It is a common pattern for advocates of any kind (Agile, Quality, Process Improvement methods, Waterfall, etc.) to start off banging a drum with almost religious zealotry. “This is the way to achieve quality products!” “Follow me or be cast aside!” I have certainly done this and many of the change agents and forward thinkers I respect in the industry have struggled with this as well in their careers. However, riding a train of dogmatic viewpoints and practices has, in many cases, ruined the original efforts of change agents and more tragically, created bad patterns of development. This presentation (also presented at the Pacific Northwest Software Quality Conference earlier this year) will explore how we can clarify our intentions and work towards creating an environment where the people involved are empowered to think and experiment but still march in the same general direction. As product development becomes more and more complex, different approaches are needed to get to the right outcome and we can no longer afford to apply rigid methods that worked for a simpler environment. This presentation will help the audience think critically about where they are being too dogmatic in their efforts while introducing some new ways of thinking around complex adaptive systems and complex product development. The full paper written for this conference presentation can be found here: http://www.uploads.pnsqc.org/2013/papers/t-095_Stadick_paper.pdf

Our Speaker: Rhea Stadick is an Organizational Coach at Intel, Corp. She has spent the last eight years in software quality and development of engineering teams. Today she helps organizations across her company develop cultures and competencies to create thriving work environments that support excellence in product development. She received her B.S. in Computer Science from Oregon State University and M.B.A. from Willamette University. For the past several years she has organized the Rose City Software Process Improvement Network (SPIN) in the Portland-metro area that gathers professionals in the area to learn and network.

Join PDXWIT as we kick off Latinx Heritage Month with our friends at Nike! Come for the dynamic lightning talks, and stay for the networking and community building. ¡Hasta pronto!

Job seeking? Connect directly with recruiters and hiring managers who have open roles on the PDXWIT job board in a dedicated breakout session after the main event.

ASL interpretation and closed captions will be available. Contact [email protected] if you have other accessibility needs.

Hope to see you there!

Agenda: 12:00 p.m. - Event opens/Networking 12:05 p.m. - Introductions 12:20 p.m. - PDXWIT Announcements and lightning talk 12:35 p.m. - Networking in breakout rooms 1:10 p.m. - Event ends

Purpose: We are building a better tech industry by creating access, dismantling barriers and fueling belonging.

Our events are inclusive. ALL people who support our purpose are welcome.

Join PDXWIT for a small and informal in-person dinner discussion where we share our experiences with diversity in the tech workplace. If you identify as a tech professional from a marginalized* background, this opportunity is for you. In order to create a dedicated space for an honest and impactful conversation, we are asking folks to apply to attend this event (link below).

Applications are due by 9/13 11:59 p.m. PDT, and the 10 invitees will be notified no later than a week before the event via email. This event will be in-person, held in the Laurelhurst area of Portland. Dinner will be provided, and ASL interpretation will be provided upon request.

• This includes folks who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or varying physical or cognitive abilities. If you think this sounds like you, please apply!

Link to application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQQbZktKd7CstfPXGtAlUTZnGJlQbp0UDVRhatDbzz6ZvXXA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Coming out stories in the LGBTQ+ community runs the gamut of experiences. In honor of National Coming Out Day (10/11/2022), join PDXWIT and hear from community members on how it has been for them navigating the deeply personal decision to come out at the office. Find out what it was like for them. Was it a good experience, a bad experience, or was it an indifferent experience.

HRC listed the benefits of being out at work and relieve the daily stress of being who you are:

• Eliminates the need to hide or mislead.
• Makes deeper friendships possible.
• Breaks down barriers to understanding.
• Builds trusting working relationships.
• Let's bring our “whole selves” to work.
• Being open can make you more productive, and can even benefit your career because your peers will see you in a new authentic light.

Meet our panel of folx who have opened the closet doors at the office and let’s have a real conversation about being LGBTQ+ on the teams we work with in the organizations we work for and hear their stories.

Facilitated by Crystal Sincoff and Hazel Valdez, we’ll hear from Clove Wright (she/her), Kae (“Naps”) D’Apice (they/them) and Rachel O’Connor (she/they) in this inclusive panel.

Agenda: 5:00 p.m. - Event opens/networking 5:05 p.m. - Introductions 5:10 p.m. - Panel discussion begins 5:50 p.m. - Q&A 6:00 p.m. - Event ends

Purpose: PDXWIT is building a better tech industry by creating access, dismantling inequities and fueling belonging. Our events are inclusive. ALL people who support our purpose are welcome.

Join PDXWIT for a small and informal in-person dinner discussion where we share our experiences with diversity in the tech workplace. If you identify as a tech professional from a marginalized* background, this opportunity is for you.

