She wants to link up. Today, Ty Heath is bringing the TransformHER conference to the virtual space, and you’re invited to join. The symposium for Women of Color in tech and their allies goes online from 1:30 - 4:30 EST, and “aims to build stronger relationships, have thoughtful and action-oriented conversation and leverage resources to advance their careers.”

As for Ty’s career, and her mission to build stronger bridges for women at work, here’s how it’s going in her own words.

This is the first time that TransformHER’s gone digital with LinkedIn. What can you accomplish at a virtual conference that can’t happen IRL? 
TransformHER Live 2020 represents a unique opportunity to come together virtually as a global community and be a catalyst in transformation. We are excited that by going virtual, anyone around the world will be able to attend this year’s TransformHER conference. You can tune in from anywhere, and jump in and out depending on your schedule.

What’s one piece of really impactful advice or inspiration you’ve gotten from a previous TransformHER event?
One of my favorite quotes is from Carla Harris, Vice Chairman and Managing Director at Morgan Stanley. Carla says, “If you’ve been invited into the room, you belong in the room.” It’s a simple but profound reminder that when you have a seat at the table, use it.

What actions have you taken based on Carla’s advice?
There are two things I’m committed to focus on using my seat at the table. One is supporting my community. I have a responsibility to show up, especially at this stage in my career. People have invested in me. I have access to resources having gone to certain schools and having worked at certain places. Everyone deserves to be supported. However not everyone has access to support. The second is influencing positive change through communications. Communication is cultural currency. I believe that marketing is uniquely positioned to shape how people think, and we should use that position to create positive change. Our industry has the power to influence culture, and I don’t take this lightly.

What’s one experience from your own career that motivates your work with TransformHER?
It’s not just one experience; it’s actually a collection of professional and life experiences that motivates this work! I see a leadership gap in the world around me. To be specific, women and people of color are underrepresented in leadership positions, in venture funding opportunities, and in positions of decision-making power. The implication of this gap is that we aren’t operating at the full potential of what’s possible.  Solving the problems we face today and will face in the future requires talent from all backgrounds and experiences… My co-founder Ezra Zimbler and I founded the TransformHER event as an inquiry into how women of color and allies can look beyond obstacles and mere conversation, and get into action, up-leveling and changing our trajectory.

How can we use our LinkedIn to be a better ally?
One of the most powerful tools you can cultivate is your network. Find ways to expand your community and connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Consider replying to a post or respond to a message from someone that is looking for an opportunity where you could help. Share your personal career experience… or offer to introduce them to someone within your network who might be able to provide more guidance. TransformHER also has a LinkedIn Group you can join to continue the conversation because this should not be a one-moment-in- time thing — it should be something that continues over time.