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Google Explores Diversity in Tech with Inaugural Event “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” [PHOTOS]

December 12, 2016By BobbyPenBusiness, Community, Events, Tech

On Tuesday, Dec. 6 technology powerhouse Google hosted an insightful discussion on technology and minority inclusion titled, A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society at its New York Headquarters.

Spearheaded by Valeisha Butterfield-Jones (Head Of Black Community Engagement, Google) and Lauren Marquez (Head Of Latino Community Engagement, Google), this inaugural event drew out over 300 Black and Latino entry to mid-level professionals as an opportunity to network with Googlers, exchange ideas, explore employment opportunities and discuss the future of diversity in tech.

Celebrated Journalist, Lola Ogunnaike, moderated a series of “Lightning Rod” discussions that explored the intersections of technology, inclusion and innovation of underrepresented groups.

The first panel, entitled The Inclusion & Innovation In Technology & Society, featured Angela Benton – Founder/CEO, NewME Accelerator and Andrew Herrera – Founder/CEO, Remezcla.

The second panel, Tech Culture: Perspectives on Working and Leading In Tech, featured Johnathan Priester – Account Strategist, Google, Victor Scotti – Internal Community Advocate, Google, Paulita David – Head of Multicultural Sales, Google.

The last panel discussion, Racial Justice: Social Innovation & Disruption For Good, featured Calena Jamieson – Program Manager, Black Girls CODE, Jana Landon – Tech Diversity, Google,Errol King – Experience Manager, Google.

The evening’s activities concluded with a 45 minute networking reception where attendees had an opportunity to engage and interface with key level executives from Google. Music was provided DJ Flash.

Google is the leading solutions provider to the tech industry’s diversity problem
Google has invested millions ($115M in 2014 and $150M in 2015) in diversity programs
Google’s diversity programs revolve around Four Pillars:
- Find diverse talent and bring them to Google
- Cultivate an inclusive workplace to ensure Google is a welcoming and equitable workplace for everyone
- Expand access to CS education for all students, early childhood and onward
- Bridge the digital divide in communities that aren’t fully benefiting from the web

