Dear ITSMF Family,

2021 has been a year of uncertainty and change…… All I can say is that we are all ready to regroup, restore and REBOOT! REBOOT is our theme for 2022 and we are looking forward to an amazing year for you and for ITSMF, so get ready!

1. 1. All three academies had record participation in 2021 and we are expecting that to continue to 2022.
   2. We are adding new partnerships. We added eight new corporate partnerships in 2021 and two Vibranium sponsors.
   3. We are increasing our capacity to support our members.
   4. We will have hybrid symposiums and hybrid networking events in 2022.
   5. Our college mentoring program is expanding, we have over 50 students. We need your referrals for female college students majoring in IT and your referrals for mentors.
   6. Our Leaders of Color series and our Conversation series are expanding in 2022. We expect to double our number of programs.
   7. We are expanding support to black technology entrepreneurs by building an ecosystem.
   8. We are planning to raise more money! We need your support! If any of the above priorities inspire you to action, please get involved.

Jackson State University (my alma mater) recently recruited the #1 football draft pick away from Florida State. The fact that an HBCU like Jackson State has access to the best college football talent is a sign that some say signals a change in the ecosystem. We believe that ecosystem is changing. Not just for removing barriers for HBCUs but for black technology leaders like you. Now more than ever there is increasing opportunity and interest in retaining, developing, and attracting the best of the best diverse talent. Make sure that you are maximizing your opportunity grow! Put your dreams, goals, and vision for yourself to work. Share your vision and goals. Put your network, mentors, sponsors, academy directors and ITSMF staff and membership to work helping you reach your goals. Ask for what you want and what you need! Let’s REBOOT!

Johanna Jones
President & CEO

About Information Technology Senior Management Forum

Since 1996, Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) has been dedicated to increasing the representation of Black professionals at senior levels in technology to impact organizational innovation and growth. We do this by developing and nurturing these dynamic leaders through enrichment of the mind, body and soul. At its inception, only 3% of senior-level positions in the technology industry were held by Blacks. With a half-million new computer-related jobs expected by 2028, ITSMF is committed to increasing the number of qualified Black professionals for these positions. For more information about ITSMF, visit www.itsmfleaders.org.