Channel Futures Unveils Its First-Ever DE&I 101 List

Channel Futures released its first-ever DE&I 101 list today. The list honors 101 individuals from multicultural backgrounds who are working to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the ICT channel. We will publish the list annually, with a new set of honorees each year.

The ICT industry has acknowledged the need for DE&I for many years. And any number of tech organizations have received attention for the DE&I programs they’ve launched. But it’s the people at the grassroots level who get things started and keep the momentum going. And too often their efforts go unacknowledged.

Individuals honored on this first list come from around the globe. Occupations run the gamut from company founders and CEOs to customer advocates and marketing coordinators. Their myriad accomplishments and contributions range from being a face, voice and force for women in a traditionally male-dominated industry, to creating mentoring programs that offer opportunities for training and placement in the ICT industry. Many work through CompTIA communities and other industry organizations. Others have founded their own. Allyship, advocacy and activism are at the forefront with this group.

In the months ahead, we will be providing an in-depth look at the work of some of our honorees. In the meantime, you can learn more about each individual by clicking on the link that appears with their photo in the permanent gallery of honorees on our website.

Diversity Brings Innovation, Productivity and Profitability

Informa’s Robert DeMarzo

“The publication of this list represents a milestone for the ICT industry and channel,” said Robert DeMarzo, vice president of content, Informa Tech Channels. “It raises the visibility of individuals who are truly at the center of change in the industry.”

“These individuals are propelling their organizations forward when it comes to innovation, business growth and customer/supplier connections. The Channel Futures team is proud of its role in bringing this list to market recognizing such a great group of individuals.”

Nominations for the first-ever DE&I 101 list were solicited on the Channel Futures website. Between April 15 and June 15, individuals could nominate themselves or others for the list. Applications were open to managers, leaders and individual contributors. Members of the Channel Futures editorial team thoroughly reviewed all submissions with input from advisory board members.

Informa Tech’s Kelly Danziger

“It’s been proven that a diverse workforce can make a company more innovative, productive and profitable,” said Kelly Danziger, general manager, Informa Tech Channels. “Our industry is constantly evolving to keep pace with advances in information and communications technologies and the workplace structure. It’s essential that the industry and the channel also evolve in step with the workplace demographics. Beyond making good business sense, it’s the right thing to do.”

Click through the slideshow above. You’ll meet the members of the inaugural Channel Futures DE&I 101.