We Power Tech

We Power Tech sessions

The We Power Tech sessions at re:Invent focus on ID&E in technology. Join us for discussions that explore why applying an equity lens is important to creating inclusive and innovative companies, products, and experiences that reflect the reality of today and the real potential of tomorrow. Sessions are 30-minute breakouts, featuring top thought leaders in business, design strategy, technology, engineering, security, and more.

We Power Tech Lounge

The virtual We Power Tech Lounge is an incubator for audacious ideas and solutions. Join us to learn how our global community of builders is changing the world with cloud technology and leveraging technology to create inclusive products, services, and initiatives. This interactive expo features 15-minute Lightning Talks that explore emerging ideas, innovative programs, and the leadership behind them. You can also join LIVE chats with leading ID&E influencers in culture, technology, social impact, workforce transformation, and entrepreneurship.

We Power Tech Grant

One way AWS supports a future of tech that is diverse, inclusive, and accessible is through our We Power Tech Grant, which is geared toward underrepresented technologists in the first five years of their careers. With re:Invent 2020 moving to a free and virtual event, this application is to apply for a AWS re:Invent 2021 We Power Tech Grant. The re:Invent 2021 We Power Tech Grant program includes registration, airfare, and hotel accommodations for you during re:Invent 2021.

Applications are now closed. Check back in 2021 for more opportunities to apply.

Building an inclusive tech future: Closing the digital divide with accessible technology

Join We Power Tech for the second edition of “Closing the digital divide with accessible technology.” You can view the first edition on demand during AWS re:Invent, starting November 30. We are excited to partner with the Amazon Black Employee Network (BEN) to bring this event to you live on Twitch!

Tech inclusion involves considering the needs of the widest number of people across age, race, gender, and other classifications in the design of tech products, services, programs, and user experiences. Join Michael Jackson, public health and US elections leader at AWS; Angelina Howard, senior product manager at Amazon and president of the Amazon BEN; Nichelle Sanders, strategic advisor at AFROPUNK; and Amanda Rodrigues Smith, We Power Tech global program manager to learn how they are leading by example to accelerate equity in tech while creating new pathways for next-generation talent of all abilities to learn, inspire, and lead in the innovation economy.

While a Twitch account is not required to view this stream, you must be logged in to participate in the chat. If you do not have a Twitch account, you can create a free one. Be sure to follow the BEN channel on Twitch and sign up for notifications to receive an alert once we go LIVE.

This event is open to the public. Register now and share with your network!

Building an inclusive tech future: AWS Uptown launch

Join We Power Tech and A$AP Ferg, for the launch of AWS Uptown during re:Invent 2020. AWS Uptown is an upskilling initiative for underrepresented early-stage startups and small businesses, with a focus on Black, LatinX, and Native American entrepreneurs. The program brings cloud to the community, and aims to foster a more diverse, inclusive, and accessible startup ecosystem.

This session includes details about the program along with a panel discussion featuring Jarman Hauser, AWS business strategy specialist; Lenore Champagne Beirne, Bright Ventures Leadership Accelerator; award winning artist and designer A$AP Ferg; along with an all-star roster of AWS startup founders.

We are excited to partner with the Amazon Black Employee Network (BEN) to bring this event to you LIVE on Twitch!

While a Twitch account is not required to view this stream, you must be logged in to participate in the chat. If you do not have a Twitch account, you can create a free one. Be sure to follow the BEN Twitch channel and sign up for notifications to receive an alert once we go LIVE.

We Power Tech works with a global community of technologists who represent backgrounds as diverse as our world. If you are interested in learning more about our partners and connecting with community-based pipeline initiatives that provide access to training, education, careers, and networking follow these links to discover more.

AWS Educate

Through AWS Educate, students and educators have access to content and programs developed to help them skill up for cloud careers in growing fields. AWS Educate also connects companies hiring for cloud skills to qualified student job seekers with the AWS Educate Job Board.

AWS Heroes

The AWS Heroes program recognizes a vibrant, worldwide group of AWS experts whose enthusiasm for knowledge-sharing has a real impact within the community. Heroes go above and beyond to share knowledge in a variety of ways, including online via social media, blog posts, open-source projects, and forums or in person at conferences, workshops, and user group events.

AWS re/Start

AWS re/Start is a full-time, classroom-based skills development and training program that prepares individuals for careers in the cloud and connects them to potential employers. A technology background is not required to apply. The program is focused on unemployed or underemployed individuals, including military veterans, their families, and young people. Through real-world, scenario-based learning, labs, and coursework, learners can gain the technical and soft skills they need for an entry-level cloud role. AWS re/Start also provides learners with resumé and interview coaching to prepare them for employer meetings and interviews.

AWS Training and Certification

AWS Training and Certification helps builders obtain and validate their cloud skills. Content is built by experts at AWS and updated regularly to keep pace with AWS updates and help ensure cloud practitioners are learning the latest and keeping their cloud skills fresh. AWS offers both digital and classroom training. Digital training allows builders to learn online at their own pace. With classroom training, you can learn best practices from an expert instructor. In addition to in-person classes, virtual training enables builders to take courses from anywhere.

AWS Academy

AWS Academy provides higher-education institutions with a free, ready-to-teach cloud computing curriculum that prepares students to pursue industry-recognized certifications and in-demand cloud jobs. Our curriculum helps educators stay at the forefront of AWS Cloud innovation so that they can equip students with the skills they need to get hired in one of the fastest-growing industries.

AWS Activate

AWS Activate provides startups with a host of benefits, including AWS credits and technical support and training, to help grow your businesses. Activate benefits are designed to give you the right mix of tools and expert support so you can succeed with AWS while optimizing performance, managing risk, and keeping costs under control.

AWS CloudStart

The AWS CloudStart program is offered within the United States and designed to support economic development in communities that are just beginning their cloud journey. With AWS CloudStart, economic development organizations (EDOs) can support digital transformation and stimulate business growth. The program offers access to AWS credits, technical advisors, cloud training, practice labs, and other resources at no cost. With AWS CloudStart, organizations can use AWS technology to support economic growth, promote innovation, build the intellectual capital needed to excel in the digital economy, and ultimately, help attract new economic activity.

AWS InCommunities

AWS InCommunities is a team within the AWS Infrastructure organization that focuses on community engagement, with a focus on building and supporting global and local initiatives around science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) education; tech workforce development; and environmental sustainability. This includes empowering employees to take on causes that create positive change in meaningful and lasting ways.

Amazon in the Community

Amazon in the Community is a team within the Amazon’s Infrastructure organization that focuses on community engagement, with a focus on building and supporting global and local initiatives around science, technology, engineering, arts, and math education (STEAM) education; tech workforce development; and environmental sustainability. This includes empowering employees to take on causes that create positive change in meaningful and lasting ways.

For questions about the program, reach out to awsreinvent-support@amazon.com.