Overland-Tandberg: Bridge 2 Technologies Initiative to Tackle Digital Divide and Develop Workforce of Future

By 2030, the global talent shortage could reach 85.2 million people, costing companies trillions of dollars in lost economic opportunity. ^[1]

To solve the widening skills gap, particularly in underprivileged communities, minority-owned technology company Overland-Tandberg, announced the launch of its ‘Bridge 2 Technologies’ (B2T) initiative.

In conjunction with the launch and to celebrate Black History Month and the firm’s 40th anniversary, the company will ring the closing bell at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square. Following the bell ringing, Eric Kelly, chairman and CEO, was hosted a forum to uncover pathways to collectively bridge the digital divide, develop the workforce of the future and improve economic equality. He will be joined by presidents from universities, executives and board members of Fortune 25 corporations and non-profits, including JPMorgan Chase, several members of the Billion $ Roundtable, U.S. Black Chambers, National CARES Mentoring Movement, and the National Minority Supplier Development Council.

Bridge 2 Technologies will bring together a cross-section of executives and leaders from various industries around the world to address the compounding effects of the digital divide, including the workforce gap, economic inequality and the lack of capital and mentorship to fuel business growth. This initiative aims to: build a global ecosystem comprised of leading companies that highly value diversity and inclusion and a partnership framework to positively impact students, professionals, managers, executives, board members and business owners; and close the digital divide. Bridge 2 Technologies will also enable technology-focused start-ups created by founders of color to access capital.

“Top CEOs today loudly proclaim a commitment to ‘diversity and inclusion,’ but not much has changed in almost two decades. The lack of diversity may be the weakness that unseats the technology industry’s supremacy as an entrepreneurial center of excellence,” said Kelly, CEO,. “We have received overwhelming interest in this new initiative and are hopeful to drive change starting today. Our mission with Bridge 2 Technologies is to foster a new paradigm that leverages technology and the establishment of new global partnerships to substantively bridge the digital divide.“

“We’re committed to collaborating with clients like Overland-Tandberg to drive measurable improvements in economic equality, diversity and the development of tomorrow’s skilled workforce. Access to capital and technology are becoming increasingly critical to achieve those goals,” said Frederick Royall III, MD, JPMorgan Chase. “The Bridge 2 Technologies initiative will be an important force in strengthening the ways that corporations engage with diverse companies and candidates around the world.“

Forum on economic equality, education and future workforce convenes at Nasdaq MarketSite
The forum, titled Global Intellect: Education, Pipeline, Non-Profit, Economic Equality and Technology, was moderated by Kelly on February 11 at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square. Panelists included David Wilson, president, Morgan State University; Shellye Archambeau, board director, Verizon and Nordstrom; Susan L. Taylor, founder and CEO, National CARES Mentoring Movement; Adrienne Trimble, president and CEO, National Minority Supplier Development Council; and Larry Quinlan, global CIO, Deloitte.

“At Nasdaq, we believe our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging is essential to our success,” said Nelson Griggs, president, Nasdaq Stock Exchange. “We aspire to continue building a culture that is inclusive for all and a workplace where our employees feel connected and empowered to succeed. In celebration of Black History Month, we’re honored to host the event with Overland-Tandberg to invest and develop the workforce of the future.“

“It’s a tremendous honor to ring the Nasdaq closing bell to commemorate our 40th anniversary and Black History Month. We are also honored to host the inaugural Leadership Forum on Global Intellect at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square. As a minority-owned global technology company, this discussion is imperative to creating a shared understanding of the global collaboration and technology necessary to drive change,” concluded Kelly.

^[1] Future of Work: The Global Talent Crunch, Korn Ferry, 2018.