Mary Ann de Lares Norris is Chief Operating Officer of Oblong Industries. She brings her dog LouLou to Oblong's downtown LA headquarters.; Credit: Brian Watt/KPCC

KPCC recently reported on the tech world’s diversity problem. Technology firms face challenges in hiring diverse staffs of its coders, web developers and software engineers.

It’s also a challenge at nonprofits such as Southern California Public Radio,  parent of 89.3 KPCC, which has always sought to build a staff that reflects the region it serves. The section of that staff that develops the KPCC app and makes its website run is all white and mostly male.

But a small talent pool means the diversity challenge is even greater for nonprofits and even smaller tech firms.

“The first problem is that all of the people working for me are male,” says Alex Schaffert, the one female on KPCC’s tech team.  “I’m kind of focusing on maybe getting another girl into the mix.”

Schaffert can use the term “girl” because she happens to be the leader of the tech team:  KPCC’s Managing Director of Digital Strategy and Innovation. 

Why diversity is important

Schaffert recently launched the topic of diversity – or lack thereof – at a weekly meeting of her team. She expected a “stilted and awkward” discussion from the five white men on her team, but a few of them didn’t hold back.  

“Not having diversity represented on the team leaves us more susceptible to circular thinking and everyone sort of verifying each other's assumptions,” said Joel Withrow,  who was serving at the time as KPCC’s Product Manager. “It impacts the work. It limits what you’re able to build.”

Sean Dillingham, KPCC’s Design and Development Manager, said living in a diverse community is what attracted him to Los Angeles, and he wants diversity in his immediate work team, too.

“When I look at other tech companies, I will often go to their ‘about us’ page, where they’ll have a page of photos of everyone, and I am immediately turned off when I just see just a sea of white dudes, or even just a sea of dudes,” Dillingham said.

Big competition, small talent pool

Dillingham and Schaffert are currently recruiting heavily to fill two tech-savvy positions. When a reporter or editor job opens up at KPCC, Schaffert says close to 100 resumes come in.

"But if you post a programmer job, and you get three or four resumes, you may not get lucky among those resumes," she says. "There may not be a woman in there. There may not be a person of color in there."

In other words, the talent pool is already small, and the diversity challenge makes it even smaller. KPCC is competing for talent with Google and Yahoo and all the start-ups on L.A.’s Silicon Beach. 

Schaffert’s being proactive, mining LinkedIn and staging networking events to attract potential candidates. She’s also trying to make sure KPCC’s job descriptions don’t sound like some she's seen in the tech world.

"If you read between the lines, they’re really looking for someone who is male and is somewhere between 25-30 years old and likes foosball tables and free energy drinks in the refrigerator," Schaffert says. “So you read between lines, and you know that they’re not talking about me, a mother of two kids who also has a demanding career. They're talking about someone different.”

Pay vs. passion

Schaffert's challenges and approaches to dealing with them are similar to those of Mary Ann de Lares Norris, the Chief Operating Officer at Oblong Industries. Based in downtown Los Angeles and founded in 2006, the company designs operating platforms for businesses that allow teams to collaborate in real time on digital parts of a project.

“I think technology and diversity is tough,” Norris told KPCC.  She’s proud her company’s management ranks are diverse, but says only 12 percent of its engineers are female. “Pretty standard in the tech industry, but it’s not great,” Norris says. “We really strive to increase that number, and all of the other companies are also, and it's really hard.”

Like Schaffert at KPCC, Norris works hard fine-tuning job descriptions and communicating that her company values diversity and work-life balance. But sometimes, it just boils down to money.

"We have to put out offers that have competitive salaries,” Norris says, adding that she can’t compete with the major tech firms. "The Googles and the Facebooks of the world can always pay more than we can. So we attract people who are passionate about coming to work for Oblong.  And, of course, we also offer stock options."

KPCC doesn’t have the  stock options, but we’ve got plenty of passion. Could that be the secret recruiting weapon for both small tech companies and nonprofits?  

