Access to technology can create opportunity for our Hispanic/Latinx community

SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 • BLOG POST • EDUARDO BRIZ, HEAD OF COMPUTE STRATEGY, PLANNING AND OPERATIONS

IN THIS ARTICLE

  • Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 - October 15
  • HPE plays a role in advancing technology to underserved communities

Unidos:  Inclusivity for a Stronger Community 

This month marks 34 years since Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) was enacted into law. HHM is commemorated by celebrating the history, culture, diversity and contributions, as well as marking the achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the US.

And with celebration comes responsibility…to educate, to continue learning and to expand opportunities to create future achievements of the Hispanic and Latinx community. We want to take this month especially to uplift the contributions of the community, as well as acknowledge the history and barriers confronting the community in a manner that centers Hispanic and Latinx voices – around the lack of accessibility, affordability and usability of technology.

As an executive at HPE and a leader in the technology industry, I feel compelled to use my experience, perspective and network to help guide, mentor and develop the community.

I am excited to be the Houston executive sponsor for Juntos, Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s Hispanic/Latinx resource group, and don’t take this lightly. I am passionate and committed to my role, and it’s an honor to serve as a role model for younger generations and a great responsibility to ensure diversity and inclusion in our industry and HPE culture.

  • Studies show that Latino workers make up 14 percent of the U.S. workforce, yet they account for 35 percent of workers with no digital skills. The lack of accessibility, affordability and/or usability are contributing to these statistics. 

    8% of Hispanic/Latinx population in tech

    3% of Hispanic/Latinx in leadership positions (Executive level and above) in IT

    2% of Hispanic/Latinas (women) in leadership positions in tech

    source: US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Where technology matters in issues of representation

We believe we can create a better future for our Hispanic and Latinx community with access to technology and the opportunities it creates. We have a responsibility to create pathways for underrepresented and underserved communities. We can and must be a force for good to help advocate for digital inclusion.

Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion office will be launching a dedicated Digital Inclusion program in fiscal year 2023. The program will provide support and resources to our communities by encouraging resource group members to volunteer their time to promote STEM education and digital inclusion.

How is HPE acknowledging Hispanic Heritage Month?

From the inside out. Our team members are our greatest asset. We encourage and embrace all cultures and encourage our team members to do the same by building awareness about the historical and cultural significance of Hispanic Heritage Month, and understanding what actions they can take as allies. Internal events in partnership with the Hispanic IT Executive Council (HITEC) and “Cafecito” social events, celebrating the various cultural traditions of countries spanning across Latin America, will promote a culture of empathy and inclusion.

We can all agree the Hispanic and Latinx community have left an indelible mark on the U.S. culture and economy, and it is definitely cause for celebration this month! As well as reaffirms HPE’s commitment to grow and cultivating our Hispanic and Latinx talent and being a force for good in the communities where we live and work.

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