LES Webinar:  Advancing Diversity in the Innovation Cycle

The Licensing Executive Society Silicon Valley Chapter (LES-SVC) is pleased to present this webinar sharing insights on what inspires and fuels a sustainable innovation environment. For decades, Silicon Valley's technological innovations and culture have transformed the world, driven by a unique mix of venture and intellectual capital. An essential challenge in its culture is regaining the spotlight: diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). While to some organizations, DEI is a PR/Marketing "program of the month," to others, its well-known benefits have long been acknowledged but with marginal adoption. The reality remains that bringing together diverse minds and builders is necessary for sustainable success in business, research, and education. 

Join us for lively exchange among experienced innovators and business professionals addressing key topics, including: 

• What is the DEI experience informing us about the current landscape of diversity and inclusion in innovation?
• How organizations can objectively support the innovators to achieve improved business outcomes
• Impact of DEI in product design and technology on the desired business outcomes. 
• What changes in organizational behavior are needed to move forward?

PANEL: 
Candice Brown Elliott, Inventor/Technology Entrepreneur and Founder/CEO, Nuovoyance 
Darius Sankey Ph.D., General Partner and Managing Director, Innovation Acceleration Capital, and General Partner, Moore Ventures 
Muriel Médard, Ph.D., Professor of EECS at MIT, IEEE Fellow, and Chief Scientist, Steinwurf 
Soody Tronson, Founder/CEO, Presque Medical, Founding Managing Counsel, STLG Law Firm, LES-SVC Board Member and Past-President 
Victor “Divine” Lombard, Entrepreneur & Founder, Hip-Hop/Rap Recording Artist, Advocate & Activist, Actor, and "Official Rapper,"  Andreessen Horowitz (known as "a16z")  
Moderator: Michael Pierantozzi, Principal/Owner, Andiamo Associates, LLC, LES-SVC Board Member