WASHINGTON, DC — The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) will host the first LOFT Coder Summit (LCS) in partnership with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), Greater Washington Chamber of Commerce (GWHCC), Google, NBC4 Telemundo44, Sy Tech, MAX Cybersecurity and Jelena Group. The LCS, which is free to participants, will take place Saturday, April 28th, 8:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. at George Mason University (4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030), Johnson Center Building, in Dewberry Hall.

Hundreds of programmers, coders, developers, hackers, computer scientists – students, professionals and entrepreneurs – will come together for to network and to attend back-to-back workshops on tech trends, interview training, career paths and industry opportunities, and to celebrate cultural pride. Join the discussion by using the hashtag #LOFTCoders and RSVP at www.lcs.splashthat.com/.

“We are thrilled to bring the Coder Summit to the Greater DC Area to identify, prepare and connect Latino programmers as we work to move America’s tech workforce forward,” said Jose Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, which is headquartered in the Greater Washington DC area. “We are at the intersection of a nation in need of tech workers and talent-rich Latino community, and we look to redefining the landscape of computer technology while building a stronger community of innovators. We are grateful to our partners who share in our mission and vision.” 

The LOFT Coder Summits (LCS) are part of HHF’s broader Code as a Second Language (CSL) national initiative which includes LCS’s in seven major cities as well as HHF teaching computer coding to grammar, middle and high schools in up to 30 regions across the country as well as hosting nascent Latino start-ups through LOFT Labs.  HHF also connects Latino programmers through the LOFT Network for mentoring, sharing ideas and accessing resources to move forward in the tech space.  LCS feed a “tech ecosystem” to fill the tech gap in America’s workforce.

By mobilizing Latino/a coders, programmers, hackers, developers and computer scientists for the free, one-day event in a series of panels and breakout workshop sessions with experts and Latino tech leaders, HHF is spearheading national change.  The Summit’s workshops will provide inspiration, connect coders and provide tools needed to not only consume but create in an increasingly digital future.

The LCS as part of the CSL initiative aim to shatter the tech industry’s myths, stereotypes and excuses by mobilizing coders from across the nation ready to introduce computer programming to under-represented communities across the country. HHF’s programs have effectively addressed America’s need for creating a more diverse pool of talent in the tech industry by funneling talent from LCS into apprenticeships, internships and full-time positions with top tech companies through HHF’s LOFT Source. 

AGENDA

8:00 am- 9:00 am    | Continental Breakfast and Registration

 9:00 am- 9:15 am   | Welcome Remarks

                                    Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of HHF

                                    Angel Cabrera, President of George Mason University

9:15 am- 9:30 am    | Featured Speaker

                                   Michael Echols, CEO and Founder of MAX Cybersecurity

9:30 am- 10:45 am   | Workshop #1

                             Gabriel Arteaga, CEO and Co-Founder at Create&

                             Steve Jumper, President & Partner at GhostNote

Brian Romero, Software Developer at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

 10:45 am- 11:10 am | Networking Break  

 11:10 am- 12:25 pm | Workshop Session #2

Gabriel Arteaga, CEO and Co-Founder at Create&

                             Steve Jumper, President & Partner at Ghost Note 

Brian Romero, Software Developer at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

12:25 pm-1:25 pm    | Lunch

1:25 pm- 1:40 pm     | Featured Speaker

                                    Aleida Olvera, Curriculum Development Fellow at CodeAcademy

 1:40 pm- 2:10 pm    | Closing Discussion

 2:10 pm- 3:00 pm    | Networking

ABOUT HHF

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation inspires, prepares, and connects minority leaders in the classroom, community, and workforce to meet America’s priorities.  HHF also promotes cultural pride, accomplishment, and the great promise of the community through public awareness campaigns seen by millions.  HHF is headquartered in Washington, DC, and Los Angeles with satellite workspaces in New York, Silicon Valley, San Antonio, and Miami (Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org). Follow HHF on Facebook and Twitter.