Highberg’s Post

Understanding the Current Diversity Challenges in the Metaverse Overview of the Existing Diversity and Racism Issues within the Tech Industry The tech industry, heralded for its innovative prowess and transformative technologies, continues to grapple with persistent diversity and racism challenges. This sector, responsible for shaping social media platforms and digital landscapes, frequently reflects the systemic […] #Diversity #CombatRacism #Metaverse #Inclusion #Equity #VirtualReality #DigitalInclusion #AntiRacism #TechForGood #SocialJustice #InclusiveTech #MexitNews

—>>> Tonight @ 9:30 EST - Women in Horizon! Inclusion Revolution Summit Alison Morano: Leveraging Virtual Reality to Build Inclusive Business Spaces "Leveraging Virtual Reality to Build Inclusive Business Spaces,"" we'll discuss how XR can help make businesses more welcoming for everyone, no matter their background or abilities. Including: how VR can create spaces that are easy for everyone to use, connect people from different parts of the world, and help leaders understand and value everyone's unique perspective. VR is not just about technology but about bringing people together in a diverse and fair way, for a more inclusive world." #inclusionrevolution Full Schedule: https://lnkd.in/eb-RmXG5

We talk about the values that guide our work, but what does that really mean? For us, it's how we build into our product the things that matter to us. We are trying to walk the talk - that's not always easy in the business world, truth be told, but we're convinced it's what makes our work great. Here's Leonie talking about PTR in a recent video prepared for the Cartier Women's Initiative (we applied and were shortlisted but didn't make it to the final 3). How do you match your values to your work and vice versa? https://lnkd.in/g5W7KXfQ

I so wish the world didn't need campaigns like this one. But so long as we do, I'll tip my hat to the absolutely brilliance behind E.L.F. BEAUTY's So Many Dicks campaign, complete with education around Boards 101. "It's OK to be a Dick. But it turns out there are more men named Dick (Richard, Rich, and Rick) on corporate boards than entire groups of underrepresented people. There are 2x more men named Dick [serving on corporate boards] than Hispanic women. Black and Asian women barely outnumber men named Dick. There are 19x more men named Dick than women of Middle Eastern descent. And there are only 3 -- THREE -- Native American women serving on these boards." Which begs the question: ❓❓How many men named Dick (Richard, Rich or Rick) are serving on unpaid volunteer boards? How many women are serving on unpaid volunteer boards? I have a hunch that the numbers flip in a nearly perfect inverse. And that, my friends, is a serious problem, too. https://lnkd.in/gchvnmmZ #greatcampaigns #BoardofDirectors #BoardLeadership #BoardDiversity

At AWE USA 2024, you're going to see familiar faces as well as industry pioneers perhaps you've never had the opportunity to meet. Some of my favorite speakers are brand new to AWE this year and they're using #VR for good by using #immersive #tech to do things that would otherwise be impossible. Here are a couple of examples: 1. Sabra Williams, B.E.M. & Major Bunton of Creative Acts provide an opportunity for people who have been incarcerated, some who have been in solitary confinement for up to 23 hours a day for many years. 😢 When incarcerated individuals put on a headset and experience presence in virtual environments like a rain forest or perhaps even a family meal, it has countless benefits for their state of mind and awareness of the world around them. Immersive tech can build community, encourage healing, and help people find their voice. If you go to Nathan C Bowser's page here, you'll be able to see a tiny bit of a clip they're going to share soon of an interview with Sabra & Major Bunton. It's inspiring. 😍 https://lnkd.in/eCF2_CDe 2. John H Francis (Planetwalker) of Planetwalk is currently walking around the globe - like literally walking the globe. Right now he's walking in Africa, but John is going to be in the states in June and will join us on Thursday, June 20 for a talk with John Anderson of the University of Idaho to discuss how they're collaborating to create an immersive interactive experience for kids that encourages empathy, environmental stewardship & global kindness. They're also collecting data for The GLOBE Program. Really we're fortunate that he's taking time to join us at AWE. ❤️ https://planetwalk.org/ This is all very cool and I love seeing the tech being used in these ways. I hope you enjoy hearing about some of the things we have planned. :) #MetaQuest #STEM #environment #conservation #awe2024 #socialjustice #socialgood #socialimpact #positivity #diversity #inclusion #global #kindness National Geographic Andrea Lowery Ethan Rasiel

