Microsoft Ignite 2019 is just next week! Most folks should already be in Orlando, or are in transit to Orlando by now.
With 43 Diversity and Inclusion sessions featured on this year's D&I track, you have plenty of options to choose from and zero excuses to not attend at least one to learn more about how YOU can help foster diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Feeling overwhelmed with choices? Here's our pick of the Top 10 sessions to look out for!
Top 10 Diversity and Inclusion track sessions (in no particular order):
- Monday Empower Lunch session – BRK1095 Nov 4 12.15-1.15pm: Futureproofing Against Bias in Tech featuring Ann Johnson, Tara Roth, Scott Hanselman, Donovan Brown, Sue Bohn, Rokeya Jones and Melissa Summers
- Tuesday Empower Lunch session – BRK1025 Nov 5 12.15-1.15pm: The Imposter Syndrome Banishing Spell by Dona Sarkar and Jeremiah Marble: Dona just launched a brand new book on this topic that has been tremendously well received on social media. This is a topic that comes up often especially in tech. We’ll be giving 5 lucky winners a copy of her new book. Can't wait for the session? You can purchase her book on Amazon here.
- Wednesday Empower Lunch session – BRK 1094 Nov 6 12.15-1.15pm: Disability and Innovation- The universal benefits of inclusive design by Haben Girma, Harvard Law School’s first deafblind graduate and disability rights lawyer. If you haven't seen Haben speak live in person before, you NEED to. She is very inspiring and her story is just phenomenal. We’ll be giving away copies of her new book to the first 400 in-person attendees at her session in OCCC W224.
- Thursday Empower Lunch – BRK1062 Nov 7 12.15-1.15pm: #DreamCrazier in the world of tech: In conversation with Nike – this is our first time hosting a session featuring other well-loved brands and companies as they talk about the role non-tech companies play in fostering a diverse and inclusive culture in society. No, we won't be giving away Nike shoes - sorry! :)
- BRK1026 An Introvert’s Guide to the IT Industry by Sonia Cuff: As last year’s top-rated D&I speaker, Sonia Cuff is back with a brand new topic that hits very close to most (introverted) technologists’ hearts! This year she’ll have tips for the extroverts too!
- BRK1078 Being a social developer by Scott Hanselman: Want to know how to up your social media game and build a solid social presence? You’ll want to learn from THE best – Scott Hanselman himself! With over 230K Twitter followers, his own podcast series and a host of other social platforms, Scott’s session is one you definitely don’t want to miss!
- BRK1031 Building inclusive workplaces: Supporting coworkers with autism by MVP Dennie Declercq: Dennie often gets standing ovations for his personal and authentic stories about living with autism, no matter where he presents on the topic in the world. Don’t miss this one!
- BRK1027 From Battlefield to Breaking Barriers: My Journey from the US Marines to a career in tech by Iasia Brown: Hear firsthand what it’s like transitioning from being on a battlefield – front line in conflict zones in Afghanistan to a post-military career in tech. Iasia is from a truly unique background and a rare perspective that very few have, as an LGBTQ+ woman who is half black, half Hispanic, a military veteran and a parent all at once. Her story is an incredible one not to be missed!
- BRK1021 Hidden Stories from the Tech Trenches, and How *YOU* can help by Jess Dodson: Hear unvarnished truths and stories about things women in tech have had to go through and put up with in tech. Gain practical tips and advice on how to rally allies, advocate for yourself and build a strong community + support network so that women in tech can thrive in their workplaces as we push for equality in tech.
Looking for sessions that are uniquely different from all other sessions, and even features ceramic dinosaur (yes, really!) speakers? Then be sure to check out BRK 1054 Threddy and The Dinosaurs: A Software Engineer's Tale about how a visit to a paint studio c.... There's also going to be a ceramic dinosaur in BRK 1030 My Two Left Feet, or, How Life as a Competitive Dancer has Made Me a Better PM and Human by Azure CXP Principal Program Manager Laura Hunter.
We're sure you've never been to sessions like these before, so don't miss out!
For the full list of D&I sessions, use the Filter tool on your Schedule Builder, or simply click here.
We'll see you in Orlando!
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#MSIgnite