DiversiTech Kicks-Off Its Panel Series "The State of Black Tech: Local Success Leads to National Impact"

Silver Spring, MD, October 26, 2011 --(PR.com)-- DiversiTech kicks-off its series, The State of Black Tech: Local Success Leads to National Impact on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at the famed Busboys and Poets in Hyattsville, Maryland, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The State of Black Tech aims to be the catalyst for a much needed local discussion on the status of black technologists within the greater technology entrepreneur and innovation space. “With a growing national dialogue around the absence of black technology entrepreneurs and innovators, and poor STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) competencies for minorities, it is important to first dialogue locally,” said Christine Johnson, DiversiTech Founder. “There are unique challenges, barriers to entry, resources and opportunities for each city or region for black technologists. These must be assessed in order to strategically tackle the disparity.”

The evening will also include announcements about DiversiTech’s upcoming programs and partnerships with local and national organizations, including ARCH Development in Washington DC’s Anacostia community, and support of the national efforts of the Black Innovation Competitive Initiative (BICI) with its America21 Project. “Diversitech is doing important work that addresses the under-representation of minorities in technology sectors and underscores the need for all Americans to be included in bolstering the nation's economic strength,” Dr. Chad Womack, Co-Founder of BICI.

The State of Black Tech will include a panel of diverse industry leaders. Moderated by Christine Johnson, DiversiTech Founder, panelists include Mike Howard of the Maryland Governor’s Venture Fund Authority, Dr. Chad Womack, Shireen Mitchell, Award Winning Web Pioneer, along with notable entrepreneur York Eggelston, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Semantic Labs, as well as other notable local technologists and social media engagers. Additionally, Randall A. Olade, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer of DC area startup, Kojami, will share his experience as a technology entrepreneur and participant of the famed Founder Institute.

About DiversiTech:
DiversiTech was created in response to an outcry for greater depth of inclusion for those of diverse communities, with an emphasis on black technologists, within the larger tech community. DiversiTech aims to provide platforms to bring this unique population to the forefront of the tech BOOM! and dialogue on innovation. For more on DiversiTech, visit them online. Use Twitter to get DiversiTech news updates: @Dtechtweets

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