Episode Summary:Join us as we sit down with Melissa James, CEO and founder of Tech Connection, a recruitment platform that supports the professional development of untapped technical talent from diverse backgrounds. In this episode Melissa covers all things diversity in tech and shares actionable tips on how companies can take their diversity goals from all talk to real action.

What is Uncovered:

• Melissa's experience working at Google and what inspired her to start Tech Connection
• How the Tech Connection platform works
• What GPA stands for when it comes to hiring and diversity

List of resources mentioned and suggested reading in episode:

• Tech Connection Website: https://www.thetechconnectioninc.com/#!/

About Melissa:Melissa James​ is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker and author. In 2014, Melissa founded ​The Tech Connection​ whose mission is to help companies make meaningful connections that empower and engage diverse talent by promoting inclusive hiring best practices. The Tech Connection has a strong track record of building high-performing diverse teams for elite companies such as​ Google​,​ Teradata​, the New England Venture Capitalist Association, HubSpot, Wayfair, Carbonite, DataXu, Vertex Pharmaceuticals and more.

Melissa is also the author of ​When Are You Going To Get A Real Career: A Guide to Designing a Career You Would Be Proud Of!”​, a roadmap for millennials starting out in their career and for the experienced executive crafting their next move. Shared stories and experiences provide insightful knowledge and steps for anyone navigating different aspects of their career.

She is the recipient of the U.S. Presidential Service Award, the UMass Distinguished Young Alumni Award, BostonInno’s 50 on Fire Award, the Mosaic Award from the MA Technology Leadership Council, the 2015 Pursuer Award from the African Youth Excellence organization for her relentless commitment to the community. Melissa was born and raised in Boston, MA and graduated with honors from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

About Tech Connection:The Tech Connection is a recruitment platform that supports the professional development of untapped technical talent from diverse backgrounds. We strive to deliver the best talent from underserved communities to high performing and innovative teams. We offer individualized career planning and job placement to candidates that come from non-traditional backgrounds. We believe that introspective leadership coupled with proper planning is the key to career success.