to come. Read More From This Writer All Post Art Books & Poems Business Column Community Community News Education Entertainment español Food & Culture Health Interviews Media Military & Veterans Music Peace People Politics Sports Technology BRIDGING THE GAP: LATINO REPRESENTATION IN THE TECH INDUSTRY June 6, 2024/No Comments Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Read More… Read More EMBRACING DIVERSITY: BEYOND SYMBOLS April 4, 2024/No Comments Back in my February column, I wrote about “Challenges in Unity Within Buffalo’s Latino Community” and why this divide exists.… Read More A MAN OF CHARACTER: REMEMBERING JOE MARCINIAK March 4, 2024/69 Comments Nothing makes you question your mortality more than seeing someone you’ve known for most of your life pass on and… Read More Load More End of Content.

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Fragrance Harris-Stanfield IN THE MIDST OF STRUGGLE

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Residents of Buffalo, NY, including myself, have been profoundly affected by the events of May 14, 2022. I still find it difficult to even walk by the Tops Supermarket on Jefferson, which is the nearest market to me.  As the anniversary of that day approaches, I plan to write an article about my dear friend, whose spirit of activism has become a pivotal voice in shaping the narrative around the “Survivors” of this terrible event. Fragrance Harris-Stanfield, who was the front-end manager working with her eldest daughter during the racially motivated attack, has been sought after by numerous media outlets.  The public is only aware of a fraction of the incredible person I have known for over twelve (12) years. She is not only a singer and songwriter but also an educator, entrepreneur, and a homeschooling mother of seven children.  So, how close are we? Well, I was her doula for one of her children and laid eyes on him even before she did. Our kids, both the older and younger ones, have been raised together, participating in many activities common among homeschoolers in their community. Her younger ones and my son, Asheem, swim and play soccer together. They even played guitar for the Hispanic Heritage Council’s Guitar Initiative. No matter how busy she is, she always makes time to lend a hand, which I especially valued after my recent car accident. Our connection is much deeper than simple friendship. Fragrance is committed to healing herself, her family, and the community from a past tragedy. This commitment led her to move just outside Buffalo. She has been a pillar for parents and youth in our community through her role as an educator. When challenges arise, she adeptly advocates for the services needed. I often marvel at her ability to manage it all, and as we discuss the complexities of life, we agree – “It’s a lot!” We’ve shared tears more than once, particularly over the last two years. As I was finalizing the details of this article on Friday, I was confronted with the news of another tragedy. I’m still trying to comprehend it. I’ve struggled emotionally with this article, missing the deadline because the details of what occurred haven’t been disclosed publicly. Yet, I’m compelled to help, as I know she would do the same for me. I hesitated to ask for her permission to support her children in the most impactful way through a fundraising platform since she hasn’t made it public. Out of respect for her privacy while still highlighting this unsung Queen this month, I am proceeding with submitting this article. I ask for prayers, positive energy, and good fortune. I also invite you to follow me on Facebook as I navigate the best way to assist my extended family. Read More From This Writer All Post Art Books & Poems Business Column Community Community News Education Entertainment español Food & Culture Health Interviews Media Military & Veterans Music Peace People Politics Sports Technology Fragrance Harris-Stanfield IN THE MIDST OF STRUGGLE June 6, 2024/No Comments Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Read More… Read More OUR MOMMIE VILLAGE April 4, 2024/6 Comments March was Women’s History Month and who better to shine the spotlight on other than the Founder, Shyana Broughton, the… Read More FRUITS OF MY LABOR March 4, 2024/5 Comments Recently, I’ve thought a lot about the saying: “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child.” In Swahili, the proverb… Read More Load More End of Content.

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NEW SLAVES FOR THE NEW  GLOBAL ECONOMY – Part 3

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Playing the Game It seems like America has become not only the paper processing agent of the world, but it has also changed its role from producers to consumers of goods and services. It’s become the mecca for many migrants to come, make their nest, gather their eggs, and return home to fulfill a dream. In the process they, like everyone else, work round the clock, day after day, in a numbing state of automated activity from dawn to dusk. During that time, people submit their identity and conform to roles necessary for assuring personal survival: the paycheck! That ticket which, after the bills (e.g. rent, utilities, services, and groceries), might offer opportunities for some leisurely escapades. Thus, the need for multiple breadwinners, with multiple jobs, to sustain a single household. Meanwhile, their children are often left to fend for themselves either in the streets or stuck in the often seductive and violent world of virtual reality. Need you wonder why the young are in the news – why unchecked curiosity often leads to rebellious deviance? To many, It’s a mad world. Things are happening fast! Demands are coming from all directions and the threat of becoming an outcast is constant. The fear of being left alone and obsolete is real and it’s easier to become an ostrich; just stick your head in the sand and leave the rest of you up for grabs – Isn’t that a swift kick in the ###. Under such circumstances, prolonged feelings of powerlessness and helplessness grow and give birth to feelings of neurosis, depression, anxiety, panic attacks and more. Thus, the system knows the automaton needs occasional tweaking and lubrication; it (you) needs to experience some sense of freedom and control. Thus, enters government endorsed and supported Hedonism; the simple effort to live life in the most pleasurable way possible. It’s the pursuit of sensual self-indulgence in ways that tries to maximize pleasure and minimize pain. Just prioritize pleasure in one’s lifestyle, thoughts, or actions and let Viva La Vida Loca! Top on the list of immediate gratifications is Consumerism: when you feel ill, stuck, whatever – just shop! Shop! Shop! And when necessary, just Charge It! Alas you become a slave to the next paycheck. But do Party when you’re a bit stressed and in need of company. By all means, feel free to spice your life with vises of all sorts: Buzz it all out and get loose with a drink and a touch of coke, dope, smoke, or some new exotic trick in a pill. Just Chill! After all, you can always get on the couch and legally medicate with your neighborhood pill pusher/psychiatrist and brain twister/psychologist. But beware! When all else fails there are labels to assign and justify institutionalization; face it! Hospitals and prisons make good business. And so, with good reason, the system is flexible: To survive the alienating effects of constant shifts in socio, economic compartmentalization and sustain sufficient cognitive dissonance (a split between one’s internal values and external reality), it expands to accommodate and contracts to motivate the new slave, the automaton. Point! Capitalism needs, and sustains, a certain level of Neurosis, narcissism, deviance, and addiction. Until the next issue, consider the movie “Wolf of Wall Street” where one is allowed, based on affordability, to indulge one’s insatiable hunger for pleasurable people, places, and things. Meanwhile, let’s medicate to animate the automaton party. Read More From This Writer All Post Art Books & Poems Business Column Community Community News Education Entertainment español Food & Culture Health Interviews Media Military & Veterans Music Peace People Politics Sports Technology NEW SLAVES FOR THE NEW  GLOBAL ECONOMY – Part 3 April 4, 2024/No Comments Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Read More… Read More NEW SLAVES FOR THE GLOBAL ECONOMY Part 2: Slaves vs Automatons March 4, 2024/7 Comments “Slave labor anywhere threatens real jobs everywhere.” When the idea of profit is its justification, watch out! Rulers tend to… Read More NEW SLAVES FOR THE GLOBAL ECONOMY February 6, 2024/3 Comments Slavery is the total control of one person by another for economic exploitation. Keeping in mind that from the dawn… Read More Load More End of Content.

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