Growing diversity in Nashville’s tech scene

With a mix of homegrown startups and big players moving in, Nashville’s tech scene is booming, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

It’s good news for the city’s boosters who see the economic benefits of a strong tech sector, which is expected to bring thousands of high-paying jobs. However, there’s a lingering question about who will fill those jobs, especially since the tech field is predominately white and male. 

But, in Nashville, there are those who are working to make the field more inclusive. Today, we’ll talk to them about their initiatives to diversify tech and the challenges they’ve faced in the field.

We’ll be starting the show with an update from senior health reporter Blake Farmer about the controversy surrounding Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Transgender Health Clinic.

Guests: 

• Blake Farmer, WPLN senior health reporter
• Dr. Teresa Vasquez, lead instructor of the part-time web development program at the Nashville Software School
• Nissa McKinney, recent graduate of the Nashville Software School
• Lena Winfree, co-president of the Blacks In Technology – Nashville chapter and co-founder of Rachel + Winfree Data Consulting
• Elise Cambournac, CEO and president of the Greater Nashville Technology Council
• Traci Snowden, founder of Apto Global

Why is VUMC being targeted for its transgender health clinic?

Additional reading: 

• Vanderbilt is the latest target in a far-right campaign against transgender health clinics
• Report: Tech jobs flooding Tennessee more than any other state during pandemic
• Nashville is adding thousands of high-paying tech jobs, and that’s more than the local worker pipeline can fulfill