The 2024 SIDGE Symposium's afternoon panel explores the critical nexus of connecting public interest technology to civic engagement.

Esteemed experts will delve into innovative strategies, discussing how technology can empower communities, enhance access to civic resources, and promote active participation in democracy. This dynamic discussion will explore the transformative potential of digital tools and inclusive approaches, forging a path towards a more engaged and equitable society. Join us for insights that bridge technology and civic responsibility, fostering a stronger, more inclusive future for all.

The panelists include:

Lili Gangas is the chief technology community officer at the Kapor Center, an operating foundation at the intersection of technology and racial justice, providing research and thought leadership, operating programs, supporting strategic partnerships and investments to increase diversity across the tech ecosystem--from K-12 education through entrepreneurship and venture capital. She co-leads the Kapor Center’s Equitable Tech Policy Initiative with a focus on inclusive technology policy with special interests in closing digital divide, scaling new tech workforce models, advocating for responsible emerging technology as well as providing foundational support across civic engagement issues and tech enablement of civic organizations.

Dr. Kevin Harris’ decades long year career encompasses diverse experiences both in information technology and academia, protecting organizations infrastructure and data in positions ranging from Systems Analyst to Chief Information Officer. During this time, he developed cross functional teams implementing solutions to effectively address business challenges through innovation and security. He continues to make system improvements to support student success and learning as a Technology Strategist. Dr. Harris has delivered instruction in several disciplines including business, cybersecurity, computer science, networking and computer forensics to both undergraduate and graduate students of diverse backgrounds. The positive impact of technology inspired a mission of ensuring benefits of education and technology advancements can be embraced by all. For Dr. Kevin Harris, inclusivity in the tech sector is both a moral and business imperative as it ensures we have a workforce pipeline that reflects the needs and values of the global public.

Dr. Amy Yeboah Quarkume, affectionately known as Dr. A, is a daughter of Africa, a scholar, filmmaker, data scientist, and Associate Professor of Africana Studies in the Department of Afro-American Studies at Howard University. She holds a Ph.D. in African American Studies, two Master's degrees in Sociology and African American Studies, and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science from the University of Massachusetts, along with a Certificate of Data Science from Harvard Extension School and MIT. Dr. Quarkume is an Andrew Mellon New Direction Fellow, a Mellon Just Futures Initiative invited Social Justice Consortium partner, a Brown University Born-Digital Scholarly Publishing scholar, a National Center for Atmospheric Research Innovator Fellow, and a White House Initiative HBCU All-Star Campus Mentor. Her work as a data scientist centers around AI Bias, data inequality, and environmental justice. Currently, she employs an Africana Studies framework to examine the intersections of race and technology. Dr. A is presently the Director of Graduate Studies for the Master's Program in Applied Data Science and Analytics, advancing Howard University's first major effort in becoming a hub for data science social justice research and training for the next generation of data scientists. Furthermore, she is the PI of the CORE futures lab and Co-PI for the Race and Tech lab. (courtesy Howard University)

[Moderator] Autumn McDonald is a senior fellow, head of New America CA, and a member of New America’s leadership team. Her work focuses on issues of economic equity, community engagement, resident voice, policy influence, and narrative change. McDonald has more than two decades of experience working with foundations, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies on strategy, advocacy, civic innovation, and social impact. Before joining New America, McDonald served as a senior advisor to San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee through the FUSE Corps executive fellowship. During her tenure, McDonald led the women's economic empowerment agenda, shaping policies and public-private initiatives to improve economic opportunity for women and families throughout the Bay Area. Prior to that, McDonald worked with FSG, a social impact consulting firm serving large, small, community, and family foundations. McDonald’s writing has been published by numerous media outlets, including Slate, Stanford Social Innovation Review, Project Syndicate, Pacific Standard, CalMatters, and Britannica Parents.

This is a free event requiring a ticket for entry. Find the link in the Registration section. Limited seating.