More than ever before in the history of our species, people from all over the world and from every possible background and experience can interact and have an impact on each other. Technology has made this possible. In addition, something invented or manufactured in one country is generally available all over the world, enriching and enabling the lives and livelihoods of people everywhere.

Diverse points of view will help us make products that appeal to and enhance the lives of more people in the U.S. and throughout the world. We have only to look at some of the centers of technological innovation in the U.S. such as the Silicon Valley (where I live), and you can see the impact that immigrants and people of very diverse backgrounds have had on the development of technology. According to a 2018 Mercury News article, about 71% of tech employees in the Valley are foreign born.

Technology can benefit all, and all can participate in the creation and use of technology to improve the human condition and that of the world around us. The complexity of the technical and social problems that face us demand insights and creative solutions from all humans. In addition, technology can create new wealth, and being engaged with technology can help people from any background to make a better life for themselves and their families.

I would love to hear from you about your ideas on what IEEE can do to bring in more women and talented people from all backgrounds. We need all the help we can get to address the world’s problems and to take humans to the next stage of our evolution.