Tech & Innovation Blog
GPT Associates Win Big at +Hackathona PUCRS in Brazil
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
“Be creative and trust your solution. Always believe in your idea, work, and team’s dedication.”
GPT Associates Win Big at +Hackathona PUCRS in Brazil
ADP’s Global Hackathon is an exciting time for all ADP associates to be a part of hands-on innovation, no matter where they are. Hackathons serve as a way for participants to dive deep into their creative spirits and innovate in a start-up, sprint-like atmosphere. Beyond ADP, numerous hackathons cover a wide gamut of subjects. Two GPT associates recently shined, coming in second place, at the +Hackathona PUCRS, a 24-hour hackathon in Brazil’s Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) University.
Manoella J., Associate Developer, and Waldyr S., Software Development Intern, partnered on an exciting top-of-mind topic for our products: accessibility. The theme of the event was creating a healthier and more accessible internet. The two focused on mental health and created a browser extension that identifies offensive words and replaces them with their definition, reframing context and reducing negative mental health impacts. We spoke with Manoella and Waldyr to learn more about their experiences participating in Hackathon.
Q: What encouraged you to sign up?
Manoella: I am a student who enjoys problem-solving at PUCRS, and I saw the event’s publicity. As someone who’s always looking for opportunities to innovate, I signed up!
Waldyr: My friends were interested in participating, and we got together to form a team. I hadn’t participated in a Hackathon before, so there was a lot of excitement (and anxiety!).
Q: What was the most difficult part? How did you overcome the challenges?
Manoella: The most challenging part was adapting the extension to change the word on external sites. To overcome this obstacle, we focused on researching bibliographies and collaborating with the IT community to find a possible solution.
Waldyr: Because it’s an extension, my team thought it would be easier, but we faced a few challenges. First, it wasn’t easy calling the API that identifies hate speech, and it was hard to know exactly which words we should replace. We also had to access the User Interface (UI) to send automatically for analysis, which took a large amount of time. We made sure to reach out for help from other developers, addressing the deeper issues. Some tools we used included AWS, Google Perspective API, Python, and JavaScript. My team was proud to develop a creative solution that doesn’t change the meaning of the sentences—but still makes sentences less negative for the users, creating a healthier web experience.
Manoella (third from the right) and Waldyr (second from the right) celebrate with their team.
Q: How did you feel when you heard that you won the challenge in second place?
Manoella: I was pleased and proud of our team. We worked hard for 24 hours to deliver a well-structured, efficient and viable project. It was great to get recognized for sure!
Waldyr: It was a surprise! Even though we believed in our solution, there are other teams that presented great ideas with great experiences as well. We’ve learned a lot connecting with everyone. On top of that, this was our first time participating in the Hackathon and our results exceeded my own expectations.
Q: How did ADP support your participation throughout the Hackathon?
Manoella: At ADP, I have daily contact with good development practices, code optimization, and code versioning—these helped maintain clean and well-presented code for our team. The Hackathon highlights the value of teamwork for me!
Waldyr: When I joined ADP, I learned about agile methodologies—we use them to organize and divide tasks. By understanding these methods at work, I brought what already knew to Hackathon. I’m grateful for all the support I’ve gotten along the way. Here we are, so glad to share our story with fellow associates!
Q: Participating in Hackathon can be intimidating. What advice do you have for future participants?
Manoella: Be creative and trust your solution. Creativity is essential to developing a solution that draws attention to your project. Always believe in your idea, work, and team’s dedication!
Waldyr: Everyone should try it at least once! It’s quite different from what I imagined, doing it with friends there for the same reason as you. We went to learn, have fun and meet new people—reaching second place was a bonus.
Congratulations again to Manoella and Waldyr!
Learn more about working at Brazil Labs and visit Who We Hire.
Tech & Innovation Blog
Hacking the Future of STEM with iWIN EMPOWER and GirlsHack
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We thank the EMPOWER committee and members who generously donated their time to make this event successful.
