Calgary company models fueling LGBTQ2S+ diversity movement in tech industry | globalnews.ca

As a teen, Danielle Barker was always up for all things technology, especially software development. She knew she wanted to be in the tech sector but was cautious about pursuing it as a career.

Barker said, “I saw it as a male-dominated industry and any time that’s the case, trans people have trouble fitting in and feeling part of the team.”

But she persevered and took the classes inception youAn organization providing courses in the industry for individuals and corporations.

“It was a dream come true,” Barker said.

She was so impressive and dedicated that she was hired as a technical facilitator supporting the students.

“You never know who you’re going to come up against. I’ve put up a lot of struggles but it’s encouraging to see the direction things are going,” Barker said.

Margo Purcell, the founder of InceptionU, said that bringing Barker on the team was a natural fit.

“Danielle showed us who she is. She was and still is such a generous person with her fellow learners. He’s so eager to learn and inquisitive—how could I not have him be a part of the team? Purcell said.

Purcell said the potential for productivity and profitability is something his organization is tapping into and hopes others will work to create a culture of diversity.

“Boundaries are when a person can’t be thorough, the cognitive energy that goes into being careful about what I say — that takes away from doing really great work,” Purcell said.

Purcell said, “I didn’t think about the damage it would do to people… creating an environment where they could be completely themselves highlighted so much of our ability to recruit and retain top talent.” can do.”

“It’s about creating better technology. Better technology incorporates diverse perspectives and experiences from all kinds of people.

But there’s still a way to go with inclusivity in tech.

According to a recent survey for Queer Tech conducted by the Kapor Center for Social Impact, 33 percent of LGBTQ2S+ respondents experienced harassment in the workplace, while 57 percent reported feeling “completely out” at work. Are not able to happen. Fifteen per cent of LGBTQ2S+ people in Canada’s tech sector feel their career opportunities are limited because of the way they identify.

Ember Rowden started Queer Innovation YYC, It’s a safe space for queer people to make industry connections.

“I first started out in tech and didn’t feel safe coming out as myself. I didn’t want to be identified as queer,” Rowden said.

“It becomes hard to pretend and there is an excuse and there is self-doubt. When you’re being yourself, you’re upbeat and collaborative.”

He formed the group with the help of friend Ty McKinney. He said that this has helped the community to embrace the possibilities.

McKinney said, “It’s just a matter of finding opportunities and you can only get that in a safe place where you can be yourself.” “If there’s constant pressure to be hetero-authentic, you don’t feel like you can pursue those opportunities.”

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McKinney has his own start-up company and said he is seeing a change.

“The status quo is changing and everyone is becoming part of the solution.”

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