Not Your Typical Diversity Event: Actions Shout, Words Whisper

A gathering in Silicon Valley on September 5 brought together leading innovators, CEOs, and founders to promote inclusivity and diverse thinking in the tech industry, featuring prominent women leaders sharing their insights and personal journeys. The event highlighted the challenges of creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, with discussions led by notable figures such as Merline Saintil, Pamela Rice, Yvonne Wassenaar, Sheila Jordan, and Alvina Antar, who emphasized the importance of advocacy, self-belief, sponsorship, cultural shift, and organic diversity. The panelists shared personal anecdotes and advice on overcoming adversity, leveraging mentorship and sponsorship, and operationalizing diversity initiatives within organizations. The event underscored the necessity for both men and women leaders to collaborate on fostering diversity and inclusion, with a surprise performance by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus inspiring unity and activism.