Brought to you by Digital Empowers, a partnership between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Tata Consultancy Services that aims to raise awareness on digital technologies, foster cross-sector partnerships, and explore the art of the possible.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by Design
Future generations will likely look at early 2020s as a time of division and a global pandemic, with additional struggles brought on by growing racial and income inequality in the U.S. and around the world.
They will also remember it as one of major technological change that ushered in a digital revolution. Advancements in software, connectivity, robotics, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence hold great promise to boost productivity and economic growth, create new and better jobs, reshape industries and market structures, and enhance human welfare.
This transformative technology has the danger of being a product of its times. The societal context behind today’s technology means we have to be particularly aware of the power it has to disrupt, exacerbate divides, and systemize new structural barriers and discriminatory practices that are rooted in biased data and algorithms. Technology alone will not achieve equity and inclusion. It must be coupled with an agenda to address structural inequities created by past policies and institutions.
There are many leaders in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors that recognize the role of innovation in furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and are harnessing technology to tackle complex social issues and systems. Positive impact, however, is realized through a community- and human-centered approach in research, development, and design.
On March 25, Digital Empowers convened leaders recognized for inclusive design to provide insights on equity and tech-powered solutions and partnerships in two areas: workplace culture and financial services. Speakers showcased not only how their technology addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion by their solutions, but also how their design and process were informed by that mission.
Attendees gained valuable insights and cross-cutting strategies to authentically engage community stakeholders in development and implementation of technology solutions, scale social innovation tools with a racial and economic equality lens and affect systemic change.
Speakers
Kedda WilliamsExecutive Director, Financial Education, Equity and Impact, Magnetar Capital Foundation
Thursday, March 25, 2021
- 2:05 PM EDT
- 2:15 PM EDT
Many organizations have commitments to diversified and inclusive workplaces but unknowingly have practices in place that impede the progress of these initiatives and undermine these commitments. Emerging technologies are enabling employers to shift this paradigm in hiring, training and coaching, and uncovering unintentional bias, and more broadly understanding the employee experience. This session will feature innovative tools and efforts that can be leveraged by employers of all sectors to engender an inclusive workplace culture.
- 2:45 PM EDT
Financial services act as a stabilizing force for low- and moderate-income individuals, enabling them to build resilience and plan for the future. Yet many individuals and families find themselves against structural barriers or with a choice of products not relevant to their needs. This session will feature leaders from fintech and financial services companies that have invested in innovative, yet approachable models, products, services, and distribution channels to advance financial inclusion and well-being in credit, insurance, payments and remittances, savings and personal financial management.
- 2:55 PM EDT
The momentum spurred by the movement for racial equality and record unemployment reports have elevated the imperative for DEI solutions. During this session, attendees will learn more about the power the public and private sectors have to begin equity-related conversations and create new markets and tools to address historic challenges.
- 3:00 PM EDT