Hacking the Future of STEM with iWIN EMPOWER and GirlsHack
In celebration and recognition of International Women’s Month, ADP’s International Women’s Inclusion Network (iWIN) Business Resource Group (BRG) sponsored GirlHacks 2022 Hackathon event at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). GirlHacks 2022 was a 36-hour women-centric hackathon that featured motivational speakers, discussion panels, and mentoring programs created to inspire women and support advanced career growth.
The event was an initiative propelled by the iWIN EMPOWER Committee. With core values of inspiring innovation and social responsibility, many ADP iWIN BRG members volunteered to participate in the event. In addition to providing tech guidance during the hackathon, our associates engaged students in thought-provoking discussions about the GPT Development programs, summer internship positions, and work opportunities across ADP.
GirlHacks at New Jersey Institute of Technology
“With a commitment to growing opportunities for women in STEM, the iWIN Empower BRG is proud to offer insight and guidance to new technologists, even before they begin their careers,” said Aini Ali, Vice President of Major Accounts Operations at ADP. “This event aligns closely with our mission to provide tools, guidance, and a network for women and children of all ages to reach new heights of success in STEM careers. It was an amazing experience too.”
The first-place winner of GirlHacks 2022 was Imposter Bubble, a mobile app inspired by the idea submitter’s own experiences with Imposter Syndrome (IS). IS refers to an internal experience of believing you are not as competent as others perceive you. 75% of executive women identified having experienced IS at various points during their careers. Imposter Bubble provides positive, powerful affirmations to women, helping them process their negative thoughts. The application was built using Flutter, a cross-platform app development framework by Google that allows the same codebase to develop apps for iOS, Android, and web platforms. Learn more about the Imposter Bubble and other submissions on Devpost.
ADP iWIN BRG would like to thank the EMPOWER committee and members who generously donated their time to make this event successful. ADP is committed to Diversity and Inclusion. We encourage you to learn about the fantastic opportunities for collaboration and partnership our BRGs offer.
Join our community!
Click here to search for your next move and visit Who We Hire.
Tech & Innovation Blog
My ADP Coming-Out Story
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Whether it is Women’s month, Pride month, or every month over, under, or in-between our personal lives and our professional lives, every moment matters. You matter.
My ADP Coming-Out Story
By Taylor L.M., Information Security Project Manager
Woman. Femme. Queer. Daughter. Wife. Mother (of two). Sister (of seven). Friend. High school drop-out and Wellesley College graduate. Political science major. Data Security Professional.
I proudly shared everything listed above except for the queer part when I started working at ADP nearly eight years ago. That’s not to say I didn’t celebrate everyone else’s “out” statuses. I was in ADP’s Pride Business Resource Group (BRG), where I walked in parades. I rejoiced when we won Obergefell v. Hodges and laughed hysterically with friends when Melissa Ethridge handed Ellen a toaster oven. Yet I continued to “hide” that part of myself in the corporate environment. I was in a relationship with a man, so most assumed, and no one asked. When that relationship didn’t work out, I began dating a woman. I just switched her pronouns to him. But that little omission began to feel like a lie, especially as our relationship grew more serious.
Although I knew ADP supported the community and made huge cultural and legal strides, I was still afraid. I was afraid my co-workers would see me differently – afraid my team would wonder why I had been keeping this secret. Mostly I was afraid that my experience didn’t really “count.”
Did I deserve to be a member of this community that I was simultaneously supporting and keeping at arms-length? In hiding who I was, would people think I had been ashamed before I told the truth, even as I had rallied alongside this community and stood up for their and our beliefs? Had I somehow been complicit in the negativity, ignorance, and distrust of those who do not support us?
I no longer wanted to hide when I fell crazy, madly, deeply in love with Jennie. I wanted to stand up and shout to the rooftops. I wanted to bring my whole, authentic self to work. To be clear, I didn’t climb on the roof at Windward Parkway (don’t do this, it’s dangerous, and you will likely end up hospitalized or in jail). Instead, I chose to take incremental steps to test the waters, as they say. I started by telling one person, then another. I gradually changed he/him pronouns to she/her pronouns in conversations. I showed up at our team’s holiday party with Jennie on my arm.
