Render(Why?)

#renderatlanta #react #javascript #conference

Why am I starting a conference in the bustling cultural capital of the south when I just moved here a year ago to the day? Why another tech conference in such an already crowded space of meticulously curated shared experiences? Why, who am I?

To understand why, you have to first understand the current landscape of the industry and how it's not conducive to underrepresented groups and self-expression.

If you haven't saw yet, my name is Justin, and I've been in the industry, and a React developer since 2014. My tenure as a software engineer has taken me down many roads that I never thought I would have to overcome in order to continue my forward progression. In particular, the biggest challenge of all has been remaining true to myself and keeping my true identity in a landscape where many do not look like me. This is not a statement to demonize the majority, but instead to raise awareness on the matter of feeling left out at times in a space where relationships and "who you know" matters. Imagine you're at work, and you hear a joke that you can't even identify with, or may even be offensive to you. Imagine you're at a tech conference, and nobody looks like you so you feel alone, taking away from your experience. Imagine you've received your dream interview, only to realize it could of been due to your physical, not your technical attributes. For many that look like you and I, or come from a protected class of people, this is not an imaginary feeling, but a true reality that we often find ourselves in. Reasons like this is why many of us do not attend tech conferences, so we miss networking opportunities all together; or in the the worst situations, but all so often case, leave the industry altogether.

The name Render-Atlanta can be picked apart into two distinct segments. Render, a method in the React code-base that allows for presentation onto the user's screen, but in our case it represents that freedom to present who you are with no reservations. Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, and the intersection of where all cultures collide in the south, but filled with the most diverse, and untapped talent pool of engineers. When you unify the name, our mission and goals become apparent: The promotion of a diverse talent pool of engineers in a space where they're able to feel welcomed, and have an outlet of judgment free self-expression. All of this ties back to our speaker selection, where each speaker has the opportunity to discuss all things React, Culture & Inclusion, or both!

At Render-Atlanta we never say Diversity & Inclusion, but instead Culture & Inclusion, due to how often the word "diversity" is used as a marketing keyword without any real, or a misguided agenda behind it. We believe that if an organization hires with the intent to learn from another person's culture and background that it will intrinsically create, and attract others of similar backgrounds; while having a positive effect on the organizational structure and processes.

All being said, I believe what we created at Render-Atlanta will assist with changing the landscape of the industry for many future generations of engineers to come. We have many surprises in store for you this upcoming May in Atlanta, and can't wait to reveal more as the date draws near. Our vision is to look into the crowd at our opening ceremony, and see a swell of faces that have decided to create a wave of impact together. Come to Atlanta, come be a part of the wave, you can sit with us, there's no need to hide who you are, we are waiting here for you and will accept you with welcoming, and open arms.

May the fourth be with you, looking forward to seeing you all soon, and don't be afraid to Render(who you are)