Webinar

Understanding the roots of inequity; A conversation about tech education

Hosted on November 5, 2020

A discussion about inequity in the tech industry.

About the Webinar

In our guest interview, we welcomed Sylvester Mobley, founder of Coded by Kids, to share some knowledge on inequity in the tech industry and tech education’s role in helping to address this challenge.

Many of us tend to focus on the results of inequity instead of the root causes. For example, we often see poverty as the main problem when it’s actually inequity—and poverty is simply the result. If we are going to fight systemic inequity in the technology industry, we must first understand what drives it. By addressing those drivers, we may be in a better position to affect the result.

Led by Thinker David Dylan Thomas.

This is part of our ongoing webinar series on tackling design and technology challenges.

About our Guest

Sylvester Mobley

Coded by Kids

Sylvester Mobley is the founder and CEO of the youth tech education nonprofit, Coded by Kids. Through Coded by Kids, Sylvester works to increase access to tech education opportunities for those who are underrepresented in tech, especially children of color. He works to ensure that every child has the support, resources, and opportunity to become the next generation of tech and innovation leaders. Sylvester believes that building a tech industry that is diverse, inclusive, and equitable is one of the most pressing issues our society faces.

Under his leadership, Coded by Kids has grown from an organization that served fewer than 15 children in one Philadelphia recreation center to serving more than 500 students per week in schools and community centers in three states. Sylvester has received awards for his work from several organizations including Philadelphia City Council, the Philadelphia Business Journal, The Philadelphia 76ers, Billy Penn, and Philadelphia Academies. Sylvester was also the recipient of the prestigious 2018 Philadelphia Award.

Sylvester got his start in technology while serving in the United States Air Force. He is a veteran of the war in Iraq, who served in three branches of the United States military over 12 years. Sylvester is also a graduate of Temple University’s Fox School of Business.

Thanks for Watching!

Thanks for watching Understanding the Roots of Inequity; A Conversation about Tech Education. Below you’ll find some resources that Sylvester and Dave mentioned during the presentation.

Resources from the presentation

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