💡🤩PROUDLY SHARING: Unconventional Ventures invests in MOONHUB: transforming upskilling and reskilling with VR technology! Investing in MOONHUB was a clear choice for us as impact investors, driven by the urgent need to close the skills gap and recognizing its significant social impact. The potential impact of VR technology on the global economy solidifies our belief in MOONHUB's role as a transformative force in the training industry, especially in sectors like healthcare. By democratizing access to high-quality education and bridging geographical barriers, MOONHUB contributes to greater inclusion and opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds, empowers workers with new skills and enhances their employability. Did you know VR is envisioned to be a contributor to the projected $1.5 trillion upsurge in the global economy by 2030, out of which US$294.2 billion will be for training, according to PwC’s Seeing Is Believing report. Furthermore, the healthcare sector stands to benefit significantly, projecting a boost of £316 billion to the global GDP by 2030 through the adoption of these pioneering technologies. MOONHUB's VR training redefines learning by offering immersive, lifelike experiences across various industries. Its courses span sectors such as delivery, security, and dementia care, meticulously replicating real-world scenarios. Thank you Dami Hastrup Hannah Sutcliffe Vinh Ly for your trust! Thea Messel Noha Elshaarawy https://lnkd.in/dUXkq7gg

“With work, you can play, and it's played a lot."🎮 I recently experienced just that at #Jump2Digital the Southern Europe Digital Talent Festival, uniting over 7,000 digital professionals. Kudos to Mobile World Capital Barcelona and Digital Talent team. 👏 The #gaming zone captivated me, featuring expert players showcasing their skills, team competitions enhancing collective expertise, and a captivated audience energized by the live announcers' dynamic presence. In this dynamic setting, we witnessed the genesis of innovative #entertainment forms. I spotlight the 10 most emphasized #digitalskills, spanning from #digitalliteracy to #emotionalintelligence and #creativity. While applauding these strides, the glaring #gender disparity in the community prompts reflection. This #inequity isn't merely visual; it raises questions about potential overlooked aspects in game creation. The time has come to cultivate more diverse #teams within companies, ensuring that solutions resonate with the diverse realities of our customers. Let's embark on this journey of change from within. #gamingindustry #DEI #digitalskills #futureoflearning #futureofwork #EX #CEX

Not all stories are equal. Throughout history, stories from marginalised communities have been erased or lost. With cutting-edge technology, we can disrupt the narrative; celebrating stories that would otherwise remain untold. Step into the world’s first LGBTQ+ Virtual Reality Museum at Ctrl Alt Del Innovative Inclusion Summit! 🚀 Where: Hall for Cornwall, Truro, Cornwall When: 21st February 2024 Ready to revolutionize your Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives within the tech industry? Look no further than Ctrl Alt Del, where the convergence of technology and inclusivity is set to redefine the landscape. 💡 Tech-Driven Diversity: Join us at Ctrl Alt Del! Immerse yourself in a unique experience celebrating diversity and inclusivity with demos and the opportunity to try the award-winning LGBTQ+ VR Museum. Our co-founder and director, Antonia Forster, will open the summit with her keynote, setting the stage for a day filled with inspiration. 🌈 Workshops and Accessibility Demos: Engage in hands-on workshops and accessibility demos that highlight the importance of inclusivity in tech. Learn how innovative solutions can break down barriers and create a more accessible and diverse technological landscape. 🗣️ Industry Leaders and Talks: Connect with industry giants! Google, Accenture, Miro, Charco, and more will be present, sharing insights and perspectives in talks that promise to inspire and drive meaningful conversations about the future of tech and inclusivity. 🔗 Be Part of the Ctrl Alt Del Movement: Elevate your DE&I efforts —attend Ctrl Alt Del, experience the LGBTQ+ VR Museum, and be at the forefront of shaping an inclusive future.

Have you ever wondered how the tech industry's unique appeal to neurodiverse individuals and its natural integration with trans inclusion contribute to creating a more inclusive and innovative landscape? Listen to Nate Shalev and Dr. Jennifer Pierce as they discuss the new frontiers of inclusivity in tech, discussing stories of solace found in avatars during life transitions and emphasizing the transformative potential within product development. Tune in for a varied conversation on the intersection of technology, diversity, and the future of innovation. #singularxq #techinclusion #neurodiversity #transinclusion #innovation #diversetech #inclusivitymatters #futureoftech

Kicking off this #MetaMondays with a quote from Maxine Williams, Global Chief Diversity Officer at Meta. "Women's History Month is an important time to celebrate the achievements of women throughout history, but it's also a reminder that there is still much work to be done to achieve gender equality." At Meta, we're proud to be on the forefront of some huge innovations, creating the future with diversity and intentionality at the heart of everything we do. Check out our her blog post to learn more about how we're building the metaverse with diversity and inclusion from the start. #WomenInTech #DiversityandInclusion #Meta #Metaverse