Column: COVID Showed Me Why LA Needs a More Diverse Tech Workforce. These Students Showed Us How to Change It.

Jessica Medrano
Jessica Medrano’s background is in immigration law and think tank research. In her most recent position as a Senior Program Manager at the Latino Donor Collaborative, she contributed to a new U.S. Latino narrative by conducting demographic and consumer research that helped F500 companies increase their bottom line & empowered non-profits with compelling talking points. She is currently an Anaplan for All Fellow at Correlation One and a volunteer with LA Tech 4 Good.
Column: COVID Showed Me Why LA Needs a More Diverse Tech Workforce. These Students Showed Us How to Change It.

This week is national Digital Inclusion Week, but to be honest, I —like a lot of people— didn't understand the significance of this issue until COVID-19 hit. To me, the pandemic felt like a narrowly escaped disaster that I was only spared from because of my computer.


Luckily, by the onset of the pandemic, I was making enough money to retire my mom from her job as a janitor, a job which suddenly had a new risk attached to it. I was also among the fewer than 17% of all Latinos who could work remotely and protect my household in ways that were simply out of reach for most members of my community.

I felt an unshakeable sense of survivor's guilt to see the choices Latinos had to make — either physically go into work and risk it all or stay home and run out of money, fast. This ultimatum may seem dramatic but it's important to note that Latinos are significantly less likely to benefit from the social safety net (unemployment, health insurance, economic relief programs) afforded to other communities because of either the individual's or a family member's immigration status.

Roadblocks to Upward Mobility

At the time, I was working as a senior program manager at the Latino Donor Collaborative, where I had the opportunity to mentor many remarkable Latino college students. Most of our interns were attending top-tier universities on full-ride scholarships and were "seemingly normal" college students before the pandemic hit. Yet, COVID-19 reminded my first-generation college students that they were not the same as their middle- and upper-class peers.

For some, this meant moving back into crowded homes and struggling to find quiet places to study. For most, it meant that their parents would almost inevitably contract COVID-19 due to exposure via low-income essential jobs as janitors, construction workers and food distribution workers and then spread the illness to their families. On top of familial health concerns, many of my students were stepping up to make sure that their younger siblings didn't fall behind in school because their parents didn't have the technical literacy to provide support. So, it's no surprise that a national 2020 Public Viewpoint survey found that half of all Latino students canceled or changed their higher education plans, compared to 26% of their white counterparts.

If I had been born a few years later, as my interns, I wouldn't have been able to protect my family from coronavirus. It was hard to watch COVID-19 spread so predictably, based on the parents' occupations, and it reminded me of the impotence I felt as a teen, watching my stepdad be deported and losing our house during the 2008 financial crisis.

If I had been born 20 years later, I would have been one of the kids who didn't have the means or guidance to participate in virtual learning. Would I still have "made it" if I faced the exponential obstacles of COVID-era students? Probably not; it was already a by-the-skin-of-my-teeth journey as the first person in my family to attend school. How many kids won't "make it" because of the COVID-induced hurdles they are facing today?

LA Faltered

Despite being home to the fifth-largest tech market in North America, Los Angeles could not move fast enough to address the digital divide when the pandemic hit. It disproportionately affected (and continues to affect) our Latino and Black students, who are almost three out of four K-12 students in Los Angeles County. An LAUSD study found that only 50% of Hispanic and Black middle school students participated in at least seven weeks of online learning during school facilities closures — at least 30 percentage points behind their white and Asian counterparts.

The fact that distance learning was unattainable for students in 2020, in the third-richest city in the world, is inexcusable. The irony is that there is probably a significant overlap between L.A. essential workers, who risked or gave their lives to keep our basic needs met, and those whose children fell through the cracks during the remote learning overhaul.

My Pivot to Data

One reason for this unacceptable situation is that the resource allocators who had the power to address the distance-learning gap were not from our most-affected communities. That's why we also need to address another part of the digital inclusion equation: tech training for a more representative tech workforce.

After witnessing the amplified disparity in my community and recognizing the life-or-death importance of financial security, I was motivated to pivot into data and technology. In August 2021, I graduated with honors from the Data Science for All Fellowship by Correlation One. The company's mission is to provide free data analytics training to 10,000 people in the next three years and provide new pathways to economic opportunity through access to in-demand technical careers.