LinkedIn recently surveyed engineers about what they look for in an employer. Good pay and work-life balance were the two top draws. Slightly more women prioritized work-life balance and slightly more men chose the big bucks. 

Clinical Entrepreneurship professor Adlai Wertman says that, historically, nonprofits and small businesses actually had the upper hand over big companies in recruiting minorities and women.

"There’s a feeling that they’re safer, more caring environments, less killer environments, and we know that corporate America has been the bastion of white males," said Wertman. 

But Wertman says that advantage disappears in the tech world because of the "supply-and-demand" problem with talent. When big firms decide to focus on diversity – as some have recently — they have plenty of resources.

"They’re always going to be able to pay more, and in truth they’re getting access to students coming out of these schools in ways that we as nonprofits and small companies never will," said Wertman. 

Wertman worked 18 years as an investment banker on Wall Street, then left to head a nonprofit on L.A.’s skid row. Now he heads the Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab Enterprise Lab at USC’s Marshall School of Business. He believes that, early on, the big companies have the best shot attracting diverse tech talent. But in the long run, much of that talent will turn back to smaller firms and nonprofits.

"I think ultimately people vote with where they’re most comfortable, where 'my values align with my employer's values, and if I don’t feel those values align, then I’m going to leave,'" Wertman said. "Ultimately, I think, for a lot of women and minorities, there’s a lot of value alignment within communities that are doing good in the world." 

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

The backdrop of the stage with the Oscar Award is seen onstage during the 84th Academy Awards announcement held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Samuel Goldwyn Theater on Jan. 24, 2012 in Los Angeles.; Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

The Academy Awards have made history with breakthroughs for minorities in the past — but with this year's nominations, observers are noting how white the Oscars are, with no actors of color nominated in any of this year's acting categories.

It marks the least diverse nominations since 1998. People have been speaking out about this disconnect, with films like "Selma" being shut out of the acting nominations (though it did pick up a Best Picture nomination).

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

The new division will focus on developing innovative snacks and capitalizing on emerging consumer trends.

Pistachios and cashews join almonds in new line of flavored nut blends.

Discover AppatMe, the fresh approach to online dating! Using AI, our platform creates deeper, personalized connections for singles across the U.S., moving beyond random matches to deliver tailored, meaningful encounters.

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 1:00pm
Location:
Organized By: University Career Center

Are you looking for a summer job? Are you interested in working for one of the largest Federal Government Agencies? Well, look no further. The Intelligence and Cybersecurity Diversity Fellowship (ICDF) Program is an opportunity for current college students attending an institution of higher education, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutes (MSIs) who are majoring in Intelligence and/or Cybersecurity-related areas of study. In this program, students may receive:• A paid fellowship• First-hand, practical experience in Intelligence and Cybersecurity disciplines• Participation in high-priority challenge projects• Training in core and technical competencies• Advice and support from mentors• Networking opportunities• Tuition assistance (if available) If you’re interested in learning more about the ICDFProgram, please join us for a recruitment roundtable on Thursday, November 14th at 1:00 pm EDT.

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 10:00am
Location: Off Campus Location
Organized By: LSA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Neurodiversity is the new hot topic in the realm of disability inclusion and accessibility—and with good reason. A significant percentage of people are now recognized as having neurotypes that are not well supported by societal norms and our collective understanding of how to communicate across and support neurodiversity is still developing. Fortunately researchers, educators, and advocates who identify as neurodivergent are contributing to a growing body of best practices.

Join the LSA Faculty & Staff Disability Navigators for this two-part workshop to learn about neurodiversity and how we can all start creating more neuroinclusive workplaces.

Participants will:
1. Understand what neurodiversity is and how the concept has evolved over time.
2. Reflect on the ways neurodiversity shapes our experiences, behaviors, aptitudes, and understanding of the world.
3. Gain insight into how contemporary work norms can exclude and create barriers for a range of neurotypes.
4. Explore neuroinclusive practices we can proactively integrate into our workplaces.
5. Become familiar with relevant resources for LSA employees.

