Accelerating Access to Technology Careers

This year, we continued our tradition of hosting undergraduate, graduate, and early-career women at Pure//Accelerate^® in Las Vegas. Close to 30 Rewriting the Code (RTC) members participated in a day of impactful programming, including attending the mainstage keynote and various conference sessions, networking in the Expo Hall, and meeting Pure Storage CEO Charles Giancarlo, Founder Coz, and other Pure Storage executives and partner leaders during a speed mentoring session.

One attendee shared, "This conference was such a highlight for me as an early career member of RTC. It was so impactful to be heard by senior leadership and network with such an amazing and wide array of individuals-and learning a ton of super cool new (complicated!) information."

Pure Storage executives were highly impressed with this new cohort of talent. Niki Armstrong, Pure Storage Chief Administrative and Legal Officer, remarked, "What an absolute joy and privilege to spend time with these extraordinary young women! Their curiosity, ambition, and purpose-driven energy were contagious and a powerful reminder of why investing in the next generation of tech leaders matters so deeply."

Matt McEntee, National Partner Technical Manager at Pure Storage, added, "One of the most rewarding, and frankly heartening experiences I've ever had at a conference. Our future is in great hands. It is up to us to remove as many obstacles and provide as much air cover as possible for these talented women."

Eva Casenska, Director of R&D Talent Acquisition at Pure Storage, notes, "Supporting early-in-career professionals means so much-not just for them, but for all of us. It's how we build the future, fuel innovation, and keep growing as a company and a community. I'm so proud that Pure gets to be part of their journey. I left truly inspired by their stories and grateful to have learned from their diverse experiences."

Hosting RTC members at Pure//Accelerate is just one way we support the next generation. Both Pure Storage and the Pure Good Foundation provide grants to nonprofit organizations globally to dismantle barriers and broaden access to rewarding careers in the technology sector.

Here's a look at the impactful work of our grantees this year:

• ColorStack: Builds community, offers academic support, and facilitates career development for college students.

"Joining ColorStack this spring has been life-changing. I chose a major that nobody around me took, and that came with immense pressure trying to stay on top of my work and facing impostor syndrome. Not only did ColorStack provide a safespace community that gave me a sense of belonging, but also collective struggle and growth, which cleared the path for my professional career and made me feel confident" - Ahmed Osman

• Last Mile Education Fund : Provides crucial and timely financial aid to college students facing economic hardship, increasing graduation rates for those pursuing technology degrees nationwide.

"I thought I would drown in a sea of financial debt after college. I used to commute long hours to school every day, which took a toll on my academic performance and punctuality to my classes. When I met Last Mile, they provided the financial assistance that not only helped me move to campus but also helped me become part of a community I never knew I needed. Last Mile funds helped me cross the bridge of fear that gripped me when I thought I would not be able to graduate on time." - Esther Akinpelu

• Rewriting the Code : Delivers support, mentorship, and educational resources to cultivate sustainable careers, promote professional advancement, and ensure equal opportunities in tech.

"As a first-generation college student from a low-income background, I faced industry challenges, but RTC's community and resources helped shape my early career. Through RTC, I connected with partner companies for both my full-time jobs and gained key skills in recruiting, interviewing, negotiating, and self-advocacy. RTC has not only shaped my career but also reinforced the importance of community and perseverance in the face of challenges." - Lizzy Mair

In addition, Pure Storage has also joined the Reboot Representation Coalition, collaborating with over a dozen other organizations to create more pathways into emerging technology fields. And, in India, we are strengthening our partnership with Chanakya University by funding merit-based scholarships as part of our collaboration to establish a Pure Center of Excellence.

Pure Storage and the Pure Good Foundation expand access to opportunities and strengthen pathways to fulfilling careers in technology. Through strategic grants and employee volunteerism, we can build a more promising future for everyone.