Diversity Panel - Why Does Tech Continue to Lack Diversity

You’re Invited to an informational Virtual Meeting.   (See Registration link below)

Topic:  Why Does Tech Continue to Lack Diversity?

Join us for a candid conversation about why it's taking so long to diversify the technology community.

Why is the lack of diversity in tech so pervasive? What is the perception of technology among minorities?

Why do so many women leave technology?

How can we as technology leaders be more inclusive and retain diverse talent in our organizations?

Hear unique perspectives about the industry, and what can be done to resolve our diversity problem.

Moderator: Sandee Kastrul, President & Co-Founder, i.c.stars

Sandee is the proud president, co-founder and chief hope officer of i.c.stars, a workforce development organization and a social enterprise. i.c.stars exists to develop change-driven individuals to excel in technology careers and effect change as community leaders. With operations in Chicago and Milwaukee, i.c.stars has been recognized by Strada Education Network and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Before i.c.stars, Sandee designed interactive programs for GED students and developed experiential learning modules for over 70 schools. Sandee is on the advisory board of the Chicago Innovation Awards and the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management. Sandee has been recognized by the Chicago Community Trust, SIM (Society for Information Managers) Chicago, and Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Sandee enjoys working with i.c.stars alums in their entrepreneurial endeavors both for profit and non-profit and is currently working on expanding the i.c.stars model into new cities. Sandee is close to finishing her book, Change and Equity.

Sreelatha Surendranathan, Chief Digital Officer (CDO) at UL

Sreelatha leads UL’s digital strategy to deliver compelling and integrated digital solutions and capabilities that serve our customers’ current and future needs. She is passionate about women in STEM, building diverse teams with opportunities for minority voices to be heard. She leads change as UL creates new digital business models geared to the future.

Prior to joining UL in 2021, Sreelatha served as vice president of software at GE Healthcare, and worked as Chief Technology Officer, Vice President and Senior Director of Global Engineering at SCO Logistics, Transplace and Perot Systems. She is also an entrepreneur, having founded and run an IT logistics product company.

Andrea Goodwin, VP, Radiology, Optum

Andrea is a product leader with over twenty years of experience in the healthcare, education and government sectors.  Through roles in Big Four and boutique management consulting firms, tech startups and Fortune 500 companies, she has managed projects, programs, clients, products and teams of all sizes.  A values-driven leader, Andrea believes that the greatest asset of any product is the people that bring it to life.  Andrea works from home in Park Ridge, IL with her husband Tom, tween-agers Alena (12) and Luke (10) and Rascal the Dog.

Albert Leon Murphy, Clinical Services Coordinator, UIC Community Outreach Intervention Projects, School of Public Health

Albert Murphy is a cycle 20 i.c.stars alumni (2009). He completed his undergraduate degree in Urban Public Affairs and Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Policy and Administration at the University of Illinois Chicago. He is currently a Clinical Services Coordinator and Research Assistant with the (UIC) Community Outreach Intervention Projects (C.O.I.P) where he assists vulnerable populations get access to HIV and Hepatitis C testing, treatment, and substance abuse support and harm reduction services.

Asfa Malik, Thought Leader & Cultural Change Agent

Asfa Malik is an award-winning talent development leader with a strong background in sales, learning and strategy. She is also a cultural change agent, inclusion strategist, thought leader, published author, and brand builder. Having spent most of her professional life at a global big data & technology company, she ran the Learning & Development team serving over 5,000 employees around the world.  Her expertise in data analysis, consultative selling, and leadership development allows her to build strong employee programs that drive bottom line growth. Today, she partners with CEO’s from small to mid-sized companies to design growth and change management strategies to drive cultural diversity and inclusive leadership.

One of her greatest passions is to provide best in class development opportunities for professionals to excel in their roles, leverage their strengths, and drive career success. All of which are possible with a culture of inclusion and belonging.

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