Enjoy this photo recap from the event by photographer Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-1 — Atmosphere at Google New York for “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-2 — Alvin Blanco(Editor of Hip Hop Wired.com) and Moderator Lola Ogunnaike Share A Moment At “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-3 — Moderator Lola Ogunnaike at Google’s “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-4 — Moderator Lola Ogunnaike at Google’s “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-5 — Valeisha Butterfield-Jones (Head Of Black Community Engagement, Google) at Google’s “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-6 — Attendee, Avery Watson, enjoys networking reception at Google’s “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-7 — Chistina Coleman- Senior News Editor, Essence.com enjoys Google’s “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-8 — Guests enjoy networking at Google’s “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-10 — Guests enjoy networking at Google’s “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-11 — Guests enjoy networking reception at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-12 — Guests enjoy networking reception at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-13 — Notable Influencers Nicole Duncan Smith, Tonya Pendleton, and Alvin Blanco enjoy reception at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-14 — Guest at Google’s “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-16 — Guests enjoy networking at Google’s “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-17 — Guests enjoy networking at Google’s “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-18 — Guests enjoy active networking at Google’s “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-19 — Valeisha Butterfield-Jones (Head Of Black Community Engagement, Google) greets guests during networking reception at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-20 — Keith Clinkscales- CEO of The Shadow League attends “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-21 — Errol King – Experience Manager, Google and Moderator/Celebrated Journalist, Lola Ogunnaike at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-22 — Molly Welch (Diversity & Inclusion Marketing, Google) and Laura Marquez (Head Of Latino Community Engagement, Google) share a team moment with Googlers Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-23 — Racial Justice: Social Innovation & Disruption For Good panelists Jana Landon – Tech Diversity, Google, Errol King – Experience Manager, Google, and Calena Jamieson – Program Manager, Black Girls CODE. Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-24 — Valeisha Butterfield-Jones addresses audience questions at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-25 — Guests engage in a Q&A at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-26 — Guests Engage in Q&A at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-27 — Racial Justice: Social Innovation & Disruption For Good speaker Calena Jamieson – Program Manager, Black Girls CODE at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-28 — Racial Justice: Social Innovation & Disruption For Good speaker Errol King – Experience Manager, Google at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-29 — Lola Ogunnaike Moderates Racial Justice: Social Innovation & Disruption For Good, featured Jana Landon – Tech Diversity, Google, Calena Jamieson – Program Manager, Black Girls CODE, Errol King – Experience Manager, Google at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-30 — Paulita David-Head Of Multicultural Sales, Google At “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-31 — Lola Ogunnaike Moderates Racial Justice: Social Innovation & Disruption For Good, featured Jana Landon-Tech Diversity, Google, Calena Jamieson-Program Manager, Black Girls CODE, Errol King – Experience Manager, Google. Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-32 — Lola Ogunnaike Moderates Racial Justice: Social Innovation & Disruption For Good, featured Jana Landon-Tech Diversity, Google, Calena Jamieson-Program Manager, Black Girls CODE, Errol King – Experience Manager, Google. Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-33 — Google’s Rising Innovators: Victor Scotti – Internal Community Advocate, Google, Johnathan Priester – Account Strategist, Google at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-34 — Lola Ogunnaike Tech Culture: Perspectives on Working and Leading In Tech, featured Paulita David – Head of Multicultural Sales, Google, Victor Scotti – Internal Community Advocate, Google, Johnathan Priester – Account Strategist, Google at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-35 — Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-36 — Black Google Network at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-37 — Lola Ogunnaike moderates Tech Culture: Perspectives on Working and Leading In Tech, featured Paulita David – Head of Multicultural Sales, Google, Victor Scotti – Internal Community Advocate, Google, Johnathan Priester – Account Strategist, Google at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-38 — Lola Ogunnaike moderates Tech Culture: Perspectives on Working and Leading In Tech, featured Paulita David – Head of Multicultural Sales, Google, Victor Scotti – Internal Community Advocate, Google, Johnathan Priester – Account Strategist, Google at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-39 — Lola Ogunnaike moderates Tech Culture: Perspectives on Working and Leading In Tech, featured Paulita David – Head of Multicultural Sales, Google, Victor Scotti – Internal Community Advocate, Google, Johnathan Priester – Account Strategist, Google at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-40 — Lola Ogunnaike moderates Tech Culture: Perspectives on Working and Leading In Tech, featured Paulita David – Head of Multicultural Sales, Google, Victor Scotti – Internal Community Advocate, Google, Johnathan Priester – Account Strategist, Google at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-41 — Lola Ogunnaike moderates Tech Culture: Perspectives on Working and Leading In Tech, featured Paulita David – Head of Multicultural Sales, Google, Victor Scotti – Internal Community Advocate, Google, Johnathan Priester – Account Strategist, Google at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-42 — Andrew Herrera – Founder/CEO, Remezcla at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Societ Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-43 — Angela Benton – Founder/CEO, NewME Accelerator Discuss The Inclusion & Innovation In Technology & Society at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-44 — Lola Ogunnaike, Andrew Herrera – Founder/CEO, Remezcla, and Angela Benton – Founder/CEO, NewME Accelerator Discuss The Inclusion & Innovation In Technology & Society at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-45 — Lola Ogunnaike, Andrew Herrera – Founder/CEO, Remezcla, and Angela Benton – Founder/CEO, NewME Accelerator Discuss The Inclusion & Innovation In Technology & Society at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-46 — Lola Ogunnaike, Andrew Herrera – Founder/CEO, Remezcla, and Angela Benton – Founder/CEO, NewME Accelerator Discuss The Inclusion & Innovation In Technology & Society at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-47 — Lola Ogunnaike, Andrew Herrera – Founder/CEO, Remezcla, and Angela Benton – Founder/CEO, NewME Accelerator Discuss The Inclusion & Innovation In Technology & Society at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-48 — Celebrated Broadcast Journalist, Lola Ogunnaike, Moderates “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Lighting Rod Discussions Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-49 — Valeisha Butterfield-Jones (Head Of Black Community Engagement, Google) and Lauren Marquez (Head Of Latino Community Engagement, Google) welcome guests to “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-50 — Valeisha Butterfield-Jones (Head Of Black Community Engagement, Google) and Laura Marquez (Head Of Latino Community Engagement, Google) Welcome Guests To “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-51 — L-R: Valeisha Butterfield-Jones (Head Of Black Community Engagement, Google) and Laura Marquez (Head Of Latino Community Engagement, Google) Welcome Guests To “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-52 — Molly Welch (Diversity & Inclusion Marketing, Google) engages with attendees at Google’s “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-53 — Guests enjoy networking reception at Google’s “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-54 — Guests enjoy conversation and cocktails at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-55 — Guest enjoy reception cocktails and conversation at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-56 — Guests enjoy networking at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-57 — Guests network at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-58 — Valeisha Butterfield-Jones, Dahntay Jones and guests share a moment at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-59 — Guests arrive for “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-60 — Guests network at “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-61 — #TechInclusion created a Twitter trending topic from “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-62 — Guests Enjoy Networking At “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-63 — “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” panelist Angela Benton-Founder/CEO, NewME Accelerator Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-64 — DJ Flash warms up the room at Google’s “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-65 — Guests Enjoy Light Fare At Google New York “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-66 — Guests Arrive At GOOGLE New York Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-67 — Guests enjoy networking reception at Google’s “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-68 — Guests enjoy networking reception at Google’s “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-69 — Guests enjoy networking reception at Google’s “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-70 — Guests enjoy networking at Google’s “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Champion, Dahntay Jones, at Google’s “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-72 — Reception Set Up At Google’s “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

google-a-seat-at-the-table-the-bobby-pen-73 — Atmosphere at Google New York for “A Seat at the Table: Inclusion and Innovation in Technology & Society” Photo by Bernard Smalls

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thebobbypen

Bobby Pen is an enterprising media professional with 12 years experience in journalism, digital production, marketing and entrepreneurship. She has worked in print (Education Week, Al Día News), commercial radio (Radio One), corporate marketing (Westfield) and independently built Entertainment & Lifestyle website TheBobbyPen.com where she's interviewed A-Listers like Snoop Dogg, Cardi B, Diddy, Don Lemon, Gabrielle Union and been sourced by The Washington Post, The Source and The Shade Room. Bobby Pen is a cultural commentator for TMZ, BBC News ABC 20/20 and TV One. Catch up with her on the Social Media channels below.