Recap of the PATHS Forward Summit 2025

The 2025 PATHS Forward Summit: Current State of Hiring was an incredible success! With over 100 attendees, the energy was nothing short of electric as students, professionals, and industry leaders came together to connect, learn, and grow. This year’s summit was all about empowerment in the job market, opportunity with AI, and building PATHways toward a more inclusive future in tech and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Mathematics) and wow, did our community deliver!

We kicked off the day with opening remarks and an engaging fireside chat on the 'Current State of Hiring', featuring Eric  N. Perguero, Principal Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Manager at Pluralsight, Laura Howard, Program Management Professional, and Samantha Sygier, LGBT Tech's Program Coordinator. Their honest and insightful conversation touched on the shifting landscape of the job market, the importance of inclusive hiring practices, and how both employers and job seekers can thrive in today’s fast-changing world.

Next up, Kristen Kelley, LGBT Tech's Director of Programs, and Shae Gardner, LGBT Tech's Director of Research & Policy, took the virtual stage to debut our much-anticipated 'Workplace Belonging Survey Results and Launch'. They shared powerful insights into the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and other underrepresented communities in STEAM, setting the tone for meaningful dialogue about equity, representation, and the need for continued action in our field.

Then came one of the day’s most energizing moments - our STEAM Rooms! These affinity-based networking sessions gave attendees the chance to connect directly with mentors, share their experiences, and support one another’s professional journeys. Meanwhile, our resume reviews, 'Ask a Professional', and recruiting sessions were buzzing with activity. Participants walked away with new confidence, polished resumes, and real connections to recruiters excited about diverse talent in tech.

The afternoon brought a thought-provoking panel discussion on 'Navigating AI in the Job Market', featuring Raj Korpan, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Dr. Naba Rizvi, AI research scientist, Ash Lopez, LGBT Tech's Program Coordinator, and Kristen Kelley. The panelists explored how artificial intelligence is transforming hiring and the skills professionals need to stay ahead, while emphasizing the importance of keeping humanity and ethics at the center of technological progress.

We ended the day on an inspiring note with a motivational closing keynote 'The Future of Work is Human' by Elaine Montilla, Founder at 5xminority, Inc., whose words reminded everyone to believe in themselves, embrace their authenticity, and never underestimate the impact of representation and resilience. Elaine’s energy was contagious, the perfect way to close a day dedicated to growth and empowerment.

We also want to give a huge shoutout to all our amazing volunteers from Ciena, ComputerCare, and our other partner organizations. Your time, passion, and support helped make this summit possible, and we couldn’t have done it without you! We’re so proud of what we accomplished together and can’t wait to keep the momentum going.

Event Recordings Now Available! If you registered for the PATHS Forward Summit, you now have exclusive access to all event recordings! Catch up on your favorite sessions, revisit inspiring moments, or check out anything you might have missed. Check your inbox for an email with the link and access details.

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