As part of this life-changing opportunity, we completed capstone projects using our newly gained coding and analytics skills. Over 100 teams delivered creative and impactful projects, but only the four top teams presented at graduation. To put the caliber of talent into perspective, only 1,000 of over 26,000 applicants were accepted into the program. Of those 1,000 fellows, only the work of about 24 students was presented in Grand Finale which was judged by top technology leaders.


What's Possible: The Internet Expansion Program

I was awestruck by a group of all Latino and Black students who applied sophisticated data science techniques to produce a cost-effective and actionable solution to L.A.'s internet gap. Team 104's project L.A. County: Internet Expansion Program identified which L.A. communities are struggling the most with internet connectivity and proposed that the local government leverage existing digitally-enabled infrastructure at bus stops (since commonly used indoor spaces like libraries and cafes were off-limits during quarantine) to provide internet access points to the people who would benefit most.

Team 104's solution targeted the East Central, Silver Lake, Echo Park and West Lakes regions because those neighborhoods have the highest rates of internet disparity by income bracket. They proposed that Wi-Fi be installed at 10 strategically selected bus stops (shown below) to increase internet accessibility by 26% in low-income, non-high school graduate households in L.A. County.

Team 104's elegantly simple solution ended up taking home second place in the DS4A Grand Finale and a $2,000 award that they donated to EveryoneOn, a nonprofit that works to democratize internet access.

Marlene Plasencia, of Team 104, poignantly reflects:

"If you look at the headlines regarding Wi-Fi and education, people are looking to the schools to solve the problem of lack of internet access for children. I think we've proven that when we have access to knowledge and tools like data science, we can take these issues into our own hands and present solutions to important social issues affecting our communities."

Mind you, they upskilled and developed this proposal in only 13 weeks. This is just an example of the innovation we're missing out on with anemic levels of diversity in the tech sector. In fact, CBRE's Scoring Tech Talent Report found that the L.A. tech workforce is currently the second-least diverse in the nation, although the city is one of the most diverse places in the country. To learn more about Team 104 and their project, click here.

Diverse Tech Training is a Competitive Advantage, Not Just a Social Responsibility

DEI arguments aside, a homogenous workforce produces less innovation. In a market that is driven by novelty and product-market fit, our tech industry's demographic makeup suggests that teams will struggle to pioneer new technology and, more importantly, even understand the needs of the increasingly diverse mainstream consumer. The gap between those building the digital landscape and engaging with it represents an opportunity loss for L.A. tech companies to understand their end-users more intimately and create better products and experiences.

Many industry-leading companies, who recognize the competitive advantage that a diverse tech workforce represents, partner with Correlation One to create fellowships so that Black, Latinx, LGBTQ+, female, and veteran talent can participate in world-class data and analytics training. These companies benefit by getting first dibs at recruiting directly from the rigorous and business-case-focused program.

Take steps today to ensure the long-term prosperity of L.A.'s tech community by connecting to organizations like Correlation One to learn how you can maximize the human capital potential of our local talent and workforce pipeline.

If you're interested in joining the Data Science for All mission to recruit "Data Science for All" fellows or to become a mentor, you can get in touch with the Correlation One team here.

This column was published in conjunction with L.A. Tech 4 Good.

This story has been updated.

⚠️📲🌩️ Your Digital Lifeline: Top Tech Apps for Natural Disasters

Living in LA means being ready for anything—quakes, wildfires, crazy weather, you name it. Luckily, there’s a suite of tech apps designed to keep you informed, connected, and safe when disaster strikes. From real-time alerts to staying in touch with loved ones, these apps have you covered. Here’s the ultimate list to help you handle whatever chaos comes your way in LA County.

