Melissa Malzkuhn’s Post

This is the power of inclusive networking! About two months ago, I walked up to and introduced myself to Eric Tao (CEO of MegaMinds) at the Polys Awards for Virtual Reality. I was simply being social as I wasn’t thinking of virtual 3D experiences as being directly relevant to me. So, I wouldn’t have guessed that our meeting that day would lead to an amazing partnership to help make the world a better place! For years, my family has been contemplating the best way to leverage the great assets we’ve developed to help children embrace the A to Z of Global Citizenship. So, you can only imagine my excitement when Eric shared how MegaMinds provides tools to spark curiosity, collaboration and critical thinking in the classroom and beyond. As of today (within less than two months of meeting), we have already co-created 13 different virtual worlds on the MegaMinds platform (with many more to come)! These are fun 3D experiences that transport kids virtually to different countries while helping them to embrace social emotional learning related to global citizenship, conscious inclusion, and cultural responsiveness.  Every educator we have shared our engaging virtual experiences with love them as they meet kids where they are in terms of how they prefer to learn. My heart is full knowing that this incredibly impactful partnership has been the direct result of living and breathing the same behaviors we work to embed at schools and organizations! It is about being consciously inclusive in establishing, building, and leveraging relationships to make things happen! Edvard Ødegaard Inspiring Diversity, LLC #inclusivenetworking #globalcitizenship

The most innovative approach for a cultural society in the non-profit industry includes: 1. Virtual Reality Experiences: Offer immersive virtual tours, festivals, and storytelling sessions. 2. Digital Platforms: Develop mobile apps or websites with resources, event info, and cultural education. 3. Crowdsourced Projects: Engage the community in collaborative art, storytelling, and digital archives. 4. Hybrid Events: Combine in-person and virtual elements for accessible and inclusive events. 5. Tech Partnerships: Collaborate with tech companies for digitizing artifacts and creating AI-driven language tools.

🔍 Who Am I? 🔍 I wear many hats on this exciting journey called life: 🌟 AR Creator @ Meta: I'm immersed in the world of Augmented Reality, shaping the future of digital experiences. 📚 ICT Student: My quest for knowledge never ends; I'm constantly exploring the ever-evolving realm of Information and Communication Technology. 🎨 Digital Creator: Crafting digital art and content is my passion, turning imagination into reality. 💡 Tech-Savvy: Technology isn't just a tool; it's a way of life. I embrace it to innovate and make a difference. ❤️ Red Cross Red Crescent Volunteer: Giving back is essential. I volunteer to support communities and make the world a better place. Let's connect, collaborate, and inspire each other! Follow me for insights into AR, tech, creativity, and the power of volunteerism. 🚀 #ARCreator #ICTStudent #DigitalInnovator #TechEnthusiast #Volunteer

MY TECH STORY SO FAR….🫣 Once upon a time in the world of technology, a determined young lady named Peace Archibong embarked on an extraordinary journey. Armed with a passion for innovation and an insatiable curiosity, she ventured into the realm of Graphics and UI/UX Designing. In the early chapters of my journey, i faced the challenges of breaking into a male-dominated industry. Undeterred, i turned each obstacle into an opportunity to prove my capabilities. With resilience as my ally, i delved into diverse projects, mastering programming languages and refining my skills. As i progressed through the pages of my tech journey story, i became a fervent advocate for diversity and inclusion. I worked tirelessly to create spaces where women could thrive in the tech world. My journey will not only transformed my own narrative but also inspired others to pursue their dreams fearlessly. In the middle chapters, i found myself at the forefront of groundbreaking projects, contributing to cutting-edge technologies. My expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning opened doors to exciting collaborations, and my ideas began shaping the future of tech. The climax of my story unfolded during a pivotal moment in the industry. I led a team that developed a revolutionary application, earning accolades and recognition. My journey should became a beacon of inspiration for aspiring women in tech, proving that brilliance knows no gender. In the concluding chapters, I will continue to mentor and empower the next generation of tech enthusiasts. My legacy extended beyond my achievements, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of technology. I want to look back at the pages of my journey, and realized that every line, every challenge, and every success had contributed to a narrative that transcended gender stereotypes. And so, my story in the world of tech should became a tale of courage, determination, and the limitless possibilities that unfold when passion meets opportunity. The end marked not just the conclusion of my personal journey but the beginning of a new era where diversity and innovation flourished hand in hand. #thefutureisfemale #contentwriter #graphicsdesigner #uiuxdesigner

Today, I was deeply moved by the story of a determined 13-year-old boy facing barriers to pursue his dream in STEM due to a lack of inclusive education. Despite using a wheelchair and a speech device, he excels in three languages, yet faces denial in following his passion simply because educators struggle to support him. Inclusion begins with inclusive education. It's baffling to witness his basic rights denied while the world turns a blind eye. Where's the growth mindset? Why aren't we empowering our youth to thrive in an inclusive world? In a world where the remarkable potential of AI technology can significantly enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities, why do we seem to prioritize excitement over a designer creating 3D avatars? Let's channel our enthusiasm into leveraging AI to transform the world into a more inclusive and accessible place for everyone. On the picture inclusive classroom.

