Voices at TechUP Nashville Deliver Message of Strength in Inclusion [audio]

The TechUP Nashville Inclusion Summit & Career Fair was held on May 21, 2016 at Emma Bistro. TechUP is an organization committed to creating a tech ecosystem that is representative of all people, believing that a diverse and inclusive tech sector is stronger, smarter, and better. Nashville is the third stop on their multi-city tour they’ll be making in 2016, and we were fortunate enough to be a part of the summit in our home town.

We hope the stories we were able to capture at TechUP from employers, organizers and attendees give a look into what’s already in progress in the Nashville tech community, and what more is to come.

Rachel Werner represented Girl Geek Dinner. She speaks about helping other women become software developers and about her latest project to study bringing an innovation district to Nashville.

Courtney Seiter, inclusivity catalyst at Buffer, spoke about the podcast she recently launched, Buffer Culture Lab. She discusses why Buffer launched the podcast as well as her goals and future plans for the series.

Jessica Mitsch and Joshua Cournoyer of The Iron Yard attended TechUP to recruit students to the code and design school and to talk about their diversity efforts in tech. Jessica shared what’s next for The Iron Yard nationally while Joshua discussed developments at the local Nashville campus, including leveraging diversity scholarships and modeling inclusivity in the workplace.

Ashley King, a consultant with Udacity, came to TechUP to discuss educational opportunities with the online course provider, including the dual-enrollment program funded by the Tennessee Lottery.

Rainu Ittycheriah, a local software developer representing Nashville Software School and Girl Geek Dinner  at TechUP, discusses her experience on the diversity panel and the kaleidoscope of perspectives presented.

Dom Brassey, VP of growth for TechUP and Lesbians Who Tech, and lead organizer of the day’s activities, discusses what drives their events and engagement with the tech community.

Feature Image Credit: Lisa French