Tech

In May 2023, our annual 19th Represents Summit brought together key voices to discuss gender equality in tech, justice and economic mobility. We celebrated successes, identified barriers and learned from each other with inspiring performances and insights from iconic leaders. On the third day, we gathered in Chicago to talk about building generational wealth, turning the tide on debt and fostering community through mutual aid. Watch the full program and hear from keynote speakers like Douglas Emhoff, Tarana Burke and more.

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ICYMI: Watch recordings of our conversations on the tech sector with its leaders, defenders and gate openers.

Speakers

Schedule

Thursday, May 18, 2023 | VIRTUAL

Dive into the tech sector with its leaders, defenders and gate openers to learn how to make the industry — and its many platforms and tools — more equitable.

1 p.m. CT

Welcome

Emily Ramshaw, Co-Founder and CEO, The 19th

1:05 p.m. CT

Strength Through Diversity: A Tech Leader’s Perspective

Tech trailblazer Padmasree Warrior talks gender representation in the C-suite with The Washington Post’s Tatum Hunter. This one-on-one conversation explores how to empower women and people of color in technology and chart a course toward a more inclusive tech future.

Padmasree Warrior, Founder, President and CEO, Fable

Moderator:

Tatum Hunter, Consumer Technology Reporter, The Washington Post

1:30 p.m. CT

The Gate Openers

Turning the tables in tech requires tackling the industry’s gender and racial disparities — and welcoming more women, people of color and queer people into the field. Meet the leaders who are breaking down these barriers and inspiring greater diversity in tech.

Maya Bhattacharjee-Marcantonio, Co-Founder and Chief Program Officer, The Marcy Lab School
Sasha Costanza-Chock, Head of Research & Sensemaking, OneProject.org
Morgan DeBaun, Founder, AfroTech
Arlan Hamilton, Founder and Managing Director, Backstage Capital

Moderator:

Jasmine Mithani, Data Visuals Reporter, The 19th

2:15 p.m. CT

Take a Breath

Join us for a breathing, stretching and movement break led by yoga and meditation teacher Mel Mah.

Mel Mah, Filmmaker, Mindfulness Teacher & Director of YOU GOT THIS GIRL

2:20 p.m. CT

The FTC, Consumers and Technology

The Federal Trade Commission is charged with protecting U.S. consumers from unfair business practices. Increasingly, this means going toe-to-toe with big tech companies over privacy, data protection and antitrust laws. The 19th’s Grace Panetta talks to Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter about the FTC’s work as a watchdog over the tech sector and how technology impacts consumers across industries.

Rebecca Slaughter, Commissioner, Federal Trade Commission

Moderator:

Grace Panetta, Political Reporter, The 19th

2:50 p.m. CT

The Protectors: Keeping People Safe From Big Tech

Digital safety experts talk with Washington Post reporter Nitasha Tiku about the escalating risks for women, people of color and queer people online — and how to stay safe, protected and accountable while exploring new tech innovations.

Tracy Chou, CEO, Block Party
Danielle Citron, Author, “The Fight For Privacy”
Frances Haugen, Facebook Whistleblower

Moderator:

Nitasha Tiku, Tech Culture Reporter, The Washington Post

3:25 p.m. CT

Musical Performance from Indigo Girls

Grammy-winning folk duo Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have spearheaded change through their art and activism for decades. They’re sharing an intimate performance with The 19th.

3:30 p.m. CT

Working With Technology and Working in Tech

This one-on-one conversation with the head of AFL-CIO’s Technology Institute, Amanda Ballantyne, dives into the increasing prominence of tech in the workplace, as well as the rise and role of community organizing in the tech industry, from internal employee actions to company-wide efforts with global impacts.

Amanda Ballantyne, Director, AFL-CIO Technology Institute

Moderator:

Nadra Nittle, Education Reporter, The 19th

About The 19th

The 19th is a nonprofit newsroom whose mission is to empower those we serve — particularly women, women of color and the LGBTQ+ community — with the information, resources and community they need to be equal participants in our democracy.

Learn more about us