Symantec Joins UNCF I.C.E. Summit to Inspire African American Students to Pursue a Future in STEM

It is no secret that the outlook for STEM careers is strong - over a ten year period (2012 – 2022) it is estimated that 9 million jobs will be added in STEM fields[1]. However, at the same time ensuring this future workforce is inclusive of diverse profiles is a significant challenge. For example, currently African Americans represent only six percent of the STEM workforce and The New York Times estimates this is even lower in Silicon Valley tech companies[2]. 

At Symantec, our belief is that when you give people equal opportunity, amazing things happen. As a result, we've made investing in diversity a priority.

From a talent perspective, we aim to increase the percentage of diverse talent at all levels within the company globally by expanding our diverse talent acquisition strategies, engaging leadership in diversity planning and designing talent development opportunities. Our Symantec Black Employee Resource Group (SYBER) has a multi-tiered strategy that plays a key role in our efforts. Additionally, through SYBER and other initiatives we collaborate with key research, nongovernmental organizations, public policy and education partners to promote equality globally, and to move the needle on diversity in STEM and cyber security, from K-12 education to college, to career.

Recently, Symantec professionals and leaders took part in UNCF’s fourth annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) I.C.E. (Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship) Summit. The goal of the four-day summit is to empower African American students—most of whom are computer science, engineering and information technology majors—to chart their career paths within STEM fields. More than 200 HBCU students applied for 53 spots, and were competitively selected based on their GPAs, personal statements, internships, computer science skills and demonstrated leadership. More than 100 HBCU faculty applied for nearly 20 spots, and they were chosen based on their background in computer science education, leadership, and willingness to serve as change agents on their respective campuses.

As a sponsor of the Summit, on November 16th Symantec hosted university students as part of the “HBCU Tech Trek”. During the Tech Trek students visit sponsors across Silicon Valley and the Bay Area including Adobe, eBay, Google, NetApp, PureStorage, Salesforce, Visa, and Veritas.

Students visiting Symantec had the unique chance to hear from leaders across the business who discussed topics ranging from the technical to the more personal:

• Joel Fulton - Senior Director, Information Security, Global Security Office who discussed various paths for cybersecurity professionals and emphasized that success is not one size fits all, and how to find your unique path.
• Amy Cappellanti-Wolf, SVP, Chief HR Officer, Human Resources who discussed key success factors for a culture of innovation.
• Silvia Johnson, VP, Human Resources, HR Direct & Bus Prtnr Consltg who looked at how to be a strong leader and develop effective decision making skills.
• Tina Randhawa, Senior Manager, Global Staffing, HR Direct & Business Partner Consulting who reviewed best practice job hunting strategies such as leveraging resources available and cleaning up your digital footprint.
• Kumar Chivukula, Sr Dir, IT, Network & Infrastructure Services who discussed cloud computing, how to adapt to a changing job market and the importance of finding a professional mentor.

Reaching students when they are first entering the workforce is key to helping them understand the possibilities that exist and to learn what it takes to make their professional dreams a reality.

“The opportunity to connect with this talented group of future professionals was especially meaningful to me as a graduate of a HBCU; Tuskegee University, Class of 96’.  These institutions have been academic springboards for generations of African-American scholars, scientists, innovators and thought leaders. I am proud to be a part of company that not only values this but takes an active role in creating a pathway for the legacy to continue.”

– Vyvry Thomas, Symantec Sales Compensation Program Manager

Symantec’s Cecily Joseph, VP, Corporate Responsibility & Chief Diversity Officer speaks to students as part of the HBCU Tech Trek event at Symantec. Image by Don Feria.

The experience was a learning experience for Symantec participants as well. For example, seeing leadership take the time and passionately engage with the students demonstrated the dedication to diversity at the company.

“To have the support of my managers during the planning stages and as participants of the event, really meant a lot to me. It reflects that Symantec leadership truly believes diversity is important to our company and to cybersecurity in general.”

– Rochelle Lakey, Symantec Principal IT INF Backup Specialist

It’s no doubt that the event was a success, helping to drive UNCF’s efforts in exposing and encouraging HBCU students to careers in technology. UNCF cites that nearly one third of the 2014 and 2015 participants are now interning or working full time at technology companies across the nation. Additionally, the engagement from the student guests during the Symantec Tech Trek event was outstanding.

We’re confident, that in addition to being advocates for themselves, they will take these learnings to their friends and social networks to become ambassadors for the many opportunities a career in STEM and cybersecurity offers.

Students engage with Symantec professionals to learn more about careers in cybersecurity at UNCF’s fourth annual HBCU I.C.E. (Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship) Summit. Images by Don Feria. 

Check out the video for more highlights from UNCF's 2016 #HBCUInnovation Tech Trek