Audience: This is a beginner-level workshop open to any LSA employee, including our student employees. LSA employees receive priority access, so while external guests are welcome to register they may be waitlisted and allocated spots as space allows.

Important note: Please do your best to register for and attend both parts 1 and 2 as the content builds on itself. This workshop will not be recorded.

(Wed, Nov 13 2024 1:48 PM to Sat, Nov 16 2024 1:48 PM) 70 Division buses are temporarily rerouted via Division, Laramie, Augusta, Cicero and Division, due to street blockage near Division/Leclaire.

(Wed, Nov 13 2024 1:48 PM to Sat, Nov 16 2024 1:48 PM) 70 Division buses are temporarily rerouted via Division, Laramie, Augusta, Cicero and Division, due to street blockage near Division/Leclaire.

DiversiTech Corp., a leading manufacturer and supplier of HVACR parts and accessories, announced that it has purchased Cliplight Manufacturing Co., a Toronto-based manufacturer of HVACR sealants, work lights, and battery charger products.

Throughout March 2016, schoolchildren between the ages of 12 and 18 from across the OSCE region were sending in videos to the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) on why diversity matters in the classroom. This video contest was held to mark 20 years of the HCNM’s The Hague Recommendations which underscore that education can help prevent conflicts.

The contest was a success. By the 1 April 2016 deadline, HCNM received 101 contributions from school students in 15 OSCE participating States. They were given the task of telling the video story about diversity in their school within 60 seconds.

The entries deployed a variety of innovative approaches including music, dance and local cultural customs, and the quality of the submissions was outstanding. After carefully reviewing all the videos, HCNM selected the best three videos. The producers of the winning films will each receive a prize and these entries will be screened during a high-level conference on 20 to 21 April 2016 at The Hague to mark the 20^th anniversary of The Hague Recommendations.

The first prize in the video contest went to 17-year-old Nursultan Abakirov from Secondary School Number 38 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. He entered the contest encouraged by his teacher and paired up with classmates Sabina, Victoria and Beknazar to translate his idea of portraying different ages and ethnicities in his school into a video.

Second place in the video contest went to 16-year-old Liviu Rotaru from the Elena Alistar Theatrical Lyceum in Chisinau, Moldova. He learned about the contest through the National Youth Council of Moldova Facebook page. Liviu is experienced in making short films and decided “… instead of using dialogue, use masks to portray vulnerable groups in society.”

Third place goes to 16-year-old Besim Bojadžija from Srebrenik’s Mixed Secondary School in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Having found it easy to engage fellow students in making the video, Besim compiled a series of face shots to profile the diversity in appearance of his school mates.   

“Our school, our diversity” was the first video contest organized by the HCNM. The High Commissioner and her staff therefore thanks all the participants for their inspiring and thought-provoking contributions. 

The three winning videos, along with the other seven top entries as selected by the HCNM panel, can be viewed on the OSCE’s YouTube channel.

20th Anniversary of The Hague Recommendations Regarding the Education Rights of National Minorities

Read more about the high-level conference to mark the 20th Anniversary of The Hague Recommendations Regarding the Education Rights of National Minorities here

 

"He's going too far." It's never enough for athletes! Always more, more, more. Paramount has revealed an official trailer for a fascinating sports documentary called Freediver, from director Michael John Warren. While this come across as a one-of-a-kind creation, this whole film seems like a response to the exceptional doc The Deepest Breath about two other famous freedivers - mainly a young Italian woman named Alessia Zecchini who was also setting records. Anyway... After geopolitics forced him into exile, one of the greatest living freedivers, Alexey Molchanov, fights to reclaim his athletic glory and honor his iconic mother's towering legacy by attempting a record setting season in the history of this deadly sport. His near-suicidal quest to set five world records in under four months brings him to the farthest reaches of the globe and his mind, forcing him to reevaluate the very skills on which he has built his entire life. Intense! This is such a scary yet beautiful sport only a few people in the world can really compete in – don't try this at home, folks. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Michael John Warren's doc Freediver, direct from YouTube: After geopolitics forced him into exile, […]

"The Cher Show" takes a novel approach to breaking down the life of Cher, and in many ways succeeds. It's at the Dr. Phillips Center.

