Free workshops offer Microsoft Excel training, mentorship and encouragement for underrepresented youth
Vena's Black Employee Resource Group, Melanite, is excited to announce its partnership with BlackMINT, a Canadian non-profit organization focused on inspiring Black youth to pursue careers in the tech sector. Together, they will be hosting and teaching a series of workshops on careers in technology, along with skills-based training on Microsoft Excel, the world’s most commonly used spreadsheet software.
Black professionals are underrepresented in the technology industry. Black residents comprise 3.5% of the Canadian population but make up just 2.6% of the country’s technology professionals. BlackMINT’s Rising Star Platform is a clearinghouse for information about Black professionals and what it takes to succeed in different careers, including technology. Through its Black employee resource group, Melanite, Vena is hosting and sponsoring these workshops with BlackMINT to introduce high school students to career opportunities in tech as well as real-world skills that can be transferred to the workplace.
Black professionals are underrepresented in the technology industry. Black residents comprise 3.5% of the Canadian population but make up just 2.6% of the country’s technology professionals.
“Representation matters. We want to impact how students see themselves represented in tech through these sessions and imagine the possibilities for their future,” said Siobhan Mondesire, Vice President of Demand Generation and Co-chair of Melanite at Vena. “Existing systemic barriers have resulted in fewer Black students being encouraged—or even provided the option—to pursue tech careers. Addressing this at the root cause includes arming them with the knowledge and access to better understand what a career in tech looks like. It’s important we demystify the idea that the only jobs in tech are ones where you have to code.”
"Representation matters. We want to impact how students see themselves represented in tech through these sessions and imagine the possibilities for their future.”
—Siobhan Mondesire
Vice President of Demand Generation and
Co-chair of Melanite at Vena
Tina Goulbournre, Vena's Chief Operating Officer and Executive Sponsor of Melanite, said: "We have deliberately built inclusion into our culture because we understand that diversity adds richness—inside and outside of our organization. We are proud of our track record and for being recognized as an industry leader that continuously strives to ensure we create a supportive environment where all feel included and have equal opportunity."
Vena will host the free, daylong Excel workshops on Dec. 3 and Jan. 14 at its headquarters in the Liberty Village area of Toronto and virtually via video conference. Vena encourages teachers, counselors, coaches and others who work with youth to visit www.lifeatvena.com/excelerate-your-growth for more information they can share within their networks and communities. 