Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Resource Group announces BAM Innovation Conference 2022. The second annual event seeks to bring together tech professionals, students, future Microsoft employees, etc. to learn, share, mentor, and collaborate. Registration for the event is free and it welcomes everyone irrespective of their background to join the virtual event on December 7th.
BAM Innovation Conference 2022
BAM Innovation Conference 2022 is a platform for black professionals, students, and job seekers in the community to learn, innovate, mentor, and gain exposure to the tech industry. It aims to empower the community with the tools, resources, and network needed to establish and advance a career in tech.
In the end, we seek to build better candidates, enhance diversity and continue to build workplaces that reflect the world we live in.
The event will host a variety of activities including sessions that dive into a wide range of tech topics. A panel session and an opportunity to interact with speakers and attendees. There will be details on how to get training and certification programs across a range of Microsoft apps and services.
As every Black experience in tech is different, we’re bringing a full showcase of different speakers and topics to expand your perspective. The BAM Innovation Conference agenda is stacked with technical and non-technical topics that include cloud, startups, gaming, AI and careers in tech.
The event will have a session focusing on Microsoft’s footprint on the African Continent titled “Africa 2040: Empowerment, Innovation, Transformation“. Which will look at the story of the Microsoft Africa Development Centre in Kenya and Nigeria. This session will feature Microsoft ADC MDs Catherine Muraga, and Gafar Lawal. Other panelists are Azure Global Emerging Markets Engineering General Manager Bambo Sofola, and Abolade Gbadegesin Developer and Technical Fellow at Microsoft.
BAM effects on Africa
The BAM community has inspired and pushed for a number of initiatives on the African continent. These include organizing the NexTech Africa conference and the Insiders For Good fellowship program. The Africa to Redmond Hack for Africa program and Microsoft African University Recruitment Program for recent graduate engineers. That provides successful candidates with relocation to the USA and Canada. As well as the building of a Microsoft software engineering team in Africa. Birthing the Microsoft Africa Development Centers software engineering offices in Kenya and Nigeria.
[jetpack_subscription_form show_subscribers_total=”false” button_on_newline=”false” submit_button_text=”Subscribe to get updates right in your inbox” custom_font_size=”16px” custom_border_radius=”0″ custom_border_weight=”1″ custom_padding=”15″ custom_spacing=”10″ submit_button_classes=”” email_field_classes=”” show_only_email_and_button=”true” success_message=”Success! An email was just sent to confirm your subscription. Please find the email now and click 'Confirm Follow' to start subscribing.”]
The Blacks at Microsoft Employee Resource Group celebrated 30 years of diversity and inclusion as part of Black History Month.
Microsoft says “we strive to create an environment that brings the power of diversity to life. Where people with different backgrounds and experiences thrive in both their professional and personal lives. Where we’re all able to channel our passions.“
Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) is a Microsoft Employee Resource Group with a mission to achieve a strong representation of Blacks at all levels of the company. Founded in 1989 as the first Microsoft-sponsored employee resource group. It is dedicated to supporting the continued growth and development of black employees and encouraging students to pursue a career in technology. It is also a community that provides its members an opportunity to learn, listen, grow, and network.
Blacks at Microsoft fireside chat. ?: Chris Capossela
The Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Employee Resource Group celebrated 30 years of empowerment. Hosting an Anniversary Gala, conferences, and speaker series across other Microsoft chapters.
The conference tracks conversations covering professional and personal development, social change and justice, and systematic education.
Speaking at this year’s Microsoft 2019 Black at Microsoft conference was Microsoft Chief Marketing Officer, Chris Capossela. Here is what he says about the community.
“Creating an inclusive community is a journey – one that I’m on as an individual, we’re on as a company, and so many of us are working towards as an industry. I’ve learned that it’s so important to understand someone else’s background and daily struggles to overcome our differences“.
– Chris Capossela, Chief Marketing Officer, Microsoft
BAM, NY chapter at Nasdaq
Throwback
In celebrating 30 years of the group, Microsoft’s channel 9 caught up with some of the founding members. Take a look.
“At Microsoft, we have made the long-term commitment to build and sustain a culture that fosters an inclusive working environment. Which will enable our employees to do their best work and serve the diverse needs of our customers around the world. We also are committed to engaging in and advancing diversity and inclusion conversations in communities where we believe we can help empower people”. – Toni Townes-Whitley – President, US Regulated Industries at Microsoft.
One of BAM’s goals is to encourage black students to pursue a career in technology. Every year the community offers a Black at Microsoft scholarship. This year BAM will award two US$5,000 scholarships to outstanding high school seniors. Who are interested in pursuing careers in technology. Learn more about the scholarship here.
Some initiatives of the BAM community in Africa include the NexTech Africa conference and Africa to Redmond Hack for Africa program.
[jetpack_subscription_form show_subscribers_total=”false” button_on_newline=”false” submit_button_text=”Subscribe to get updates right in your inbox” custom_font_size=”16px” custom_border_radius=”0″ custom_border_weight=”1″ custom_padding=”15″ custom_spacing=”10″ submit_button_classes=”” email_field_classes=”” show_only_email_and_button=”true” success_message=”Success! An email was just sent to confirm your subscription. Please find the email now and click 'Confirm Follow' to start subscribing.”]
