Joe Russo
The Palm Beach Association represents the very best of talent and innovation in the Palm Beaches.
Each day, I lead a full time staff of two wonderful ladies (Stephanie & Tyler), in addition to a team of talented interns each semester. These people reinforce my faith in the future, but remind me that we always need to be doing more.
In 2016, one of our community members came to me and said, “I’m going to do a meetup of women before the Palm Beach Tech Meetup so no one feels like they’re going alone.”
That took me a little aback, for as much as we promote inclusiveness and positivity throughout our organization, we must constantly engage and work to include others in all of our activities.
Recently, an organization similar to Palm Beach Tech was closed down in another state after its leader resigned in response to their misconduct. This has more than ever brought to light our responsibility as leaders to promote the highest standard of character.
I’ve asked our staff and Board of Directors to immediately draft and adopt a Palm Beach Tech Code of Ethics. We must acknowledge that we have a greater duty to assure everyone feels welcome, safe, and at home within our community.
This document will be applied to our organization, our members, and to every person we work with. It will serve as a zero-tolerance policy, outlining our intent to work only with those who value others, no matter their gender, sexual orientation, race, or beliefs.
Additionally, we will call on other technology, innovation, and startup organizations throughout Florida and our country to follow suit. As the gender and ethnic gaps in our industry’s workforce are behind national norms, the actions of some beneath our moral capacity. It’s our duty to lead this change.
We are the embodiment of the future we envision – lets make it one we’re proud of.