MILWAUKEE – (June 26, 2023) – HPGM, in partnership with leaders from i.c.stars |* Milwaukee, Molson Coors, MKE Tech Hub Coalition, Data You Can Use,MiVoz and Carmen Diana, has established Techqueria x MKE, the first Wisconsin-based chapter of Techqueria, a national nonprofit that serves the largest global community of Latinx professionals in tech. The seven local leaders making up Techqueria x MKE’s chapter directors are united in their mission to create a more diverse and inclusive tech community in Southeast Wisconsin.

Techqueria x MKE, the first Techqueria chapter in Wisconsin and the second in the Midwest, is focused on leveraging technology to support and empower Latinx-led organizations and businesses. Chapter directors believe in the power of collaboration to create opportunities for students to explore tech careers, enable Latinx-owned businesses through technical skills and resources, and attract and develop Latinx tech talent to come to and remain in the Milwaukee area. Additionally, Techqueria x MKE also plans to provide support to local corporate ERGs and mentoring programs to ensure the growth and retention of the local Latinx talent pool.

"With a national organization like Techqueria, we are going to be able to plug Milwaukee into the larger tech ecosystem beyond the 414. I’m excited to show Latinx folks in Wisconsin all the ways that technology, when used ethically, can be our generation's great economic equalizer,” said Leia Ferrari Traner, founder and principal consultant at Carmen Diana. 

Given that the Latinx community in the Greater Milwaukee area has nearly doubled in size in recent years, now is the time to provide local Latinx business owners and employees the skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century, technology-driven economy.

"With Hispanics making up 8% of the (STEM) workforce, despite making up 17% of total employment across all occupations, this chapter will give us an opportunity to close the equity gap and drive more interest towards higher-paying careers in tech while also celebrating our culture,” said Blanca Gonzales, executive director of i.c.stars |* Milwaukee.

The group will make its official debut this Wednesday, June 28, at Summerfest Tech from 12:45 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Events Center on the third floor of Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. Media are invited to attend this free event to capture content and conduct interviews with founding chapter directors.

“Latinx individuals make up nearly 20% of the population in Milwaukee. Techqueria x MKE will drive further collaboration amongst the Latinx tech community in our city. As a result, we can work together to intentionally meet the needs of Latinx business owners, startups, early talent and so much more by empowering them through tech resources, experts, and education,” said Jasmin Treske, director of early talent at the MKE Tech Hub Coalition.

Learn more about Techqueria here. Follow along to keep up with the latest on Techqueria x MKE events and initiatives here. If you’re interested in joining the local Milwaukee chapter, click here.

###

Founded in 2001, HPGM is a catalyst for professional and educational achievement for more than 2,000 Hispanic leaders and rising talent in Wisconsin. The non-profit’s culturally intentional approach supports employers with attracting, retaining, and advancing Latino talent while working to strengthen the talent pipeline in our state. Follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.