As we approach the end of 2023, here are some of my highlights.   · Completing the Out in Tech RUXSTARS program: As of today, I am a RUXSTARS alumni. It was great working with Sara Richards, Daxle Collier, and Lara Sinangil to learn about the challenges LGBTQ+ job seekers encounter when looking for their next roles. To see the impact of the work done in this program is great, and I’m glad to have participated.   · Building up new skills: Between completing the Microsoft AI Skills Challenge, the ADPList Design with AI course, and the Intro to ResearchOps course hosted by Condens, I’ve learned how to create ML models in Azure, how to use UIZard to design a UI, and how to manage stakeholder expectations. These courses were short but sweet, and I enjoyed every moment.   · Meeting more people in research operations: With the challenges in the job market for UX, I’ve been targeting roles related to research operations. I’ve also been reading content on ResOps (shout out to the @ResearchOps Community) and taking courses to learn more about the field. Attending ReOps Conf 2023 in November was a great experience. I aim to volunteer more on Project Toolbox to build up my knowledge of content design and information architecture.   · Learning about accessibility in XR: Volunteering at the XR Access Symposium was an opportunity to see the different talks about how to make VR, AR, and MR apps more accessible and how XR in general can be used as a tool for accessibility. I was glad to attend and look forward to working more on XR projects again.   When #2024 comes, I know I’ll be ready for whatever comes my way.   Here's to new connections, fresh opportunities, and a year of growth ahead! P.S. I wish LinkedIn had Markdown support...  #UXResearch #ResearchOperations #KnowledgeManagement #OpenToOpportunities #OpenToWork #ReadyToWork  #NewBeginnings2024

Generative #AI has the ability to enhance all our lives, and it even has potential to be a game-changer for those with disabilities. But for the technology to be beneficial for everyone, inclusivity and accessibility must be part of its design.         As this Harvard Business Review article mentions, an important step is ensuring people with disabilities themselves have a say in shaping Generative AI’s evolution, which is why diverse hiring is so important and a focus for us at Intel Corporation.         The author also outlines some great guidelines to building inclusivity into the technology itself, like alternative text and keyboard navigation. I encourage you to take a look.         I’m looking forward to seeing where #GenerativeAI takes us and am confident that as long as the industry collectively takes a human-centric and inclusive approach, then it will have an incredible and positive impact on us all.         #IAmIntel #DEI #Inclusivity #Innovation #Accessibility        https://bit.ly/3Z5p3VD    

My journey into the world of tech has been a whirlwind of excitement and discovery. As a girl, I've had to overcome stereotypes and bias, but I've also found a community of support and encouragement. I've learned that tech is about more than just coding, it's about creativity, problem-solving, and making a difference in the world. I've had the chance to work on some amazing projects and meet some incredible people. From a young age, I've never been fascinated by technology. Whether it was playing video games or tinkering with electronics, I was never always drawn to the world of tech. But as I got older, I became more aware of the lack of diversity in the tech industry, especially when it came to gender. But instead of letting that discourage me, it only motivated me to pursue a career in tech. I often felt like I had to prove myself more than my male peers, but I also found a supportive community of women in tech who helped me navigate the challenges and celebrate the successes. I've been able to apply what I've learned to real-world projects. I know that I still have a lot to learn, and I'm excited to continue expanding my skills and knowledge in the ever-changing world of tech. I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had to work with diverse teams and collaborate on innovative projects. I've learned that being a woman in tech is not just about technical skills, but also about communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. These are skills that will serve me well in any field, and I'm excited to see where my career takes me. I'm confident that I have the drive and determination to succeed in the tech industry, and I hope to inspire other girls and women to pursue their dreams in tech! And I know that this is just the beginning of my journey. I'm excited to see where my path in tech will take me next! #techcommunity #uiuxdesigner #graphicdesign

🚀 👾 TECH ICONS 🌟 💜 💭 We often talk about the low representation of #women in the #technology sector; however, the immersive industry is increasingly populated by women who lead disruptive projects, promote collaboration, and address crucial challenges of the tech sphere. 🚺 On the occasion of International Women's Day, I want to share with you my personal selection of experts, visionaries, and leaders in the immersive sector who, from my point of view, are having a great impact on areas as varied as #education, #ethics, #design, #development, #consulting, #immersivestorytelling, or #communication. 👥 The particularity of this list is that I have had the opportunity to meet all of them, except for one, whose book I have had the pleasure of reading and enjoying 📚 🇪🇸 On the other hand, I have decided to highlight many #professionals in the #SpanishSector, who, despite their remarkable contributions, often go unnoticed in our local community. 🙌 All these visionaries have been a great source of inspiration for me. So, I want to take this opportunity to celebrate them and their impactful work! 🎉 #internationalwomensday #iwd2024 #womenintech #tech #xr #spatialcomputing #web3 #metaverse #ai Lorena González Vicky Vasán Laura Morales Díez Helena Ortiz Gil Amy Peck Patricia M. Val María Martínez Perez Samantha G. Wolfe Evo H. Tarja Stephens Camino López García Cristina Nogales Figueroa Eva Domínguez (PhD) Marta Rodriguez Coronil Elisabet Mainez Villoro Alicia Cañellas-Mayor, PhD Andrea Bravo, PhD Sabrina Bonini

The data speaks for itself: women are making strides in tech! Women account for 14% of the global cloud computing workforce. In engineering, women make up 20% of the workforce, and in data and AI, the share of women is 32%. At 33%, virtual reality (VR) projects have the highest share of female developers. Augmented reality (AR) projects and games rank second at 28%. Backend services and web application projects have the lowest concentration of female coders, at just 13% and 16%, respectively. Women make up 21% of the C-suite in corporate America. This is up from 17%. Let’s continue to empower and support women in tech this International Women’s Day. Source: Tachopedia #Tech4Sight #WomenInVR #IWD2024