A cloud for everyone: fostering diversity, equality and inclusivity at Next ‘19

Building the cloud for everyone takes everyone—and at Next ‘19 in San Francisco, we’re extending our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by creating spaces and content supporting underrepresented groups and allies to learn, build community, and collaborate.

Here are some of the highlights:

Let’s celebrate
On the evening of Monday, April 8th, we’re hosting two kickoff events to connect attendees who identify with historically underrepresented groups in tech—including women, people of color, LGBTQ-A, people with disabilities, and veterans. The Women Techmakers Reception and Celebrate Diversity Reception is an opportunity for like-minded people to network, chat with speakers, and enjoy food and drinks.

Get inspired by our breakthrough speakers, Laverne Cox and Betty Reid Soskin
On Tuesday April 9th, equal rights activist, actress and producer Laverne Cox will share her path to activism in “We All Deserve to be Included.” And on Wednesday, civil rights activist, blogger and 97-year-old park ranger Betty Reid Soskin joins us for a fireside chat. Hear her views on current challenges, progress and hope for DEI.

Sharing learnings on DEI throughout Next ‘19
We’ll be hosting DEI panels, breakout sessions, trainings and learning opportunities throughout the week. Chief Diversity Officer Panel: Building Dynamic Inclusive Cultures features panelists from Uber, SAP and Google discussing the state of DEI in tech, and their responsibilities in leading change from the c-suite. Back by popular demand is our Women of Cloud: How to Grow our Clout 2.0 panel; Google women leaders reunite and update us on their learns and launches from the past year. Google Cloud’s CMO Alison Wagonfeld will be hosting Leading with an Equality Mindset to Create Cultures of Belonging, an executive panel that will explore how business leaders are bringing inclusivity into their organizations. And our session on The Business Case for Product Inclusion shares insights and advantages on building inclusive products.   

Bringing the community together in the Inclusion Lounge
The Inclusion Lounge is a dynamic, open, and welcoming space for underrepresented groups to connect, reflect, and cultivate professional and personal development. The lounge features confidence coaching headshots, #IamRemarkable workshops, and classes on Allyship and Bias Busting, and Precise Language.

Offering inclusive accomodations
We want you to enjoy all that Next ‘19 has to offer, regardless of your needs as a parent, person of faith, differently-abled, transgender, and/or gender nonconforming person. We offer inclusive event accommodations such as childcare reimbursements, mother’s rooms, all gender restrooms, multi-faith prayer rooms, real-time captioning monitors, reserved access to seating and food, and ADA-friendly spaces. If you need support, or would like to share feedback regarding these resources, please reach out to us at next19@google.com.

See you in San Francisco!