In order to create an intentional space for honest and impactful conversation, we cap the number of invitees at 10 people. An application is required to be considered to attend this event (link below).

Applications are due by 1/11 @11:59 p.m. PST. Invitees will be notified via email no later than 1/23. This event will be in-person, held in the Laurelhurst area of Portland. Dinner will be provided, and ASL interpretation will be provided upon request.

• This includes folks who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or varying physical or cognitive abilities. If you think this sounds like you, please apply!

Apply to attend: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQQbZktKd7CstfPXGtAlUTZnGJlQbp0UDVRhatDbzz6ZvXXA/viewform

Proof of vaccination will be required. Learn more about our COVID-19 policy at: https://www.pdxwit.org/covid-19-what-to-expect

PDXWIT and Blacks in Tech (BiT), along with host NV5 Geospatial, have teamed up to highlight Portland organizations working to provide access to tech to marginalized and underserved communities in our school system.

Dwayne Thomas, BiT Portland Chapter President will share the work BiT is doing to make sure students understand their path and opportunities in tech and other Portland organizations will share how they are supporting underserved students with access to learning, opportunities and funding.

Agenda: 5:00pm - Doors Open 5:30pm - Welcome, Announcements & Introductions 5:40pm - Program Begins 6:10pm - Networking 7:00pm - Event Ends

Please note: all attendees will be required to show proof of a COVID vaccination or a negative COVID test within 48 hours of the event start.

PDXWIT is building a better tech industry by creating access, dismantling inequities and fueling belonging. Our events are inclusive. ALL people who support our purpose are welcome.

COVID Safety FAQ: Q: Will masks be required in indoor spaces? Will masks be required outside? Will hand sanitizer be provided and plentiful? A: Masks are optional and our host will provide hand sanitizer. We will ask all attendees to show proof of vaccination OR have a negative COVID test within 48 hours of the event.

Event FAQ Q: What is the in-person event capacity? A: 50-75 people

Q: Will there be gender neutral restrooms? A: Yes

Q: Is the space ADA accessible? A: Yes

Q: Will there be food and drink at this event? A: Yes.

Q: What is the parking situation? A: NV5 Geospatial is located at 421 SW 6th Avenue between SW Washington and SW Harvey Milk. There may be street parking but it is limited. The building is on several major bus lines and close to the Pioneer Place Max Station. There are also several parking structures nearby, including: Alder Street Garage; 111 SW 5th Ave. Garage; and City Center Parking (Broadway).

Q: Is there any special information that might help me find the entrance? A: Guests will enter through the main entrance on SW 6th Ave. There will be a security guard present who can let guests in. The elevators are visible upon entering – use them to access the 8th floor and our suite is the only one on that floor. The suite door will be open

Q: Is there secured bike parking? A: Yes, with assistance. If you will need bike parking please email [email protected] and we will make arrangements.

Q: Should I consider using public transportation? A: Yes. NV5 Geospatial is on several major bus lines and close the Pioneer Place Max Station.

Q: Can I bring my dog? A: Sadly, no.

In this virtual happy hour in collaboration with hosts FirstTech and PixelSpoke, PDXWIT is celebrating Black voices. Lightning speakers Shakunda Murphy Wilson and Kym Hampton will share their personal and professional experiences as Black women, and leave you with words of wisdom and advice.

Agenda: 5:25pm - Zoom Room Opens 5:30pm - Welcome, Announcements & Introductions 5:40pm - Lighting Speakers 6:00pm - Recruiter Roll Call 6:10pm - Networking and Breakout Rooms 7:00pm - Event Ends

PDXWIT is building a better tech industry by creating access, dismantling inequities and fueling belonging. Our events are inclusive. ALL people who support our purpose are welcome.

Event FAQ Q: Will ASL or closed captioning be available? A: Yes. We plan to have ASL interpreters in attendance and will use the closed captioning features supported in Zoom.

Please using link below:

Join us for a small, informal yet focused discussion where we can share our experiences with diversity in the workplace. The intimate and safe setting will allow us to discuss tactics, strategies, and support to resolve the issues that arise. This event will be led by Marcus Carter, Zhou Fang and Kari Fass.

Our goal is to ensure this event results in an honest and impactful conversation exploring our shared experiences as individuals underrepresented* in the industry. This is a dedicated space for individuals who are currently underrepresented in the tech industry.

We are asking folks to apply to attend this event by completing this form.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQQbZktKd7CstfPXGtAlUTZnGJlQbp0UDVRhatDbzz6ZvXXA/viewform

Applications are due by June 9, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. The 10 invitees will be notified no later than one week before the event via email. This event will be in-person, held in downtown Portland. Dinner will be provided, and ASL interpretation will be provided upon request.

Our events are inclusive. ALL people who support our purpose are welcome.

Proof of vaccination will be required to attend.