Jennie and I got married last September, and I proudly displayed one of our wedding pictures on my laptop. Every time I screen-share, I share the bliss of two people in love. I never did see a raised eyebrow, a smirk, nor detected a micro-aggression. That’s not to say that those things don’t still happen all over the place. If you or someone you know is facing discrimination at work, research your rights and get help.
Taylor and Jennie
I’m glad to share that my experience of “coming out” at ADP has always been met with kindness and acceptance. We live in a time when labels can be ascribed to all of us – each is a unique, complex human, yet we are all the same. We struggle. We rejoice. We feel pain. We feel joy. We heal from the past, and we look to a brighter future. More than anything, we all love and seek to be loved in return. In this journey, I’ve learned that every experience counts. Every step I took made me feel better than the one before it. I could have stopped anywhere on that progression, and the outcome would have been the same: I belong, and so do you.
Whether you are “out” to one or all, not yet ready, or a faithful ally – you too belong. Everyone who celebrates love has a role in our community and this movement. Whether it is Women’s month, Pride month, or every month over, under, or in-between our personal lives and our professional lives, every moment matters. You matter. (And our community is always giving out free toaster ovens.)
Let’s work together!
Learn more about what it’s like working for ADP here and our current openings.
Tech & Innovation Blog
ADP Selected to Top 50 by Woman Engineer Magazine
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We thank all of our associates who actively support the creation of rewarding opportunities across ADP.
At ADP, we are committed to driving diversity by providing opportunities for everyone to nurture and grow rewarding careers, ensuring everyone has a voice. We’re proud to offer the best opportunities to work and develop industry-leading technology and HCM solutions.
We’re happy to announce that the culture our associates help to create has made ADP a Top 50 Employer by the readers of Woman Engineer Magazine for the third consecutive year.
Each year, this professional publication surveys women in engineering, computer science, and information technology, asking ADP associates to select companies that provide the most positive working environments for women and position those organizations as highly preferred workplaces.
ADP Tech Associate
The Top 50 list features companies that champion, hire, and promote women engineers with an understanding to value an inclusive, diversified workforce. This award reflects ADP’s strong reputation for supporting career development and opportunities across the teams.
Our Global Product and Technology (GPT) organization aims to set industry benchmarks and has adopted measures that continue to drive progress. Our teams built the ADP DataCloud Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Dashboard to help companies see real-time workforce demographics, which was named the Top HR Product of the Year. This effort joins other products that promote diverse workforces, including our Candidate Relevancy tools and the award-winning Pay Equity Explorer.
ADP Associates in Brazil
ADP also supports philanthropic organizations that nurture the career development of girls and women in the technology field, helping them fulfill their potential as future tech leaders. Our partnership with Girls Who Code and Women in Technology has led to other significant distinctions, such as being named to the Women Impact Tech 100 List, Top 50 Best Workplaces for Women in India, and the 2021 Top Large Company for Women Technologists by AnitaB.org, also marking the third consecutive time ADP earned this achievement. This is on top of our Business Resource Groups and opportunities to share innovative ideas with company events such as the ADP Global Hackathon.
We thank all our associates who actively support the creation of rewarding opportunities for individuals across ADP. Our technology is better because we work together, and Each Person Counts.
Interested in a tech career at ADP?
Click here to search for your next move and visit Who We Hire.
Tech & Innovation Blog
Remote Work Era: Three Challenges to Overcome
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Time to grab on to the perfect opportunity to learn organizational skills, independence, and self-motivation!
Remote Work Era: Three Challenges to Overcome
By Amy H. Chiu, Tech Brand Content Developer
In May 2022, Airbnb’s career page received 800,000 visits since its remote work announcement. What’s the hype? When people say, ‘I work remotely,’ do you think of working from home in pajamas and not worrying about being stuck in traffic?