Get Real-Time Alerts

Image Source: MyRadar

FEMA App
  • What it does: Provides real-time alerts from the National Weather Service, along with shelter and disaster recovery info.
  • Key features: Weather alerts, shelter locator, and preparedness resources.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
MyRadar Weather Radar
  • What it does: Offers real-time, animated radar for tracking severe weather and storms.
  • Key features: Live radar, storm tracking, and severe weather alerts.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Clime: NOAA Weather Radar
  • What it does: Delivers real-time radar and weather updates, with wildfire and flood tracking.
  • Key features: Customizable weather alerts, disaster tracking.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
American Red Cross Emergency App
  • What it does: Provides real-time alerts for over 35 types of emergencies, plus disaster preparedness tips.
  • Key features: Alerts, safety check-ins, and emergency tips.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
My Earthquake Alerts & Feed
  • What it does: Sends real-time earthquake alerts, with maps and detailed data.
  • Key features: Earthquake alerts, customizable notifications, detailed maps.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Citizen
  • What it does: Delivers real-time alerts for emergencies, including natural disasters and crime near your location.
  • Key features: Safety alerts, live incident reports, and community updates.
  • Available on:iOS | Android

Stay Connected with Loved Ones

Image Source: Life360

While social media apps like Facebook and X provide real-time updates, additional tools can help with communication and location sharing, ensuring you stay connected and safe.

Nextdoor
  • What it does: Connects neighbors with real-time local updates on emergencies and community events.
  • Key features: Neighborhood alerts, local info, resource sharing.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
WhatsApp
  • What it does: Enables secure messaging, location sharing, and video/voice calls with family and friends.
  • Key features: End-to-end encryption, location sharing, voice/video calls.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Zello Walkie Talkie
  • What it does: Turns your phone into a push-to-talk walkie-talkie for communication in low-signal areas.
  • Key features: Push-to-talk, works over Wi-Fi/data, group communication.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Glympse – Share Your Location
  • What it does: Lets users share real-time locations with family and friends without needing an account.
  • Key features: Location sharing, ETA updates, private tracking.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Life360
  • What it does: Tracks real-time location of family members and provides emergency SOS alerts.
  • Key features: Family location tracking, emergency alerts, crash detection.
  • Available on:iOS | Android

Stay Mobile

Image Source: PlugShare

For navigating road closures and traffic during disasters, Google Maps and Waze are essential tools that offer real-time updates and alternate routes. Along with these go-to options, there are additional apps that can help you stay mobile when it matters most.

GasBuddy
  • What it does: Locates nearby gas stations and provides real-time updates on fuel availability and prices.
  • Key features: Gas station locator, fuel prices, availability checks.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
PlugShare
  • What it does: Provides a comprehensive map of public EV charging stations worldwide. It offers real-time availability, pricing, user reviews, and photos of charging stations, helping you find the best nearby options.
  • Key features: Real-time station availability, detailed station info, user reviews, and trip planning.
  • Available on:iOS | Android

Traditional Preparedness Tips

In addition to these tech apps, it’s crucial to prepare for natural disasters with traditional methods:

  • Build a disaster kit: Gather essential supplies like food, water, first aid supplies, and a flashlight.
  • Develop an evacuation plan: Determine where you will go and how you will get there in case of an emergency.
  • Keep emergency contacts handy: Make a list of important phone numbers.

Maximize Battery Life and Data During Emergencies

During disasters, power outages and increased network traffic can affect your device's battery life and data usage. Consider the following:

  • Keep your devices charged: Use portable or solar-powered chargers to extend battery life.
  • Conserve data: Use Wi-Fi hotspots when available to avoid excessive data charges.

These apps are your go-to tools for staying informed, connected, and ready for anything in Los Angeles County. Whether you need real-time alerts, navigation assistance, or ways to keep in touch with loved ones, having these apps on hand can make all the difference when it matters most.

Download the dot.LA App

Luxurious Second Home Ownership without the Headache: How Pacaso is Changing the Landscape of Real Estate

🔦 Spotlight

Pacaso addresses the pain points of second home ownership, offering a luxurious, flexible, and financially sound alternative to traditional second homes and ultra-luxury hotels. Co-founded in 2020 by entrepreneur Austin Allison and former Zillow executive and prominent LA tech figure Spencer Rascoff, Pacaso, an unicorn startup, has redefined vacation home ownership with its unique co-ownership model. Rascoff's contributions to the LA tech scene extend beyond real estate; he also founded 75 & Sunny, an LA-based startup studio and venture fund, and co-founded dot.LA, an LA tech news and events company.

