GREENSBORO, N.C. – Today, ITI President and CEO Dean Garfield and several ITI member companies participated in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus’ inaugural Diversity in Tech Summit at North Carolina A&T State University focused on improving diversity in the tech workforce. ITI appreciates the Caucus’ efforts to further tech’s commitment to a more inclusive workforce and to sustain meaningful partnerships with these important institutions.

“Building a more inclusive economy and a more diverse tech sector will require both the humility to listen well, and the audacity to aspire to transform existing approaches,” said Dean Garfield, president and CEO, ITI. “That is why today ITI, along with many of its member companies, are gathering in Greensboro to strategize how we build a more diverse workforce. We thank the HBCU Caucus, as well as the HBCUs in attendance, for convening this honest, robust conversation aimed at making real gains.”

“At AMD, we hold a deep belief that amazing innovation happens when we create an inclusive culture that brings a mix of perspectives and experience to the table,” said Robert Gama, Senior Vice President and CHRO, AMD. “We are passionate about inspiring the next generation of innovators and value the opportunity to engage with academia and industry peers to identify new ways to cultivate a more diverse tech workforce. We applaud the HBCU Caucus for hosting this important discussion.”

“eBay, Inc. and Stubhub are thrilled to participate in this discussion about how we can all work together to improve diversity in our industry,” said Denzel Singletary, Manager of Global Government Relations, eBay Inc. “HBCUs are an invaluable resource of talent and expertise. We look forward to working with these renowned institutions, as well as the HBCU Caucus, to learn how we can continue working as an industry to create a truly diverse and inclusive workforce.”

“At HP, we are genuinely committed to fostering a culture of innovation by reinventing the standard for diversity & inclusion,” said Lesley Slaton Brown, Chief Diversity Officer, HP Inc. “Through our partnerships with HBCUs, including our own HBCU Business Challenge, we believe the tech industry can attract top talent with valuable skills and unique perspectives that drive long term business impact. I’m excited to participate at the inaugural HBCU Caucus Diversity in Tech Summit.”

“I am extremely proud of Microsoft’s longstanding HBCU partnership, and it continues to play a key role in our overall university talent recruitment strategy,” said Diego Rejtman, General Manager of Microsoft Global University Recruiting. “Diversity drives innovation, and HBCUs are excellent institutions producing great talent that Microsoft and the other technology companies need to truly empower everyone on the planet.”

“Nielsen is looking forward to participating in the Inaugural Diversity in Tech Summit. We are excited about expanding our relationships with HBCUs as a source for early career talent,” said Angela Talton, Chief Diversity Officer, Nielsen. “We are proud of our strong diversity and inclusion strategy and look forward to the opportunity to develop a framework for additional partnerships.”

“Diversity is the lifeblood of innovation in the tech sector, where our success depends upon how effectively we can harness the creativity and intellect of people from all backgrounds and ethnicities,” said Margot Goodson, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, SAP North America. “SAP is passionate about cultivating an inclusive culture to support our mission of helping businesses run better and improving people’s lives, and we’re eager to exchange ideas with our peers at the HBCU Caucus Diversity in Tech Summit.”

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