How 1Philadelphia will use its new role in event leadership to drive tech equity

As 1Philadelphia works toward a more equitable tech industry in Philly, the organization is also becoming a bigger part of future Philly Tech Weeks.

For the first time, the tech equity organization joined Technical.ly as a co-producer of the weeklong celebration, hosting networking and resources-oriented events. It’s a part of what 1Philadelphia already does, and leading PTW only furthers its mission campaigning for a more equitable approach to tech, said Danae Mobley, executive director of 1Philadelphia and CEO of Coded by Kids.

“We really built out over 50 events … to make sure that people, one, have fun,” Mobley said on Technical.ly Speaking, a monthly segment on WURD Radio’s “Reality Check,” hosted by Tonya Pendlton. “But then really understand how if they want to get into tech, what their entryway into tech and innovation can be in the city of Philadelphia.”

 

1Philadelphia aims to expose more people to tech skills

1Philadelphia works to help more Philadelphians access sustainable jobs in tech.

Philly Tech Week, which happened earlier this month, was the perfect opportunity to expose more people to the industry, Mobley said, especially to make sure that people of color are not left behind as technology advances.

That’s why 1Philadelphia focuses on providing guidance to people new to tech. Specifically for this year’s PTW, 1Philadelphia employed ambassadors to help people navigate the tech ecosystem.

Bringing people together also drives tech equity forward

For a long time, programs in Philly, such as workforce development org Per Scholas and coding bootcamp Resilient Coders, helped prepare people for tech careers that aren’t the traditional pathway of a four-year degree. However, hiring trends in the tech industry are changing and only completing one of those programs is not always enough, Mobley said.

“We have to also layer that on with networks,” she said. “A lot of underrepresented people lack the social capital and the networks to take that credential and turn it into something real.”

Attending events all year round can help build your network and create connections that lead to your next job, according to Mobley. Making connections takes more than just one event.

“Come back,” Mobley said. “1Philadelphia has meetups throughout the year, we have different things where as long as you keep coming, you’ll start to build that community and that familiarity that’ll really help you in the space.”

Listen to the full segment to learn more about 1Philadelphia.

Have an idea for someone who should be featured on a future Technical.ly Speaking segment? Let us know.

Sarah Huffman is a 2022-2024 corps member for Report for America, an initiative of The Groundtruth Project that pairs young journalists with local newsrooms. This position is supported by the Lenfest Institute for Journalism.