THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

Columbia College is proud to be a part of TransTech Summit and its quest to make technology accessible to, and inclusive for all people- regardless of their identity. Columbia College believes exposing our students and community to technological advancements, as well as the people at the forefront of such innovations, produce the kind of professional growth that we seek. Educational institutions have an intrinsic duty to facilitate spaces where young minds interact with professionals in their industry; it is through these encounters that the tangibility of their degree becomes solidified.

On Saturday, Nov. 4 the TransTech Summit begins at the Groupon Headquarters. When asked why they sponsored the summit they said, "Groupon is committed to hiring and cultivating top talent in order to drive results and position ourselves for the future. As a global marketplace, having a diverse team helps us better understand and meet the needs of our customers and merchants everywhere we do business." The TransTech summit will begin with breakfast followed by a day of workshops, talks, caucuses and more! Lunch will also be provided with a special presentation from employers armed with active job openings and ready to interview and talk to Summit Attendees right after lunch in the most interactive Career-Fair yet! The TransTech Summit will end with a closing plenary event featuring an intergenerational panel discussion in partnership with AARP.

"With almost 900,000 of our nearly 38 million members self-identifying as LGBT, AARP is pleased to be a part of this groundbreaking summit," said Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey, AARP Senior Advisor & National LGBT Liaison. "We look forward to listening, learning, sharing, and ultimately acting on aligned opportunities to address the social and economic insecurity of LGBT older adults."

AARP's support for the TransTech Summit is the result of recent national LGBT research efforts that are strengthening AARP's organizational readiness to address the forces that impact the health security, financial security and personal fulfillment of LGBT older adults. AARP is excited to share this data with the trans and tech community. AARP looks forward to collaborating with key stakeholders to create real solutions and real possibilities for traditionally marginalized members of the LGBT Community.

The TransTech Summit aims to bring the LGBTQIA community together with a focus on the T to learn new skills, interact with new media technology, engage with true equal opportunity employers, as well as network with other LGBTQIA people who have accomplished similar goals or be inspired to start their own business!

"Fueled by a fundamental belief that having access to financial services creates opportunity, PayPal ( NASDAQ: PYPL ) is committed to democratizing financial services and empowering people and businesses to join and thrive in the global economy."

Registration for the summit is $60 for professionals and $30 for students. Donation tickets can also be purchased on behalf of attendees who are unable to afford to attend. Angelica Ross has also reached out to various community organizers and organizations like S.W.O.P. Chicago to provide free tickets to the summit to make sure more members will have access to the summit. Sponsorship and career fair opportunities are still available for interested organizations and employers. Email info@transtechsocial.org for more information. Please visit www.transtechsocial.org/summit for more information .