Tech Summit – Women Tech Council

Diversity, education key issues for Utah’s tech industry

SLAKE CITY — While the rise of Utah’s tech sector graphs like a hockey stick, leaders in the industry aren’t squeamish about identifying what factors could derail growth or send it on a downward spiral.

On day 2 of the Silicon Slopes Tech Summit, education and diversity figured largely in discussions of issues that need to be confronted to ensure continued vibrance.

Pluralsight CEO Aaron Skonnard took the main stage at the Salt Palace Friday morning and exhorted attendees to sign a letter to Utah legislators that includes some stark statistics reflecting current unfilled tech jobs in the state and the related upstream issues of lack of opportunity in K-12 computer science courses.

“According to the conference board, […]

Tech summit highlights Utah’s Silicon Slopes

SALT LAKE CITY — Developing more home-grown talent is a major concern for Utah business and technology leaders gathered at a two-day summit at the Salt Palace.

“We have to get more into our high schools and into our colleges to create the skills that we need in this state,” said Cydni Tetro, co-founder and executive director of Women Tech Council, at Thursday’s opening of the inaugural Silicon Slopes Tech Summit.

With about 5,000 tech companies in Utah, and more created each year, the need for qualified, educated talent is constantly growing, Silicon Slopes executive board member Carine Clark said. The tech industry needs to help develop a statewide program that can cultivate and inspire more young […]