LA residents adore Pacaso for its lush vacation destinations that also make for smart investments. Pacaso offers everything from serene weekend getaways in Aspen to sophisticated escapes in Paris. Each residence, valued between $200k to over $2M for 1/8th, boasts meticulous design, high-end furnishings, and premium amenities. Unlike traditional second home ownership, which involves high costs, maintenance, and underutilization, or ultra-luxury hotels, which lack the personal touch and investment potential, Pacaso's co-ownership model offers a superior solution. Co-owners enjoy the benefits of a high-end vacation home without the full financial burden and hassle of sole ownership, making it a smarter and more flexible choice for discerning buyers.


Image Source: Pacaso

Cabo, Mexico

$822,000 (1/8th ownership)

5 bds. l 5 ba. l 4,969 sq ft

View Here


Image Source: Pacaso

Paris, France

$600,000 (1/8th ownership)

2 bds. l 2.5 ba. l 1,410 sq ft

View Here


Image Source: Pacaso

Malibu, California

$750,000 (1/8th ownership)

3 bds. l 3 ba. l 1,880 sq ft

View Here


Image Source: Pacaso

Park City, Utah

$755,000 (1/8th ownership)

4 bds. l 4.5 ba. l 2,584 sq ft

View Here

Head to Pacaso to learn more about its innovative co-ownership model that addresses the common challenges of second home ownership!


🤝 Venture Deals

LA Companies

  • Oak Essentials, the natural skincare brand founded by Jenni Kayne, has raised an undisclosed amount in Series A Funding from Silas Capital and Unilever Ventures. This investment will drive the brand’s expansion, focusing on product development, boosting marketing efforts, and expanding distribution channels. - learn more
  • Playhouse MD, an upcoming children’s healthcare platform that incorporates play to enhance health outcomes, has raised $4M in funding, according to a recent SEC filing. - learn more
  • FluidLogic, a high-performance hydration system provider, raised $15M in a Series A Extension led by Solyco Capital to support product development and innovation for adventure sports and outdoor endurance categories, with consumer products launching in early 2025. - learn more
  • Reflect Orbital, which uses in-space reflectors to direct sunlight to solar farms and large-scale lighting applications after sunset, has raised $6.5M in seed funding led by Sequoia Capital. The funding will help the company develop production vehicles and expand its team as it builds space-based energy infrastructure. - learn more

LA Venture Funds
  • Smash Capital led a €20M Series B round into Vilnius-based Ovoko, an e-commerce platform for buying and selling used car parts across Europe, marking Smash Capital's first investment in Lithuania. The funds will support Ovoko's product development, market expansion, and team growth as it aims to dominate the European market for second-hand automotive components. - learn more
  • M13 led a $9M Series A Funding Round for Zenlytic, the world’s first self-serve business intelligence platform. - learn more



LA Exits

  • Continuum Global Solutions’ healthcare vertical has been acquired by Everise, a customer service management company, enhancing Everise’s capabilities in pharmacy benefit management and expanding its growth prospects in the healthcare sector. - learn more
  • Radical Semiconductor, a company specializing in processing-in-memory technology, has been acquired by BTQ Technologies, a leader in post-quantum cryptography. This acquisition strengthens BTQ’s ability to secure data in the post-quantum era by integrating Radical Semiconductor's advanced technology portfolio. - learn more

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🎧The Essential Podcast Playlist for Entrepreneurs, Founders, Tech Pros, and VCs

Podcasts offer a front-row seat into the minds of the most successful entrepreneurs, VCs, and industry thought leaders. Whether you're scaling your startup, raising capital, or simply staying ahead of the game, these shows deliver invaluable insights, actionable lessons, and fresh inspiration. And let’s be honest, if you’re stuck in LA traffic (again), what better way to kill time than by learning from the best? Here’s a roundup of our top podcasts for entrepreneurs, founders, tech professionals, and VCs, complete with why they’re a must-listen.

