Hitting a mid week wall? Recharge your batteries with this latest episode of SnackWalls, enjoy!

Natasha believes the lack of diversity in tech is a systemic issue. Historically people of color were not necessarily encouraged in their early schooling to pursue STEM careers. If Black and Brown people are unaware of the roles and different opportunities available in tech, then they are less likely to pursue these jobs. Natasha can understand why some companies would want their software engineers to have a CS degree. However, she believes it is more important to focus on a candidate's skills and whether they can get the job done. If a job applicant is self-trained and understands how to get the job done, then the educational piece is just a barrier to entry. The apprenticeship model would be a great way to bring people into tech who may not understand the different opportunities available. If implemented properly, there should be a two way sharing of information and innovation that benefits both the organization and the apprentice. Natasha has found the key to retaining diverse talent is to create a fostering and nurturing environment where employees get resources, support and they have a pathway for elevation in their career, as well as the opportunity to innovate. 

Natasha Nurse is a coach, speaker, and content creator who helps people actualize their purpose in their careers and personal life. She is a Global D&I Specialist at TaskUs and the founder of Dressing Room 8, an online platform dedicated to helping women find empowerment. Natasha is the Co-Creator and Co-Host of the WokeNFree podcast which provides a glimpse into the minds of a couple with a different take on hot topics. 

• Natasha Nurse: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashamnurse
• WokeNFree podcast website: https://www.wokenfree.com 
• WokeNFree Email: wokenfree@gmail.com
• New WokeNFree Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LV5WYBT
• More episodes of the SnackWalls Podcast: http://podcast.snackwalls.com

SnackWalls is powered by San Diego Code School: https://sdcs.io

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On today's show we sat down with a fellow DJ turned tech professional. Be the first of all your friends to hear this fresh new episode of SnackWalls!

While the tech industry is still heavily dominated by male staff, Andrew has found that in his current position, finding diverse talent hasn't been much of a hurdle. It helps that he works at a university where there is a diverse selection of students coming through every year. Andrew thinks that the push to remove CS degree requirements for software engineering roles is a good move. There was a time when people needed to be in a university setting to learn about computer science, however that is not the case anymore. An apprenticeship model, for example, would work in tech because it provides hands on experience that is invaluable and often cannot be taught through coursework alone. In order to retain diverse talent, Andrew would advise companies to be upfront about their views and policies on diversity. The company culture and hiring processes should reflect this commitment so that every employee is on the same page.

Andrew DeGarmo is an experienced Web Development leader with a history of working in private, government (DOD) and nonprofit industries. He strives to foster a team environment where progress and accountability are front and center. With a BS in Computer Information Systems, Systems Security, he weighs in on Information Security and Assurance conversations regularly. On a personal level Andrew lives for music and so he launched a boutique record label and DJs professionally. He possesses a certificate in Music Production from the Berklee College of Music.

• Andrew DeGarmo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adegarmo
• Stay:Up Record Label: https://www.stayup.us
• Stay:Up Bandcamp: https://stayup.bandcamp.com
• More episodes of the SnackWalls Podcast: http://podcast.snackwalls.com

SnackWalls is powered by San Diego Code School: https://sdcs.io

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Today we sit down with Brandon White, a successful tech entrepreneur who shares some wisdom he has learned on his journey.

Brandon thinks finding diverse talent in tech is challenging mainly because the industry is predominantly comprised of males. When building teams, he has actively recruited women because they often bring a different perspective to the group. While he believes the best applicant for the job should always be hired, he realizes that in many cases, the best person isn't getting an opportunity to apply because they may not know about the position. In today's world, Brandon does not see a traditional college degree as a necessity to become a software engineer. How someone learns their skills is of little importance if the applicant can demonstrate their aptitude. An apprenticeship, for example, is a great way to build experience and learn practical skills that can’t be taught in a classroom. Brandon’s has found that there are three major factors to retaining diverse staff. First, employers should appreciate and recognize their staff for the contributions they add to an organization. Secondly, employees should have flexibility in their work schedule, where the emphasis is on getting the job done not working from 9 to 5. Finally, everyone deserves to be paid a fair wage for their work.

Brandon White is an entrepreneur with two successful exits (so far) under his belt. He's worked for two venture capital firms, in Marketing at a $200B Internet company, and has been CEO of venture backed companies. He's been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, Success Magazine, Fast Company and many others. Brandon is also the host of Build A Business Success Secrets Podcast for Entrepreneurs, where he shares his knowledge and experience.

• Brandon White: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonwhite
• Brandon’s Website: https://brandoncwhite.com
• More episodes of the SnackWalls Podcast: http://podcast.snackwalls.com

SnackWalls is powered by San Diego Code School: https://sdcs.io

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