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TAKE STOCK
“There’s learning from books. And then there’s learning by doing.”
People who know, know BDO.SM
How Smith Alumni Are
Changing the Face of Tech
At today’s top technology companies, executives are
making a commitment to achieving greater diversity, equity
and inclusion. And, at Google, SpaceX and Workday,
Maryland Smith alumni are leading that charge.
They recently gathered virtually to network with Smith
students and alumni, and to discuss how their work is helping
reshape the tech sector.
The event, appropriately called “Working in TECHnicolor,” brought together Google’s Sherika Ekpo, MBA
’09, Workday’s Akiva Lewis, MBA ’05, and SpaceX’s Jamin
Gallman, MBA ’15, and about 200 students and alumni.
During the event, moderated by Jeanette Jordan,
MBA ’09, they talked about the importance of creating
more opportunities for Black, Indigenous and people of
color (BIPOC) populations and paving the way for other
organizations to adopt more inclusive practices.
“There’s a special responsibility for tech companies to
increase opportunities for people from different backgrounds,”
said Lewis, principal diversity partner at Workday.
There’s a responsibility, too, for each of us, Lewis said. “Each
individual has power to move these efforts forward. Make it
a priority in your job search. Ask questions during interviews
and be ready to provide your input. It’s all about finding ways
to be part of the solution.”
Ekpo, global DEI lead for AI and research at Google,
shared how her company is building community and
addressing issues of employee retention through its State
of Black Women event.
“The tech industry has experienced exponential growth
over the last few decades, and that means we need to be
trendsetters,” she said. “As creators of innovative products, it’s
important for us to have diverse teams that consider different
experiences in their creative process.”
Gallman, head of D&I at SpaceX, spoke about the
company’s efforts to increase broadband internet access
around the world, and its goal of boosting STEM learning in
K-12 education.
“The most important thing is to be an active bystander,”
said Gallman. “Get in the arena and be willing to put your
privilege on the line to move the needle.”
Following the panel discussion, attendees were invited to
a networking event where they could interact with panelists
and others.
Sophomore Tamara Bethea said she walked away with
insights and encouragement.
“What stuck out to me was the emphasis on authenticity
and presenting ourselves, as well as our background and
experiences, in any setting,” she said.
Abi Shitta-Bey, a 2021 MBA candidate, praised the
candidness of the panelists. “We received so much great
advice on how we can contribute to increasing diversity in
organizations and other ways we can make ourselves extremely
marketable.” /PS/
WATCH MORE: “Working in TECH-nicolor: Smith Alumni
Leading the Forefront of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion”
BDO is a proud sponsor of the Maryland Promise Scholarship.
At BDO, we believe in helping people thrive, every day. That core purpose extends to both the clients and
businesses we serve, as well as the people we work with. At BDO, we’ll make it a priority to offer you the
mentorship, flexibility, and opportunity you need to grow and develop as a professional—today, tomorrow, and
for the rest of your career. Because when our own people thrive, they can help make sure our clients do, too.
Laurie Arena De Armond, Office Managing Partner, Greater Washington, DC
University of Maryland Alumna
BDO USA, LLP
12505 Park Potomac Ave., Suite 700, Potomac, MD 20854
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