On Jan. 14, software company Salesforce collaborated with the Black Student Union (BSU) and the classes of McLean computer science teacher Karyn Kolly to hold a celebration luncheon for MLK while also providing insight into different STEM fields.
The organizer of the event, Tanya Thompson, is a sales programs project analyst for Salesforce. She works with sales leaders to support higher education in different lines of businesses. She is also a part of Salesforce’s employee resource group, BOLDforce (Black Organizational Leadership Development).
To Thompson, this event means more than just a simple luncheon.
“I feel like there has not been a lot of representation in tech,” Thompson said. “It’s so important for more kids to see that tech is a potential career for them.”
Jennifer Baker, partner account director at Salesforce, hopes that the event helped educate students about the tech sector.
“I’d love for students to know what Salesforce is and to understand that there is so much opportunity available for them here and in other companies.”
BSU president Layla Carter believes that this event is a good way to show others that you can do anything regardless of who you are.
“This event is important to me because I come from a family where a lot of things were underrepresented generationally,” Carter said. “So, [it’s important] to have this event to show others that even though you may be in the minority you can still achieve success.”