In this episode of Techsplaining, Mark, Rob, and Stephanie talk with Shona Chee to discuss the Diversity and Inclusion track at the upcoming 2019 Microsoft Ignite conference

Welcome Shona Chee!

@Shonadelie

Shona leads the
Diversity & Tech initiative within the Microsoft 365 group. She helps runs
activities at Ignite, Ignite the Tour, runs the Global Community Mentorship
Program and the Student Ambassador Program.

Learn about…

* Shona and how she got started in diversity & tech

* New programs from Microsoft* Diversity & Tech Scholarship program: Offer for complimentary Ignite passes for representatives from programs that support diversity & inclusion in tech.   Last year they sponsored a woman from Algeria – she came to Ignite as part of the program and met with MVPs who inspired her and this year she became the first female Microsoft Regional Director in Algeria.

Link
to apply: http://aka.ms/diversityleaders

* New mentorship mobile app to
match mentors and mentees. A platform where people feel safe to share
their life story and get connected.

Download the Tribute app – Login with Diversity & Tech community credentials !

* Student Ambassador Program – looking for students in their final year of college in a Computer Science major in underrepresented communities. We are trying to help them see what the real tech industry is like. 

* Bringing your authentic self and how to make the most out of your Ignite conference  * What sessions and events are going on at Ignite? * Diversity & Tech Pre-Day* There are the “unconference” sessions that are discussion-based workshops* Sessions on what does it take to become a MVP and enhance your career through mentorship* Diversity & Tech lounge* Look for a new social media filter for your diversity superpower! * Link: http://aka.ms/diversitysuperpower* Also, look for the Not so random acts of kindness wall* She is accepting ideas for kindness acts to use for the wall* AR/VR teamwork challenge to win a special prize

* How can you get involved? * Join the Diversity & Tech community on the MS Tech Community Site http://aka.ms/diversityandtech* Meet online and then go to conferences and meet in person!