Working toward inclusion at #GHC15

Ensuring women of color are included at all levels in the design and development of technology is a core value of the Anita Borg Institute. We believe it is important to address the concerns of our community surrounding speaker diversity at the 2015 Grace Hopper Celebration.

We appreciate the insight and value of feedback from our community members, and we encourage the dialogue regarding diversity onstage at #GHC15 (and at other tech conferences) to continue.

Each year we work to assemble a relevant and compelling lineup of keynote and plenary speakers for the annual Grace Hopper Celebration that represent a broad cross section of our community. The 2015 Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing features a variety of women from diverse backgrounds who will deliver keynote addresses and participate in plenaries on the main stage.

With almost 700 speakers overall at the event, the list of participants is diverse, but there is always room for improvement.

We recognize the work we must continue to do, and are focused on the inclusion of women of color in all that we do — from our Board of Trustees to our keynotes and plenaries to embracing and encouraging the submission of proposals for panels, talks and workshops that include and address the needs and experiences of women of color.

When advocates for women of color in tech decline to participate in GHC, it serves as a strong wake-up call to actively address issues of diversity.

Unfortunately, we cannot have inclusion without everyone. We invite everyone to participate in order to bring those voices to the table, and to learn and build a more inclusive community. A community where a broad range of women are engaged, inspired and connected.

We want to hear from you. Please provide us feedback on diversity at GHC here.