The tech industry is experiencing a significant surge in demand for cloud computing skills. Job listings requiring cloud expertise have increased dramatically, highlighting a growing skills gap. This demand, coupled with a persistent lack of diversity within the technology sector, presents a critical challenge. Andrea Atkins, a Marketing Manager at Google Cloud, is at the forefront of addressing this issue through initiatives like the Google Cloud Career Jumpstart Program.
Alt text: Andrea Atkins, Google Cloud Marketing Manager, championing tech diversity.
Andrea focuses on higher education offerings within Google Cloud, creating programs specifically designed for faculty and students. Crucially, she is a passionate advocate for tech diversity, developing educational pathways for underrepresented communities who have historically faced barriers to STEM education and lucrative technical careers.
The urgency of this work is underscored by research from Deutsche Bank, indicating that if the racial tech gap remains unaddressed, Black+ and Latinx workers could be unprepared for a staggering 86% of U.S. jobs by 2045. Recognizing this potential crisis, Andrea collaborates with various EDU teams at Google to spearhead programs aimed at reversing this trend and meeting the escalating demand for qualified cloud computing professionals.
“At Google, our mission is to create tools that are accessible and beneficial for everyone,” Andrea explains. “Our education teams are dedicated to providing a comprehensive portfolio of free training resources, hands-on labs, classroom credits, and tailored curriculum. These resources are all designed to empower learners to acquire new skills and embark on fulfilling careers.” Andrea’s commitment is deeply personal. Drawing upon her own experiences as a woman of color navigating the challenges of a computer science degree, she is driven to create change. “Years ago, I was often the only woman and the sole person of color in my computer science classes. I faced bullying and microaggressions, which made the journey incredibly difficult,” she recounts. “Now, I am privileged to contribute to programs like the Google Cloud Career Jumpstart Program, Google Cloud’s pioneering virtual learning initiative specifically for underrepresented communities. For me, it’s about leveling the playing field and creating accessible pathways into technical fields for minorities. This work gives me immense purpose and professional satisfaction.”
Alt text: Andrea Atkins with her mother, a university professor and role model for leadership and service to underrepresented students.
Andrea credits her mother, a university professor who overcame significant discrimination in her own career, as her primary inspiration. “My mother, who came from rural Mississippi and faced considerable prejudice on her path to becoming a university professor, has been my greatest teacher,” Andrea shares. “She never forgot the challenges she faced and dedicated her entire career to serving students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This commitment to service and equity is the value I strive to bring to everything I do.”
While Andrea’s current focus is on the Google Cloud Career Jumpstart Program and promoting tech diversity, her background as a marketing manager at Google Cloud provides valuable perspective. She notes the dynamic and multifaceted nature of marketing, encompassing diverse roles and activities, from data analysis to strategic planning. Effective marketing, she emphasizes, is about connecting the right user with the right product at the right time and cost. Furthermore, inclusive marketing practices are paramount. “As marketers, we aim to create the best possible user experience, and inclusivity is fundamental to that,” Andrea asserts. “From accessible venues to gender-neutral language and diverse imagery, we all have a role to play in promoting diversity and inclusion in our daily work.”
The Google Cloud Career Jumpstart Program stands as a testament to Google’s commitment to both addressing the cloud skills gap and fostering a more diverse and inclusive tech industry. Through Andrea’s dedication and vision, this program is paving the way for underrepresented communities to access valuable cloud computing skills and pursue rewarding careers in technology.
