At Wednesday's Tech Fair, justice-involved people will learn about the benefits of technology in the workplace. Photo courtesy of The Fortune Society
April 30, 2024 From the Queen's Post News Team
New York-based nonprofit Fortune Society held its third annual Tech Fair in Long Island City on Wednesday, giving dozens of justice-involved New Yorkers the chance to learn about opportunities in the information and technology field.
The tech fair, held at the Fortune Society headquarters at 29-76 Northern Blvd., featured information sessions and presentations from a variety of companies aimed at helping law enforcement personnel learn about the benefits of technology.
The briefing included talks about the impact of technology on daily life, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Wednesday's tech fair was attended by about 150 law enforcement officials and several high-profile companies, including the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's Center for Workforce and Economic Opportunity and Defy Ventures, a nonprofit aimed at addressing the problem. Lectures were given by companies. Preventing mass incarceration by providing employment and training to individuals with criminal records.
Representatives from Columbia University's Code of Justice, New York City Housing Preservation and Development, and John Jay College of Criminal Justice also held information sessions during Wednesday's technology fair.
Lucinda Cross, founder of personal and business development nonprofit Activate Your Life, also spoke about the importance of technology tools for business success.
Nyerere Hodge from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta spoke about the impact of digital skills on the workplace, and Javier Irizarry from John Jay College of Criminal Justice spoke about the impact of artificial intelligence on modern society.
Additionally, participants took part in an artificial intelligence discovery hub and competed against each other in a typing challenge during Wednesday's event.
Adrian Waley, Fortune Society's senior director of technology training and digital literacy, said Wednesday's event was an attempt to bridge the digital divide for justice-involved people.
““The Fortune Society is steadfast in its commitment to a holistic approach to reentry services, with a focus on technology and digital literacy,” said Whaley.
“Digital literacy is necessary for personal and professional success. It is a testament to the collective efforts of many New York City organizations in pursuit of justice.”
Founded in 1967, the Fortune Society is dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated people reintegrate into society. This nonprofit organization advocates for employment for law enforcement personnel and provides access to educational opportunities and training through events such as an annual tech fair.
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