The overlap between equity and technological innovation might not necessarily be what comes to mind when mapping out an organization’s cloud strategy. But it should be, according to Red River’s Chief Technology Officer, Tim Rod and Design Engineering Manager, Ramon Thomas.
Rod and Thomas explained how and why viewing a critical IT strategy like cloud infrastructure through a lens of equity contributes to better business practices for federal agencies, in a recent interview. By prioritizing a culture of awareness and equity, Red River can deliver on a holistic cloud strategy that is thoughtful in how it supports government customers serving various demographics.
Download: Delivering Gov't Services Through a Lens of Equity
Companies that haven’t made the connection between equity and technological innovation yet should be introspective of their leadership team, Rod stated. “Assembling diverse teams at Red River has been key to the company’s cloud strategy and how it supports government customers serving a diverse public. The same is true for diversity initiatives, which connect senior leaders and employees across the company to tackle meaningful work together.”
A large part of ensuring equitable decision making and strategy is education, and by providing an opportunity to educate, Red River can effect lasting change across the federal IT space through its employees.
“Prioritizing educational opportunities, whether for clients or mentees, is a core initiative,” Thomas said. “When equity is intertwined with technical work, holistic and lasting transformation takes place.”
The three calls to action that Rod and Thomas champion for this alignment between equity and cloud strategy include:
- Collect the right data. As with cloud strategy, striving for equity in the workplace is a nuanced goal that calls for a tailored approach.
- Prioritize executive alignment and backing. Diverse perspectives beget innovation, plain and simple. Support from leadership in that endeavor is crucial to any organization’s growth.
- Address initiatives holistically. With all the pieces of the puzzle there, both in cloud and in equity, challenges like education gaps and the digital divide can be effectively addressed.
Read the full article with Rod and Thomas here. You can also download a full guide on equity in the public sector from GovLoop titled, “Delivering Government Services Through a Lens of Equity: Technology, Policies and Conversation Starters.”
