Microsoft partners with HBCU Connect to diversify Seattle workforce

Video:  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tKi5v1ukU6M
A recruitment and networking event was held last night in downtown Atlanta which partnered HBCU Connect and Microsoft at Tech Square on Spring St.

The event focused on pairing Black professionals and HBCU grads with several Microsoft team members who are seeking qualified software developers and technology geeks to work in their headquarters in Redmond and Bellevue, Washington.

Even though many qualified technology professionals have jobs, they are always looking for better opportunities. One wonders what problems could be solved if all these folks started their own companies, but that takes money!

Will Moss, CEO of HBCU Connect headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, said it would be great if all the attendees could land jobs with Microsoft. It was unclear whether Microsoft is actually hiring or just needs to perform recruitment procedures to meet federal guidelines.


A large number of registered people didn't show up, but their resumes were put into a database that will be used to set up prospective interviews with Microsoft team members. Some Microsoft priorities included hiring workers to help on mobile mapping application projects and program management.

Some attendees were asked to write code to solve a specific problem.

According to some news reports, Seattle's black population is dwindling.  It also has a history of "whites only" housing covenants which segregated communities. Some say Seattle "was built for and by whites." https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/seattles-vanishing-black-community/

Team members say working at Microsoft is good for folks who want to affect millions of people with software they have developed, want to solve monumental problems, manage teams, brain storm, and work within flexible schedules.

"Be your authentic self." Diversity, inclusion, belonging are key monikers at Microsoft.

While talking about headquarters outside Seattle, one employee said there's not a huge population of African Americans in the area, but when you see them, it's a great feeling. 

"I really love the workplace where I don’t have to put on a 'hat' for anybody," said Cordell Jones. Business casual rules. He says employees are encouraged to be their truly authentic selves, and Microsoft is focused on diversity and inclusion.

When I asked about challenges that blacks at Microsoft face, the importance of mentorship ruled. The main challenge for African Americans at Microsoft as in any major corporation is getting hooked to a great mentor you can talk to. Even though every job has its frustrating moments, workers must be able to solve problems on teams manned by people with diverse skill sets from multiple cultures while continuing to support themselves and their families.

Employees say Microsoft is wide open with opportunities, and if you're not happy with one team after you're onboard, you can always transfer within the company which usually can take place after three years.

For more information, go to HBCUCONNECT.com

Vow! Bridal Show starts tomorrow in Atlanta

  

The 2019 Vow Bridal Show starts tomorrow and will feature 45 pages of exhibitors within America's Mart, Building 3 on John Portman Blvd. in downtown Atlanta. The show, which ends Thursday, is only open to registered wholesale members. 

It’s official: people are still falling in love, planning to get married, and are spending big dollars on gowns made in China, the US and beyond. The 2020 bride will look lovely in a gown or pants suit or whatever the designers have deemed excitingly romantic.

Bill and Lisa Stryker of Stryker Bridal Sales have everything bridal merchandiser’s need - from gowns, veils, bras, and bra cups.

Scott Gould of Kittychen Couture says he has a wide selection of dresses which he sells wholesale to Mart buyers.

Bilingual sales representatives and some fittings will be available.

For more information, go to:  https://www.americasmart.com/markets/vow-bridal-september/#/

Sublime horror: Climate change is destroying Mother Earth

Not even grass can thrive where shaved by man.

From the UN:

Climate change is now affecting every country on every continent. It is disrupting national economies and affecting lives, costing people, communities and countries dearly today and even more tomorrow. Weather patterns are changing, sea levels are rising, weather events are becoming more extreme and greenhouse gas emissions are now at their highest levels in history. Without action, the world’s average surface temperature is likely to surpass 3 degrees centigrade this century. The poorest and most vulnerable people are being affected the most.

Affordable, scalable solutions are now available to enable countries to leapfrog to cleaner, more resilient economies. The pace of change is quickening as more people are turning to renewable energy and a range of other measures that will reduce emissions and increase adaptation efforts. Climate change, however, is a global challenge that does not respect national borders. It is an issue that requires solutions that need to be coordinated at the international level to help developing countries move toward a low-carbon economy.

To strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change, countries adopted the Paris Agreement at the COP21 in Paris, which went into force in November of 2016. In the agreement, all countries agreed to work to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees centigrade. As of April 2018, 175 parties had ratified the Paris Agreement and 10 developing countries had submitted their first iteration of their national adaptation plans for responding to climate change.

What can we do about it?
 https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/Climate_Action_Support_Trends_2019.pd