An Invitation for Innovation: T-Mobile Partners with TAF to Share the Diversity of Tech
Overview
The T-Mobile 5G Hub is a maker space built to encourage the next generation of technology innovators and engineers. T-Mobile rolled out its pink carpet for TAF@Saghalie students as they got an insider look at all that T-Mobile does to stay ahead of the game in the 5G marketplace. As a corporate partner and leader in the 5G tech space, it’s the perfect setting to foster curiosity and discovery for all opportunities today’s tech industry has to offer for the leaders of tomorrow.
Making Technology a Space for Everyone
As a woman of color in the tech industry, it’s clear why Neeta Moodbidri, senior director of product management at T-Mobile, partnered with TAF: “I want to show kids how diverse the tech space is. To show that others that look like them are in this space as well,” Moodbidri shared. “I want to show them there are other opportunities in tech outside of just coding and engineering.”
The intention of bringing that experience to life was clear at every turn. The T-Mobile team on site to greet students had professionals of color across a multitude of focuses – from engineers sharing what a radial room is and how it powers 5G, to the radio frequency room where researchers get to test how radio waves react in specific conditions, or how x-rays are utilized to build product models of cell phones.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is Not Created in a Silo
For organizations like T-Mobile–and the tech industry as a whole–investment in diversity, equity, and inclusion opportunities that engage the younger generation is not just a “nice to have”, it’s a competitive advantage. According to McKinsey’s Diversity Matters report, companies truly invested in DEI as a core initiative have “a 39 percent increased likelihood of [financial] outperformance for those in the top quartile of ethnic representation versus the bottom quartile.” Building relationships with the next wave of STEM focused students while championing workplace diversity with intentionality is the winning strategy for years to come.
However, this winning strategy is dependent on schools having the opportunity to bring community partners and students together to engage in meaningful experiences. This is why corporate partnerships are so vital for students at our partner schools and TAF@Saghalie. Field trips to STEM-oriented spaces, meeting professional leaders that look like them and take the time to visit their school to share their expertise—these types of engagements show students what opportunities are possible.
Learn how to become a corporate partner for Technology Access Foundation and broaden student horizons here.
