Name: Building the Public Interest Tech Workforce
Start: 2026-03-28T12:15:00-0400
End: 2026-03-28T13:15:00-0400

Welcome to NYC School of Data — a community conference that demystifies the practices and policies around open data, technology, and service design. Hosted by BetaNYC at CUNY School of Law, this year’s conference concludes NYC’s Open Data Week 2026 and is the TENTH edition of both SoData and Open Data Week!

Register for tickets: < https://ti.to/betanyc/nycsodata26 >

2026 is bigger than ever with 40+ sessions organized by NYC’s civic technology, data, and design community!

Day 1: the classic NYC School of Data conference, with programming across 12 rooms during 4 session blocks.
Day 2: NEW in 2026 – UnSchool of Data! The unconference agenda is created together on the day, with attendee pitches at the top of the day. Select sessions have been pre-seeded by BetaNYC to kick things off.

Our venue is accessible and content is all-ages friendly! If you have accessibility questions or needs, please email us at < [email protected] >.

Building the Public Interest Tech Workforce

Saturday March 28, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

2-301 - Auditorium

As governments and communities increasingly rely on data, digital services, and AI, the need for a strong public interest technology workforce has never been greater. This session explores how cities, nonprofits, educators, and community organizations can create inclusive pathways into civic tech and digital public service careers, with a focus on expanding access for people historically excluded from the tech sector. We’ll highlight the skills, partnerships, and training models needed to grow a diverse pipeline of technologists who can support effective, equitable digital government in New York.

Moderators

Meisha Porter

Senior Visiting Fellow, Center for Educational Innovation

Speakers

Julie Won

Council Member - District 26, New York City Council

Julie Won represents the 26th Council district in Western Queens covering the neighborhoods of Long Island City, Sunnyside, Astoria, and Woodside. She is the first woman and immigrant to represent this district in the city’s history. As a tenant and activist, Julie has committed... Read More →