Man ploughs car into crowd in southern China, leaving 35 dead amid divorce rage

By Aaron Stillman, Head of Product Marketing at Tresorit.

Research shows that 81 per cent of UK businesses handle digitised personal data, digitised non-personal data, or both, making secure and efficient data management crucial, particularly when critical transactions and confidential processes are at play. This is where virtual data rooms (VDRs) become invaluable.

"After a few very awkward family holiday dinners, my son started to stay away if she was going to be there."

On most dimensions, the policy mix of incoming president is positive for US equities

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev lashes out at Emmanuel Macron and steps up defence of oil and gas as regional countries dominate guest list

The states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh reported the highest levels of inadequate diversity in children's diets.

India conveyed its stance of not travelling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, citing security concerns.

A fresh draft of a UN climate deal released Wednesday offers wide-ranging options to raise funding for poorer countries, signalling that tough negotiations remain at the COP29 talks in Baku.

Seplat Energy Plc has confirmed that the below currency exchange rate is applicable in determining Q3 2024 interim dividend to shareholders that will receive the dividend payment in Naira (NGN): The exchange rate for the Naira amounts payable is the NAFEM closing rate for November 11, 2024 Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 1,681.42 NGN

The post Seplat Energy announces currency exchange rates for Q3 2024 interim dividend first appeared on Business Hallmark.

[Business Day Africa] Africa's biggest pay-television company Multichoice Group has reported a 99 percent dip in half-year profits on the back of subscriber decline and foreign exchange volatility in the operating environment.

23andMe is laying off 40 per cent of its workforce, or more than 200 employees, and discontinuing its therapeutics division as the struggling genetic testing company attempts to slash costs.

The Indian government launched the official website for the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, a key platform for engaging with the Indian diaspora worldwide. The convention, scheduled for January 8-10, 2025, will focus on the diaspora's contribution to a developed India.

The IMD reported that very dense fog began forming at around 5.30 a.m., resulting in a thick haze over various parts of Delhi

Three railway lines were affected in the derailment. Some trains skipped stoppages.

‘Inclusion of female and LGBTQIA+ characters remains limited, underscoring a lack of representation’

Firm inflation and hawkish signals rule out December rate cuts, says DBS Bank; but slowing growth may sway RBI, notes Barclays Research 

Rice, J M; Ross, M; Paulen, R C. Geological Survey of Canada, Scientific Presentation 109, 2020, 1 sheet, https://doi.org/10.4095/321077
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Rice, J; Campbell, H; Ross, M; Paulen, R; McClenaghan, B. GAC®-MAC 2021, London, Canada: Exploring Geosciences Through Time and Space/GAC®-MAC 2021, London, Canada : Explorer les géosciences à travers le temps et l'espace; Geological Association of Canada-Mineralogical Association of Canada, Joint Annual Meeting, Abstracts Volume vol. 44, 2021 p. 266
<a href="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/20200640.jpg"><img src="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/20200640.jpg" title="GAC®-MAC 2021, London, Canada: Exploring Geosciences Through Time and Space/GAC®-MAC 2021, London, Canada : Explorer les géosciences à travers le temps et l'espace; Geological Association of Canada-Mineralogical Association of Canada, Joint Annual Meeting, Abstracts Volume vol. 44, 2021 p. 266" height="150" border="1" /></a>

Rice, J M; Paulen, R C; Campbell, H E; Ross, M. Quaternary Science Advances vol. 13, 100123, 2023 p. 1-13, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.qsa.2023.100123
<a href="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/20210701.jpg"><img src="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/20210701.jpg" title="Quaternary Science Advances vol. 13, 100123, 2023 p. 1-13, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.qsa.2023.100123" height="150" border="1" /></a>