Creating Spaces for Minorities in Technology Circles

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, Illinois Tech is proud to host Creating Spaces, an event featuring insights and experiences on what is needed to create inclusive environments in tech circles at Illinois Tech and beyond for minorities. The next event will be on February 25.

Illinois Tech’s Director of Community Relations Alicia Bunton, will moderate the event, featuring a discussion with leaders in STEM education and industry on topics including:

• Why is diversity important in tech circles?
• What steps should employers and educational institutions take to create inclusive environments that foster growth opportunities for minority tech professionals?
• The latest happenings and developments in STEM.
• Sharing experiences as a minority breaking into the STEM fields as well as experiences in their educational pursuits.

When: Thursday, February 25, 2021 – 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. (CST)

Who: Featured guest speakers for the event include:

Kevin G. Smith, National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering

With over 30 years of leadership experience in higher education and community technology, Kevin is Program Manager for Professional Development at NACME, Inc. Before his role at NACME, he was associate dean and assistant professor of engineering communication at Indiana Tech and dean of instruction for City Colleges of Chicago. Kevin holds a B.A. in Computer Science and an M.S. in Technical Communication and Information Design, both from Illinois Tech.

Mae C. Whiteside, PE, President & CEO of CKL Engineers, LLC

Mae heads a civil, environmental, and structural engineering firm engaged in projects around the state of Illinois. Mae is a licensed civil engineer with capabilities in owner’s representation, resident engineering, erosion control inspection, and contract administration. Under her leadership, she has grown the firm from a one-person shop to a multi-disciplinary A/E firm delivering aviation, construction management, environmental and structural engineering services. Mae holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Illinois Tech.

RSVP: To RSVP for this event, please click here to fill out a registration form.