About This Event
Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of both the opportunities and the obstacles in Hampton Roads’ tech landscape—recognizing that while pathways into tech are often perceived as gated behind degrees, years of experience, or security clearances, there are increasingly valid alternatives that reduce those barriers. They’ll learn how certifications, apprenticeships, transferable skills (including military experience), and structured support programs can open doors that traditional hiring practices may have previously closed. The event will also emphasize the importance of networking and relationship-building as tools to bypass rigid application filters, while highlighting real success stories that demonstrate how individuals have overcome these challenges and transitioned into meaningful tech careers. Ultimately, attendees will leave feeling empowered with actionable knowledge and the reassurance that the region is actively working to remove systemic barriers and create a more inclusive, accessible tech community.
Breaking Down Barriers in Tech Employment brings together business leaders, hiring managers, technologists, and community advocates for a powerful evening centered on expanding access, opportunity, and diversity in the tech workforce.
The event features:
- A professional networking hour with drinks and hors d'oeuvres
- Action-focused dialogue around inclusion, recruitment, and workforce development
- A moderated panel discussion featuring regional tech and economic development leaders including:
- Panelists:
Shawn Avery, President & CEO, Hampton Roads Workforce Council
-
Johnny Garcia, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer, SimIS, Inc.
-
Kasia Grzelkowski, President & CEO, VersAbility Resources
- Moderator
Blair Durham, Co-Founder/CEO, Black BRAND
- Emcee
Francesca Garcia Moncion, Board Member, Hispanic Chamber of Coastal Virginia
Attire: Business attire is recommended
Sponsorship Opportunities are available:
Your sponsorship helps support local workforce initiatives, elevate community voices, and expand tech career pathways.
About This Event
Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of both the opportunities and the obstacles in Hampton Roads’ tech landscape—recognizing that while pathways into tech are often perceived as gated behind degrees, years of experience, or security clearances, there are increasingly valid alternatives that reduce those barriers. They’ll learn how certifications, apprenticeships, transferable skills (including military experience), and structured support programs can open doors that traditional hiring practices may have previously closed. The event will also emphasize the importance of networking and relationship-building as tools to bypass rigid application filters, while highlighting real success stories that demonstrate how individuals have overcome these challenges and transitioned into meaningful tech careers. Ultimately, attendees will leave feeling empowered with actionable knowledge and the reassurance that the region is actively working to remove systemic barriers and create a more inclusive, accessible tech community.
Breaking Down Barriers in Tech Employment brings together business leaders, hiring managers, technologists, and community advocates for a powerful evening centered on expanding access, opportunity, and diversity in the tech workforce.
The event features:
- A professional networking hour with drinks and hors d'oeuvres
- Action-focused dialogue around inclusion, recruitment, and workforce development
- A moderated panel discussion featuring regional tech and economic development leaders including:
- Panelists:
-
-
- Moderator
- Emcee
Attire: Business attire is recommended
Sponsorship Opportunities are available:
Your sponsorship helps support local workforce initiatives, elevate community voices, and expand tech career pathways.
Presenting Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors