So Shifts the Sector (SSTS) is a series of conversation-based online gatherings (that we call paths) designed to offer Black techies space to explore new ideas and engage their imaginations with the aim of solving nothing.  SSTS is about offering space to be in conversation around specific topics related to technology and innovation. 

SSTS  seeks to cultivate opportunities for Black techies to explore, imagine, and create the factors necessary to contribute at all levels in all roles in a way that centers the Black experience in the tech and innovation economy.  The SSTS 2023 grounding force is IMAGINATION.

• STSS is a series of conversations between those in attendance-based workshops This is NOT a webinar or presentation.
• These individual conversations/workshops are called PATHS.
• Each series/Path is comprised of 2 sessions over the course of two weeks. Each Path is offered twice, one time will be aimed at supporting engagement for the Eastern time zone and one for the Pacific time zone. 
• There are 4 series/paths being offered.
• Each series/path has a different focus and/or audience being engaged.
• Folks can participate in more than one if they meet the criteria of that intended audience.

Absolutely not! All conversation pathways are free. To attend, simply complete and submit the registration form and await an emailed confirmation.

See complete date options here.

Deciding you want to join us and signing up! Learn more here.

These conversations will be held online using Zoom.

Each conversation will likely include 10 – 12 people.

Each conversation is 90 minutes.

Diedra Barber will be facilitating these conversations. You can learn more about her approach here.

The framework for this project is transparently grounded in the following belief: the facilitator has little to no ability to control other people’s behaviors and ultimate engagement, so she cannot offer/guarantee what some folks call “safe space.”

Also, it is important to note that the idea of “safe space” is situated in the white supremacy premise of “right to comfort” (usually only offered to and imagined by those with implicit racial and/or gender/class power and privilege). 

Read more here.

You can learn about our philosophy on fostered space here.

An answer for the “I”:  Our next Sector Shifting journey flows from an intention to IMAGINE, CREATE, and FOSTER exploration in shared space.  Each conversation path sets out regarding and revering the four directions and remembering that many of our ancestors imagined and carried us to this moment. In SSTS 2023, we continue the journey. We shift the sector by regarding & remembering we are worthy of inhabiting and taking up space that requires, expects, and pushes the need to solve nothing. Your participation matters because you deserve a  space, where you get to be, explore, laugh, be curious, and rest.

An answer for the “we”: So Shifts the Sector is an opportunity to support Code2040 as it seeks to use its platform to highlight, elevate and center the Black/African American experience from the Black/African American lens with what is said and shared by us NOT what is assumed and presumed for us. Code2040 wants to know how Black/African American technologists are navigating the tech industry in the current moment. Your participation will not only contribute to this knowledge building, but you will be helping co-create a more powerful community of Black/African American technologists.

If you have a burning question that is not answered by our FAQs, please feel free to reach out to Xafsa at SoShiftsTheSector@code2040.org.

For SSTS 2023, we are offering four potential conversation paths  – North, South, East & West. Each path consists of two 90 minute online conversations.

Each path has its own focal point. We encourage you to let your experiences, story, passion, and eligibility guide you in participating in the one or more paths that speak to you.

If you are eligible based on the demographips shared for each path, have the capacity and desire to do so, you are welcome to participate any one of the dates offered.

Yes! Coordinate and sign up. Ifyou have a group larger than 6-8 people please email us at SoShiftsTheSector@code2040.org, we may be able to offer your group their own conversation date/path.

There will always be at least one, possibly two conversation facilitators engaging in each online conversation. These folks will be taking notes in the aggregate, making note of themes and Ah-Ha moments. We will also review close captioning transcripts especially when ythe ocversations are fluid, dynamic and juicy and taking real time notes doesn;t allow the faciloater sot be present.

Diedra Barber, facilitator and designer of So Shifts the Sector will create a post project Storybook. This will be done in the aggregate unless participant consent to attribute is desired and confirmed. This project write-up will be given to Code2040, for use in their social justice racial equity mission “to activate, connect, and mobilize the largest racial equity community in tech to dismantle the structural barriers that prevent the full participation and leadership of Black and Latinx people in the innovation economy.”

So Shifts the Sector is not in collaboration with any employers, other than Code2040. For more on what will be shared with Code2040 see FAQ question above. Learn more about our conversation Transparency & Confidentiality Statement here.

If we desire to share, with name specificity, any part of your offerings during conversations, we will first ask for your consent. If you do consent, we will attribute said offering to you, if and when incorporated in the final project share out. If you do not consent, generally speaking, it may still be included but will be included in the aggregate form, i.e as a theme or highlighted share that arose during our conversations.

For access to post project information please reach out to Code2040 in winter 2023.

Absolutely! Please share this page soshiftsthesector.com with your friends!