According to recent employment data, Hispanic workers were only 9.9% of the high tech workforce and 8.1% of high tech managers, while making up nearly one-fifth (18.7%) of the total U.S. workforce, highlighting a significant underrepresentation in the data center industry. At Stream Data Centers, we recognize the importance of fostering diversity and inclusion within the data center industry. Our goal is to empower diverse teams to create safe, secure, reliable, and sustainable data centers.
A more diverse workforce, including a greater number of Hispanic employees, would bring a wider range of perspectives to data centers, driving potential solutions and market expansion. Embracing inclusivity leads to greater innovation and creativity, as individuals with diverse backgrounds generate new ideas and approaches that others might not have considered. Stream knows that diverse teams make better decisions. A focus on building a truly inclusive workforce also enhances a company’s reputation and its effectiveness, which aids in attracting top talent.
This is a critical element of our approach to building our team. We believe what EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows says: “Everyone deserves access to these high-tech opportunities, which often provide competitive pay, benefits, job security, and stability.”
That is why I am one of the founding members and Stream is a founding partner of HOLA DATA, a nonprofit, professional membership organization with a mission to foster the growth and advancement of the Latin and Hispanic community within the data center and mission-critical industry. The organization provides:
- Educational resources tailored to the needs of the Latin and Hispanic community in the data center and critical mission industry, including partnerships with educational institutions, online learning platforms, and high school outreach programs.
- Mentoring through the Impacto Mentoring program, offering career guidance, leadership development opportunities, and corporate visits.
- Opportunities with career assistance, job placement, and internship opportunities through partnerships with industry companies.
- and much more.
Impacto Mentoring Program
At the heart of HOLA Data’s efforts is the Impacto Mentoring Program, a unique initiative designed to match experienced professionals with those looking to grow their careers in the data center field. This program offers a structured approach to fostering professional growth. It provides a platform for one-on-one mentorship, career guidance, skill development, and networking. Mentors benefit by giving back to the community, shaping future talent, and honing their leadership skills. The program focuses on setting goals, overcoming challenges, and building both technical and soft skills, creating a supportive environment for mentees to thrive.
This program is particularly meaningful for Hispanic professionals in data centers, as it provides a supportive network and guidance to navigate potential challenges and biases within the industry. By connecting individuals with experienced mentors, the program helps to level the playing field and create opportunities for career advancement.
A Call to Action: Join the Impacto Mentoring Program
The first Impacto Mentoring Program cohort kicks off on October 21, and we’re calling on students, veterans, industry professionals, and companies to get involved:
- Free for students and veterans, the program is designed to provide access to mentorship that can shape careers and open doors.
- Industry professionals can join HOLA Data for just $100/year, gaining access to exclusive resources and opportunities to connect with other professionals in the industry.
- Companies can partner with HOLA Data to offer mentorship opportunities to their employees, ensuring their workforce is well-prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
The deadline to sign up for the first cohort is October 4—don’t miss your chance to be a part of this exciting new chapter for HOLA Data.
HOLA DATA is a not-for-profit 501c3, offering unique opportunities for Hispanic professionals in the data center industry to connect with experienced mentors, develop their skills, and advance their careers. As a Founding Partner of HOLA Data, Stream Data Centers is deeply committed to supporting the growth and advancement of Hispanic and Latino professionals in the data center industry.
We are proud to be promoting diversity as a competitive advantage with an organization that has the potential to make a lasting impact on the data center industry.
We encourage individuals and organizations to get involved today. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable data center ecosystem. To learn more or become a member, please visit the HOLA DATA website.
