Shellye Archambeau, MetricStream CEO and Verizon board member, has spoken out in favour of Intel’s planned $300 million investment into diversity in technology.
Last week, Intel president Renée James revealed the diversity in technology initiative, pledging to help build a pipeline of female and under-represented engineers and computer scientists.
Shellye Archambeau, one of only a handful of female African American CEOs in Silicon Valley, commented:
"The growing ranks of female business leaders sitting at the helm of some of the most powerful and successful companies in the world is deeply encouraging. However, we need to see many more influential business leaders like Renée speaking out for gender diversity if we’re to see real long-term change."
"It’s true that diversity within an organisation isn’t something that happens overnight. However, initiatives like this will go a long way to redressing the balance. This is a big step, in the right direction. Technology companies, not just in Silicon Valley but around the globe, should learn from Intel when it comes to establishing a deep and long-standing commitment to creating a corporate culture that truly values differences."
"After all, it’s so much more than just ticking the ‘diversity box’. More so than ever before, hiring people that represent diverse and different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences is essential in creating the strong, enduring, global companies of tomorrow."
A life-long advocate for greater diversity in technology, Archambeau has held executive positions for numerous technology companies, including a 15-year career at IBM where she became one of the company’s highest ranking African American female executives.
