Panel: Beyond Checkboxes: Exploring the Multidimensional Nature of Diversity in Software Quality
This panel delves into the often-overlooked dimensions of diversity in the software quality profession beyond traditional categories. While gender, race, and orientation remain important, this discussion expands the conversation to include age, educational background, socioeconomic access, cognitive diversity, and physical abilities—factors that significantly impact both our professional community and the quality of software we create.
Our panelists will explore how true diversity enriches software quality by incorporating varied perspectives in development teams, conference participation, and most crucially, in understanding the diverse needs of end users. This session will challenge attendees to reconsider what diversity means in practice and how embracing its multidimensional nature can lead to more inclusive, accessible, and higher-quality software products.
Join us for an enlightening conversation about moving past simplistic diversity metrics and creating environments where all voices contribute to software quality excellence.
Panelists:
- Moderator: Elaine Hsieh
- Dr. Gwendolyn Avington
- Diana Larsen
- Frank Liggett
- Caroline Wong