Now that we are firmly in 2022, I have hope that we will make progress on COVID and the variants that continue to emerge. Last year was certainly a busy one for me, from my work at Microsoft to the virtual conferences and talks with a lot of fantastic organizations. I was fortunate to take a much-needed break over the holidays! This year is shaping up to be even busier. I wanted to share some of the big professional events and milestones I am looking forward to this year.
CompTIA’s Advancing Tech Talent and Diversity Community
You may have seen me talk about CompTIA in the past. If you are not familiar, CompTIA is a vendor-neutral organization that helps set standards in tech proficiency. Whether you are a network admin, junior developer, or security analyst, chances are you have benefitted from the work CompTIA does. I am excited to become the chair of CompTIA’s Advancing Tech Talent and Diversity Community. My colleagues—all of which are volunteers—are a group of technology professionals interested in helping tech companies recruit, keep, and engage a diverse workforce.
New “Diversity in Tech” Webinars
Last year I started a partnership with Wiley to produce and host a bi-monthly webinar series on diversity and tech. The series will return this year with new webinars that continue to expand some of the common definitions of diversity and foster diverse workforces. The first webinar will center on generational diversity in tech and the workplace. Join us on Thursday, February 3, and stay tuned for more info on the wonderful panelists that will join me for a fascinating conversation.
Podcast Appearances
I have absolutely fallen in love with podcasting. I joined a few shows last year, and I hope to have more opportunities in 2022. One of the first shows I’ll join is with Equal IT. Their organization helps businesses diversify their workforces, and I’m excited to be in conversation with them.
Azure for Sports
My colleague Jon Flynn and I started a podcast in October 2021, covering our work at the intersection of Microsoft Azure and sports. Cloud computing helps us create innovative applications for customers and fans, and I’m excited to be a part of the process. Azure for Sports will continue with new episodes coming out in January. You can find the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Business Book Awards—Inviting winners and finalists for 2020 and 2021
I was honored to receive the Highly Commended award from the Business Book Awards last year for Women of Color in Tech. Award recipients from the past two years were invited to attend this year’s awards ceremony in London. COVID may complicate these plans, but I am hopeful for the opportunity to go!
What are some of the professional opportunities you are looking forward to in 2022? Let me know on Twitter, @SusanneTedrick.
