We are excited to announce that we are opening the initiative we had last year again: the Underrepresented Speaker Support Program.
If you run a business or an individual who is interested in supporting this initiative and helping the speakers, please show your interest by filling out the form.
Why are we running this initiative?
The tech industry, which has been a driving force of innovation and change, unfortunately, remains noticeably under-diverse. And over the years, WordPress eco-system has driven many programs to overcome this. But we all have to admit that there is still some room for representation across several key dimensions including gender, race, ethnicity, age, and abilities, among others. The absence of these voices not only undermines the principles of fairness and justice but also hinders the progress and innovation that thrives on diverse perspectives.
At the core of this problem lies the critical need to foster Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). But what does DEIB truly mean?
Diversity is about representation, ensuring that the tech space is filled with individuals from various backgrounds, races, genders, ages, religions, disabilities, and sexual orientations.
Equity means ensuring everyone has access to the same opportunities, recognizing that advantages and barriers exist. It’s about ensuring fairness in procedures, processes, and distribution of resources.
Inclusion means individuals with diverse identities feel valued, leveraged, and welcomed within their working environment.
Belonging is the feeling of security and support when there is a sense of acceptance, inclusion, and identity for a member of a certain group or place. It’s the fundamental human need to connect and be a meaningful part of something greater than oneself.
For the tech industry to fully harness its innovative potential, understanding and implementing DEIB is crucial. A diverse team brings a wealth of ideas, experiences, and perspectives that can fuel creativity, challenge the status quo, and drive revolutionary solutions. Moreover, an inclusive work culture improves employee satisfaction and retention, fostering a sense of belonging.
Support the Speakers
The Underrepresented Speaker Support Program is designed to address this gap. We are calling on companies to invest in our mission of fostering a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive tech community by sponsoring underrepresented speakers at industry events. This program will help in providing a platform for diverse voices, narratives, and perspectives that are essential in molding the future of technology.
Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Sponsor a Speaker: Financial support can help overcome the barriers many underrepresented speakers face when it comes to participating in industry events.
- Provide time to prepare talks: If you have time and capacity, why not have a test-run with the speakers. This could mean, invite them to one of smaller events in advance or have 1-on1 to give feedback.
- Promote the Cause: Use your company’s reach and influence to advocate for DEIB in the tech industry.
We understand that the road to diversity, equity, and inclusion is a challenging one, and it’s a journey we are committed to taking together. By supporting the Underrepresented Speaker Support Program, you can play an instrumental role in shaping a more inclusive and equitable tech industry.
We urge all companies, big and small, or individuals to take this pledge. Supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion is more than a moral obligation—it’s a strategic imperative for the growth and future of our community. We are excited to work together to give underrepresented voices the platform they deserve.
We want to thank all of you for taking a look at this and hope to work with you all for the bright future.