‘From Silence to Silicon’: Project offers US immersion for Black and peripheral entrepreneurs

The program offers immersion in one of the world’s best-known innovation and technology hubs

What if, suddenly, it was possible to take an all-inclusive trip to California, USA, for an immersion in one of the world’s best-known technology and innovation hubs? go to Silicon Valley it is a dream for many professionals in the sector, but for some of them it is an almost impossible reality.

It is for this audience that the “From Silence to Silicon” project intends to provide the experience of living, in practice, the routine of large avant-garde companies, in addition to the entrepreneurship already practiced in the Brazilian suburbs.

Behind the idea is diversity and inclusion analyst Danielle Marques, 28. She residing in the suburb of Ribeirão Preto (SP), she had the same experience in the United States in 2021, when she received a scholarship that financed a course there. However, the trip was nearly cut short due to lack of resources to cover other basic expenses. The young woman then needed to do “crowdfunding” so as not to have to give up the opportunity.

“When I started calculating the costs of the trip, I saw that I didn’t even have the necessary amount. I was very close to losing my scholarship, and I still didn’t even have a visa. With R$5?, remember.

The days in Silicon Valley changed Danielle’s life in a time of professional transition. Until then she, who had graduated in Administration with a scholarship Pro Uni, worked in another area. Migration to the technological sector, while on the one hand it represented a moment of great professional affirmation, on the other it made him perceive uncomfortable contrasts, which became even more evident during the immersion. For starters, he says that in the group of 70 Brazilians she was the only black woman. On the site, he also noted that there was a diversity cultural but not racial.

With the project – carried out in collaboration with friends Lucas Henrique and Evandro de Oliveira – the analyst realized that it could allow more peripheral and black entrepreneurs to have the same opportunity as hers.

The connection proposal between the Brazilian suburbs and Silicon Valley – in partnership with the startup Start – aims to benefit 10 entrepreneurs with activities in the technology sector. In addition to the racial and housing criteria, it is necessary that the interested party has command of the English language. However, an intensive course will be offered for those who are not fluent. Those selected will visit the centers of the world’s leading technology companies.

Applications are open until February 20 on the website: www.dosilencioaosilicio.com.br

Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.