June: Milestones and Moments
Candice L. Dixon
Command Shift: Accelerating More Women of Color in Tech| Atlanta Business Chronicle 40 Under 40| PRovoke Media Innovator 25
“I am standing on the shoulders of my own role models, generations of Americans who never had anything close to this kind of opportunity but who got up every day and went to work believing in the promise of America, showing others through their determination and, yes, their perseverance that good things can be done in this great country.” — The Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson
As NPower focuses on championing women of color in tech and accelerating them towards economic empowerment and prosperity - this quote captures the many emotions we feel on Juneteenth, and each and every day of the year.
We advocate for women of color to help break down the entrenched systemic biases that create structural barriers, keeping them from entering, persisting, and thriving in the tech industry.
Our progress towards racial and gender equity will also help to build pathways into tech for other individuals who suffer from structural bias, including the LGBTQ+ community.
During Pride Month, and every month, Command Shift and NPower are so grateful to stand with the hundreds of thousands of organizations working around the clock to help protect, advance, and expand the rights and opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community. We look forward to continuing this work, advocacy, and spirit as we move closer to an abundant future of opportunities and equity.
ITSMF - Building a more inclusive workforce by increasing the representation of Black professionals in tech
The IT Senior Management Forum (ITSMF), a founding Command Shift Coalition Member, is committed to creating a world with barrier-free opportunities for Black technology leaders, innovators, and influencers. ITSMF members are accomplished mid-level professionals, senior-level executives, CIOs, and business leaders from Fortune 1000 companies, the public sector, nonprofits, and academia as well as owners of well-established tech businesses.
The Coalition’s goal to accelerate more women of color in tech is in alignment with ITSMF’s overall goal to increase the representation of Black professionals at senior levels in technology, to impact organizational innovation and growth.
Through our collaboration, ITSMF seeks to increase the awareness of programs within Black communities supporting both non-traditional and traditional pathways to enter the technology industry. ITSMF provides mentoring to women at various points along their career continuum and continues to give them the skills needed to aid in their advancement into mid-and senior-level roles. One such program is ITSMF’s Emerge Academy.
Emerge Academy
The Emerge Academy connects women of color to a trusted community that helps them refine their authentic voices, hone their professional skills, and demonstrate self-assured leadership in any challenge faced—all while uplifting each other up to a new level of professional distinction. Designed to elevate mid-to senior-level women of color in technology and related fields, program participants emerge stronger, more confident leaders who stand more comfortably in, and in harmony with, their personal and professional power.
Visit ITSMF to learn more.
The Equation in Action: Nikkole Owen
After high school, Nikkole Owen found herself working several customer service jobs in hopes of advancing her life and her career. Nikkole developed an interest in tech while working for an airline operations role, but was unsure how to transition into the tech industry. After losing her airline job due to COVID, Nikkole’s mother found NPower through a flier and encouraged her to apply. During her program, Nikkole immersed herself in gaining technical skills and leveraging professional development workshops to network and set herself up for success. After graduating from the program, Nikkole pursued a six-month internship as a Technical Operations Associate with Samba TV and has recently secured a full-time position in that role. Since joining NPower, Nikkole has increased her wages by 41%.
A Shout-Out to All Fathers (Father’s Day)
Father’s Day is truly a celebration for me. I am blessed with an amazing father who is one of my greatest supporters. As an Air Force Veteran, my father spent the latter part of his career helping veterans find jobs. He has always had a heart of service and continues to be an inspiration to me each day. In fact, he is often the first person to like, comment, and share my Command Shift LinkedIn posts. My Father has always showered me with love and support and for that, I am grateful.
I’d like to acknowledge fathers and father figures everywhere. Thank you for all that you do to give us the strong foundation we need to become solid, trusted, and stable adults.
Command Shift in the News
We are excited to share media coverage of Command Shift as well as a blog that was posted on a partner website. Please enjoy!
An overview of the Equation for Equality and Command Shift on the Comcast website
Community Volunteer at Main Street Ministries Houston
1ysomeday I'll tell you my story as a young women in the engineering field 40 years ago and the non-support, subtle discrimination I experienced and how it drove me out of the field. I have since been active in my university's engineering alumni group advocating for support for women. Now 40 years later, they do it better...now if industry can catch up!
Innovative Technology Leader | VP IT | CIO | Strategy & Planning | PMO | ITSMF | VP Operations
1yITSMF - Information Technology Senior Management Forum appreciates this opportunity to partner in support of women in technology careers. #itsmfleaders #CommandShift
This is a richly informative newsletter, Candice L. Dixon — amazing work by you and the Command Shift Coalition members.
Thank you for the opportunity to share our mission.