Tech Inclusion Forum | Understanding Racism: Historical Context and Call to Action

Understanding systemic racism requires an appreciation of the underlying history of how we got here, an awareness of the meaning and impact of white privilege, and acknowledgement of the implicit biases that we all hold. With that knowledge, the Arizona technology industry, tech companies and each of us as individuals can embrace strategies to make a difference.

This landmark AZTC event will provide an educational and provocative baseline for better understanding the quest for ending systemic racism and moving towards racial equality. Featured presenters are the co-founders of DR@W (Defeating Racism at Work), Patricia Davis and TJ Lowery. Both of these talented women are accomplished senior HR executives in the Phoenix area, and leaders in the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources, Arizona Chapter.

Key Event Take-Aways | In this landmark session, Patricia and TJ will:
• Provide an overview of the history of racism in the United States 
• Discuss how white privilege and implicit biases have impeded racial equality
• Help attendees learn and understand how to talk about racism in a respectful and productive way
• Share strategies for companies, executives and individuals to become an ally and advocate

FEATURED SPEAKERS:

PATRICIA DAVIS
President, National Association of African Americans in Human Resources, Arizona Chapter
Patricia Davis is an experienced human resources leader in organizational effectiveness, leadership development, race equity, inclusion and change management. Patricia has held various HR leadership roles at the local Arizona Girl Scouts Council, Intel Corporation, Ford Motor and Kraft Foods, driving the development and implementation of HR strategies. Currently, she is the chief people officer for ASU Enterprise Partners. In addition, she is the president and CEO of the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources, Arizona Chapter (NAAAHR) and co-founder of DR@W (Defeat Racism At Work). Patricia earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Hampton University and her Juris Doctorate from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis. 

TJ LOWERY
SVP of Operations, National Association of African Americans in HR, Arizona Chapter
TJ Lowery is currently the director of HR at Arizona Boardwalk (AZB) where she oversees the HR strategy for all seven attractions owned by AZB, including the iconic OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland. She is a realtor and a veteran who served 15 years in the United States Army. As an HR professional, TJ has a wealth of knowledge which includes leadership development, race equity, total rewards, employee relations and training. TJ currently serves as chief operating officer of the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources, Arizona Chapter and co-founder of DR@W (Defeat Racism At Work). TJ focused her studies in accounting and HR at Ottawa University. 

EVENT AGENDA:
3:30 – 3:35 p.m. | Opening remarks
3:35 – 4:45 p.m. | Presentations
4:45 – 5:00 p.m. | Q&A
5:00 p.m. | Event ends

Who Should Attend:
This must-attend event is intended for CEOs, HR executives and company leaders who set the tone in their companies, as well as anyone seeking to be more educated about systemic racism and more proactive in supporting racial equality.

Become an event sponsor!

Increase your company’s visibility in Arizona’s growing technology industry sector by becoming  an event sponsor.
Contact [email protected] to learn about the various levels of sponsorship to suit your organization.