RALEIGH – “Diverse Leaders In Tech – Our Career Stories” at HQ Raleigh on Wednesday was an opportunity to hear from top technology and engineering leaders from SAS,Red Hat Lenovo, Spreedly and CloudBees in the Triangle area.

The panel discussion took place was hosted and moderated by Sarah E. Williams Founder of RTP Career Services, a firm that specializes in coaching and resume writing for tech professionals in career transition.

The panelist included:

  • Sheila Hensley-SAS, Information Security Risk and Compliance Manager
  • Clarence Clayton- Red Hat, Senior IT Program Manager
  • Lisa Smith- Spreedly,Engineering Manager
  • Marina Harrell-CloudBees,Senior Manager Engineering
  • Axel Ramirez- Lenovo, Director of Product Development

When asked why are you doing this, Williams explained:

Talking diversity at HQ Raleigh event. Photo courtesy 337 Photography)

“I care about giving people access to opportunity and career strategy in general. But especially those who are underrepresented in a space they deserve to be apart of. We are all aware of the alarming statistics in the tech space specific to diversity- including the lack of women and minorities not only in tech but in leadership roles.

“There is only so much I can do about a systemic issue but at the very least my firm can provide a space and dialogue for diverse talent to gain knowledge to help them along their career journey.”

“At the heart of technology is innovation and if companies plan to stay innovative they will need to not only hire diverse talent from the perspective of race but select candidates with diverse perspectives in how they initiate solving business problems.”

She noted that why an event like this is so important.

“The Wednesday event captured the essence of not just the importance of creating a pipeline of diverse talent but an opportunity to wean from diverse leaders who have already have a seat at the table.

“I really wanted to create a space to have an authentic dialogue about gaining sponsorships, mentorships, advocates within companies and how to navigate the corporate ladder for people who don’t necessarily look like a typical person in tech.

“Having access to opportunities, people and resource is essential for career growth but it’s not always readily available to everyone.

“By getting a panel of diverse technology leaders in one room to share wisdom and obstacles they’ve overcome it creates the access to networks and career strategies that otherwise may not have existed.”

Williams added that Diversity in Tech – Our Career Stories accomplished that goal and packed a crowd of over 70 attendees who walked away inspired, motivated and with logical steps to begin the process of owning and growing their tech careers.