Embracing Diversity in Tech During Juneteenth and Beyond
Honoring the Past, Building a Brighter Future
Written by Alisha Robinson | Brand & Social Media Manager and Emma Brownstein | Corporate Communication Intern
“Juneteenth” means freedom. That freedom officially came on June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that all enslaved African Americans were free.
Juneteenth represents the moment when freedom and independence reached the deepest and darkest parts of the country.
Today, for Genovators in the U.S., June 19 is reserved as a holiday – a day for reflection. For some, it’s a day of service. And others, it’s still a day for education, as Juneteenth is still widely unknown or untaught. We want to use the day to promote allyship and encourage all Genovators to actively support and advocate for meaningful change.
Vernell Parker, Sr. Info Security Developer at Gen, sees it like this: “Any holiday that deals with the subject of diversity should be recognized by every company. It shows the understanding of the struggle we have had. But most important, it shows that the company is standing with us.”
And we are.
Empowering our Black Community
Thress Jackson, Associate Manager Identity Restoration and POWER Champion, is leading an upcoming Juneteenth celebration.
“We will be commemorating Juneteenth by decorating our break room, providing food for our site and watching a video about the history and representation of the holiday,” Jackson said.
Among our many Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), POWER aims to promote an inclusive work environment. It harnesses the diverse experiences of the Black community at Gen, advises the executive leadership team on cultural competence and supports Black employees’ career growth and development.
We’re committed to advancing career growth at Gen and creating opportunities for students with diverse backgrounds to join our team. This year, POWER launched a mentorship program with HBCU Heroes, reaching 18 Black graduates.
“HBCU Heroes gives a platform for us as professionals and those that are newcomers to be able to meet and work together towards a common goal,” said Parker.
More to come
John Williams, Social Media Manager, has worked in the digital marketing space for more than 8 years. He highlights the significance of championing equality consistently.
“I think it is powerful we continue to educate, but I think it can’t just be one day that we’re doing it. It has to be something that is opened and embraced year-round,” Williams said.
For Gen, we’ve set goals in 2024 to embrace even more diversity in the tech space. We were honored to win Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity award, showcasing our commitment to fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.
On Juneteenth, we’re reminded of the significance of freedom and the ongoing work that needs to be done for equality.
Together, we are building a more inclusive digital world for all.
