On Monday morning, a cross section of Los Angeles’ close-knit tech investment community gathered on the plaza of the Annenberg Center for Photography to mingle with Mayor Eric Garcetti, drink mimosas – and commit to changing their ways. The event marked the beginning of PledgeLA, an initiative by the Annenberg Foundation and City Hall that asks venture capitalists and the companies that they fund to make a three-point pledge: diversify their companies at all levels, increase community engagement, and measure and report their progress. “The tech industry looks a little different because people are wearing T-shirts and flip-flops,” Garcetti said from the stage. “But the boardrooms and C-suites look like something out of ‘Mad Men.'” The initiative grew out of Annenberg Tech, a project focused on spreading the benefits of the growing local tech sector by encouraging social-impact investing and workforce development. “Tech cannot keep growing … [Read more...] about The L.A. tech industry is run by white men. Tech investors — and the mayor — want to change that
Committed to change
Despite persistent bias, Trial Court chief says she is committed to change
Visit The Boston Globe Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Comment on this Scroll to top of page Adrian Walker Globe Columnist July 30, 2018 The festering racial animus that had been a open secret in the Massachusetts Trial Court burst into public view four years ago.For years, black judges, in particular, had complained that they were viewed as less capable than their white peers. On regular evaluations — in which attorneys assess the judges they practice before — they were viewed far more negatively than their white counterparts. Judges who received unsatisfactory scores were subject to remedial measures. Independent evaluators who had been brought in to review the situation found clear evidence of racial bias against black judges. If those findings were validating for black judges in some sense, they were enraging as well. Advertisement Now a deeper look at the evaluations of the trial court judges has just been completed. Once again, it … [Read more...] about Despite persistent bias, Trial Court chief says she is committed to change
Wynn Resorts’ female directors address commitment to change
Updated 11:14 pm, Monday, May 14, 2018 LAS VEGAS (AP) — The four female directors of casino operator Wynn Resorts say they are committed to helping the company move onto a new chapter and making it a place where everyone feels safe. Their remarks came Monday after a forum in which they addressed a variety of topics before dozens of employees and answered questions that ranged from equal pay and diversity to work-family balance. Three of the women were appointed to the board last month. The forum came two days before the company's annual shareholders' meeting. The board has faced questions stemming from the sexual misconduct allegations against founder Steve Wynn, who has denied the accusations. Local Channel Now Playing: Now Playing Top 100: Rosella on the Rand San Antonio Express-News Police respond to fatal shooting near S.A. school San Antonio Express-News Man trapped under train after he was struck on West Side tracks San Antonio Express-News … [Read more...] about Wynn Resorts’ female directors address commitment to change
Leonard Pitts: Listening is the start to change; doing is the other step
We live in a microwave society. We want quick and easy and refuse to do anything that makes us feel uncomfortable.That is how Miami Herald columnist Leonard Pitts Jr. sees it.It’s a problem that prevents society from listening and making changes. It’s a problem that has polarized the country, he said.Pitts visited Nebraska for a second time as keynote speaker at the Interfaith Peacemaking Coalition’s 36th annual workshop Sunday at Lincoln’s First United Methodist Church.His speech, “When We Stand with Others,” brought 750 people together, filling the pews and the balcony of the church.Pitts, a nationally syndicated columnist who has written extensively about issues concerning race, politics and culture, discussed how people can better communicate and stand with those facing racism and bigotry.In today’s political climate, having a civil exchange with someone who has a different point of view seems impossible, but it all starts with … [Read more...] about Leonard Pitts: Listening is the start to change; doing is the other step
While cutting 50 jobs, BB&T says it remains committed to Allentown
Ever since BB&T Corp. completed its acquisition of National Penn Bancshares in 2016, it has seen a succession of jobs come and go at its downtown Allentown regional headquarters.For instance: In August 2016, BB&T regional President Dave Kennedy said the bank added 30 employees to its downtown call center, after the bank had eliminated one-third of its approximately 240 workers at Two City Center.Part of his mission, Kennedy said at the time, was to boost employment in the downtown, where BB&T has occupied five of 11 stories of the Two City Center building at Seventh and Hamilton streets.Those 30 jobs, plus about 20 more, will be gone around mid-June, BB&T said in announcing Thursday it is closing the downtown call center and cutting positions.“After careful consideration, we’ve made the decision to close our corporate call center located in Allentown.” spokesman David White said. “We understand this is a difficult time for these associates and we … [Read more...] about While cutting 50 jobs, BB&T says it remains committed to Allentown