Breaking Down Barriers in Tech Employment Event to Spotlight Inclusive Workforce Pathways in Hampton Roads

Business leaders. Workforce champions. Technologists. Community advocates. Now is the moment to come together.

Leading workforce development and business organizations in Hampton Roads invite the community to Breaking Down Barriers in Tech Employment — a free, regional event on Thursday, March 5 starting at 5 p.m. designed to bring the community together in a call to action focused on expanding access, increasing opportunity and building a more inclusive technology workforce.

The evening, held at Rivers Casino Portsmouth, will feature networking, panel discussion and action-focused dialogue centered on building more inclusive pathways into high-demand tech careers across Hampton Roads.

Registration is free online here.

The event’s signature panel discussion features regional leaders including:

• Shawn Avery, President & CEO, Hampton Roads Workforce Council
• Johnny Garcia, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, SimIS, Inc.
• Kasia Grzelkowski, President & CEO, VersAbility Resources

The conversation will be moderated by Blair Durham, Co-Founder & CEO of Black BRAND, with Francesca Garcia Moncion, Board Member of the Hispanic Chamber of Coastal Virginia, serving as event emcee.

Panelists plan to explore the evolving tech employment landscape, addressing both the opportunities and systemic barriers that job seekers face. Topics will include alternative credentialing, apprenticeships, military-to-civilian skill translation, inclusive hiring practices and the role of employer partnerships in workforce development.

While careers in technology are frequently perceived as requiring advanced degrees, extensive experience or security clearances, the event will highlight the growing number of accessible entry points into the industry. Attendees will gain practical insight into certifications, training programs and structured support systems that are helping people with disabilities alongside people of all abilities transition into meaningful tech careers.