Arrow ATW Consulting

Honoring Black History Month: A Legacy of Innovation and Progress February marks Black History Month, a time to reflect on the profound impact of Black individuals on history, culture, and technology. The origins of this month date back to 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week—choosing the second week of February to align with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) and Frederick Douglass (Feb. 14). In 1976, the celebration expanded to a full month, officially recognized by President Gerald Ford during the U.S. Bicentennial. This year, as we choose to honor history, we also want to highlight Black innovators in technology—visionaries who shaped the digital world: ?? Katherine Johnson – A NASA mathematician whose calculations were critical to the success of U.S. space missions. ?? Mark Dean – Co-inventor of the IBM personal computer and holder of multiple tech patents. ?? Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson – A physicist whose work paved the way for fiber-optic communication. ?? Roy L. Clay Sr. – A pioneer in computer programming and a key developer at Hewlett-Packard. ?? Lisa Gelobter – Contributed to the development of GIF technology and online video streaming. As you celebrate, take time to learn, uplift, and recognize the achievements of Black pioneers in all fields—past, present, and future. Who are some Black innovators who inspire you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! #BlackHistoryMonth #FrederickDouglass #BlackTechInnovators #Innovation #DiversityInTech

Looking for tech talent? Try some options not traditionally seen in the landscape: Tap into wide pools with organizations like Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) Women + Cybersecurity = Women's Society of Cyberjutsu, Women in Security and Privacy (WISP), and Blacks In Technology to spur team growth. These groups bring individuals with unique insights, formidable drive, creativity and problem-solving. Partnering with these organizations gives you an accessible talent pipeline to showcase your commitment to diversity while attracting top talent. ?? Reach out to these places (and others) on LinkedIn. ?? Attend events and webinars to network and learn. ?? Tag your own favorite below! Other Opportunities: Create an internal talent pipeline through internships and mentorships. ?? Check your organization for existing mentorship pipelines, as well! By leveraging these active groups, companies can build better teams. Why not embrace the chance and support their incredible work at the same time? #diversityintech #techdiversity #techrecruiting #leadership #mentorship #womenintech #vetsintech #blackintech

Last month, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)) released the Second Public Draft of Digital Identity Guidelines for review, specifically for government contractors using artificial intelligence (AI) systems with a focus on disclosure and transparency. The guidelines emphasize the need for secure, trustworthy, and transparent #AI, addressing continued concerns about bias and accountability. Some updates include: ?? Documentation and Communication: All uses of AI/ML must be documented and communicated to relevant organizations and individuals. ?? Information Disclosure: Organizations using AI/ML must provide detailed information about their technology, training methods, data sets, models, and testing results. ??♀? Risk Management: Organizations must implement NIST's AI Risk Management Framework and SP1270 for managing bias in AI. Government contractors may engage with NIST for comments through October 7th - but be prepared for adherence to these guidelines. Contractors should consider developing AI governance programs and ensuring that AI systems are designed and implemented in a way that minimizes disparate outcomes and biased outputs. By focusing on these considerations, #GovCon leaders can help their clients navigate the evolving landscape of AI regulations and ensure compliance with NIST’s Draft Guidelines. Look for the final next year. Feel free to view NIST's Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework: Generative AI Profile (AI 600-1) from July 2024, here Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework: Generative Artificial Intelligence Profile (nist.gov) #publicsector #techconsulting #federalai #govcons #aipolicy #aibias #secureai

Happy Birthday to the U.S. Army!!???? Honoring the past, defending the future, the U.S. Army celebrates its 249th Birthday on this day, 14 Jun 2024! "Since its official establishment, June 14, 1775 — more than a year before the Declaration of Independence — the U.S. Army has played a vital role in the growth and development of the American nation. Drawing on both long-standing militia traditions and recently introduced professional standards, it won the new republic's independence in an arduous eight-year struggle against Great Britain. At times, the Army provided the lone symbol of nationhood around which patriots rallied." Join the celebration and learn more about the history of the U.S. Army at the link here??https://lnkd.in/gG2uCj48 #ArmyBday #armyveteran #goarmy #army #armyreserves #happybirthday National Veteran Small Business Coalition - NVSBC | US Army Scott Jensen | Zack Armstrong | Janelle Askew | Marie Myszkier | John Cochran | Bobby P. | Josh Pearl | Scott Semple | Charles Smith | Alisha Mitten | Sara Stehle, CAE, CMP | Rebecca Kane, CMP | Elizabeth Fields | Bruce Snyder | Robert Betters | Phillip Panzarella | Neeraja Lingam | Robert Santmyer | Norris Middleton | Marc Goldschmitt, PMP | Bill Belknap | Nancy Langer | Al Sowers | Erica Dobbs | Irene Vaishvila Glaeser | Karen Brazell, PMP | Akinwande Oshodi | Venus Quates | Scott K. Thompson | Dr. Robin Desmore, PhD | Timothy Ross

What will the FTC's #noncompete decision mean for your business? Apparently the Chamber of Commerce isn't happy, saying, "it’s going to sue the FTC over this “unnecessary and unlawful rule.” “This decision sets a dangerous precedent for government micromanagement of business and can harm employers, workers, and our economy,” the organization said in a press release Tuesday. Read more in the article, "Non-compete clauses are common when it comes to tech—not only as a means to prevent competitors from poaching talent but also as a means for the company to protect its intellectual property. And now they’re dead." #techtalent #technologists #competition #consulting #smallbusinesses

White House Guidance out last week puts people and communities “at the center of the government’s innovation goals”. As it should be, right? The fact sheet and article outline “the Biden-Harris Administration’s record of ensuring that America leads the way in responsible AI innovation.” https://lnkd.in/e-tWZEuQ #grc #riskmanagement #ethicalAI #federalgovernment #govcon