Originally posted on Data Center POST
In recent years, the topic of diversity in the digital infrastructure industry has been gaining momentum. But the question remains: does the industry need to improve? At infra/STRUCTURE 2024, which took place in September at the Wynn Las Vegas, a distinguished panel of industry leaders convened to discuss progress made in enhancing diversity and inclusion, as well as the ongoing challenges. The forum featured Phillip Koblence, Co-Founder of Nomad Futurist; Nabeel Mahmood, Managing Director of Nomad Futurist; Ilissa Miller, CEO of iMiller Public Relations (iMPR); and Laura Ortman, CEO of Cologix. The industry has made strides in certain areas, but the road ahead is long, and much more can be done to ensure a diverse and inclusive environment that benefits everyone.
Progress and Remaining Gaps
The panelists highlighted several key issues facing the digital infrastructure industry. Mahmood emphasized the stark gender imbalance, noting that women make up only about 10% of the industry, with just a 3% improvement in recent years. He stressed the importance of digging deeper into the root causes behind these figures and pushing beyond surface-level discussions. Diversity is not just about checking boxes but about understanding the barriers that prevent certain groups from entering or thriving in this space.
One of these barriers, as Mahmood described, is the complex jargon and acronyms that create an unwelcoming environment, particularly for women. He argued that this technical complexity often discourages newcomers and reinforces the industry’s “man’s world” stereotype. To overcome this, the industry must focus on simplifying access and making it easier for diverse talent to join without being intimidated by the language of technology.
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