Image Source: Apple Podcasts

The a16z Podcast

  • What it discusses: Covering a broad spectrum of topics like AI, blockchain, healthcare, and fintech, the podcast features interviews with founders, VCs, and tech leaders shaping the future.
  • Why you should listen: Get access to cutting-edge insights from one of the world’s most influential VC firms, keeping you ahead of emerging trends.
  • Why it’s great for entrepreneurs, founders, and VCs: This podcast brings cutting-edge insights from one of the top VC firms. Entrepreneurs will learn about emerging technologies, while VCs can stay ahead of investment trends shaping the future of tech.

Listen on: Spotify |Apple Podcasts



Image Source: Apple Podcasts

Acquired Podcast

  • What it discusses: Acquired breaks down the stories behind major tech acquisitions, IPOs, and exits, dissecting the strategies and market dynamics involved.
  • Why you should listen: Gain deep insights into how tech giants build and sell, making it essential for anyone aiming to understand successful exits.
  • Why it’s great for entrepreneurs, founders, and VCs: Perfect for founders looking to scale or position themselves for acquisition. VCs will benefit from the deep dives into the playbooks of successful exits, offering valuable lessons on company growth and market positioning.

Listen on: Spotify |Apple Podcasts



Image Source: Apple Podcasts

The All-In Podcast

  • What it discusses: From venture capital and tech trends to politics and economics, this podcast delivers unfiltered, candid commentary from high-profile industry insiders.
  • Why you should listen: It’s a no-holds-barred discussion on major issues affecting the tech industry, providing you with insider insights into the conversations that shape Silicon Valley.
  • Why it’s great for entrepreneurs, founders, and VCs: The candid, unfiltered conversations give listeners a peek into the decision-making processes of some of the biggest names in tech and VC. Entrepreneurs can gain valuable market insights, while investors will appreciate the high-level strategy discussions.

Listen on:Spotify | Apple Podcasts



Image Source: Apple Podcasts

BG2 Podcast

  • What it discusses: BG2 takes you through macroeconomic trends, the tech market, venture capital insights, and cutting-edge technologies like AI. It’s a high-level conversation on tech investing.
  • Why you should listen: Brad and Bill’s deep experience in tech investing, combined with their straightforward, no-nonsense style, makes this a must-listen for tech insiders.
  • Why it’s great for entrepreneurs, founders, and VCs: Get insider-level insights into the macro trends driving tech investments. Founders will learn how to navigate these trends, while VCs can better understand the shifting forces in the venture world.

Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts



Image Source: Apple Podcasts

Crucible Moments Podcast

  • What it discusses: The podcast dives into the pivotal, career-defining moments of top leaders and entrepreneurs. Guests share personal stories of resilience, growth, and how they overcame adversity.
  • Why you should listen: It’s packed with inspirational stories of grit and perseverance, offering lessons that apply to both life and business.
  • Why it’s great for entrepreneurs, founders, and VCs: The podcast’s focus on personal and professional resilience makes it especially valuable for entrepreneurs who need inspiration during tough times, and VCs who want to understand how founders overcome adversity.

Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts



Image Source: Apple Podcasts

Grit Podcast

  • What it discusses: In-depth interviews with founders, executives, and leaders who share stories of navigating challenges, building resilience, and finding success in tough times.
  • Why you should listen: If you want raw, real stories of leadership and determination, this podcast offers invaluable insights into what it takes to lead in business.
  • Why it’s great for entrepreneurs, founders, and VCs: The podcast’s focus on perseverance and leadership makes it a must-listen for founders facing challenges in their business. VCs will gain insights into the traits that make strong, resilient founders.

Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts



Image Source: Apple Podcasts

The Twenty Minute VC

  • What it discusses: Featuring short, insightful interviews with top VCs and founders, this podcast covers topics ranging from securing funding to scaling startups.
  • Why you should listen: Perfect for busy professionals who want quick, actionable advice on navigating the venture capital world.
  • Why it’s great for entrepreneurs, founders, and VCs: For busy entrepreneurs, this podcast delivers quick, actionable advice on funding and scaling. VCs can stay connected to the latest trends through bite-sized interviews with industry leaders.

Listen on: Spotify |Apple Podcasts


These podcasts are packed with insights, inspiration, and actionable advice for anyone looking to grow, innovate, or level up. Whether you're building something new, looking for investment know-how, or just eager to learn from those who've been there, each show has something valuable to keep you moving forward on your journey.

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