Remote working is more than that.
As we embrace hybrid and remote workspace, there are more conversations you and your team will be having, including challenges and solutions. As a full-time remote associate who works from a different time zone, I’ve learned methods to stay connected with my team.
My friends in tech often ask me what it’s like working remotely because some of them are considering switching their workstyle. My short answer is remote working is not for everyone.
The story began when I started working remotely as a freelancer a few years ago. Without going to the office, I engaged and experimented with various strategies to complete projects with accuracy and efficiency.
Challenge One – Communication
Are you afraid of missing the hallway conversation that could potentially build trust and work relationships among the team? As an extrovert, my solution is to speak up and share my updates during virtual happy hours and video calls. For example, I challenge myself to say more than “how are you” and answer more than “I’m good.” Having a real, human-to-human conversation during virtual happy hour has taught me to be more empathetic and understanding. I’d check in with my coworker from the other side of the country who caught the flu and adjust the calendar priorities accordingly.
I imagine reaching out can be a challenge for those more reserved in a new environment when they first start in a full-time remote position. This is when turning on video cameras can be helpful during online meetings. We recognize facial expressions during conversations that help us understand the tone of voice without saying too much, and smiling is always a plus!
Challenge Two – Time Management
Another challenge comes in time management, which is especially important for those who work with teams from different time zones. I recommend productivity and time tracking tools such as Toggl and DeskTime that allow you to log the time you spend on each project. The key is to build a schedule for yourself and stick to it. It’s easier to have a routine despite having scheduled meetings on the day or not.
Knowing when to start and pause working is the key for ambitious individuals. Since there’s no hard stop or visually seeing your coworkers packing up to leave at five in the afternoon, give yourself the reminder and permission to finish tasks during your working hours.
Challenge Three – Work Motivation
For those who enjoy the office atmosphere, I recommend joining coworking spaces such as WeWork and Galvanize. You could find a variety of office layouts and meeting spaces, using them to focus on your business. The community can also be an excellent opportunity to network and increase motivation at work.
I work from home and dedicate a space for work only. Having the habit motivates me and sets me in business mode every morning. According to a Social Psychological and Personality Science paper, the researchers asked subjects to change into formal and casual clothing before cognitive tests. They found wearing formal business clothing increases abstract thinking. On the days when I need an extra energy boost, I put on business clothing, even off-camera. The formal attire makes me focus better, and I tend to complete my tasks faster with accuracy.
Welcome to Remote Work
Remote working requires self-discipline, communication skills, and an open mind to collaborate. There will be challenges working with time zones and across teams when you are not sitting across from your coworker in the same office. However, the rewarding feeling of accomplishing projects remotely with the team makes the experience valuable. Please grab on to the perfect opportunity to learn organizational skills, independence, and self-motivation!
We are hiring!
Learn more about what it’s like working for ADP here and our current remote openings.
Tech & Innovation Blog
We are Proud to Design and Create a Workplace for Everyone
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
ADP will continue to strive to be the best place to work, creating a workplace for diverse talents.
We are Proud to Design and Create a Workplace for Everyone
At ADP, we’re constantly working to provide the best possible experience for our clients and associates. We’re proud to announce that we’ve been recognized with various awards! Whether providing outstanding service or creating a great place to work, we always strive to be the best.
iWIN – Business Resource Group
Women Impact Tech 100
When it comes to gender equity in the technology industry, ADP is leading by example. Our technologists are dedicated to developing inclusive products and services, providing a path forward for all our teams.
Women Impact Tech, an organization focused on improving opportunities for women in STEM, has named ADP one of the top 100 Women Impact Tech companies. The recognition criteria measure employee feedback on workplace culture for women, benefits, diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
We are excited to see that our work is reshaping the tech space.
“These top 100 companies are doing the right things that make a difference in women’s ability to have meaningful careers, offering a culture for women to thrive,” said Paula Ratliff, the President of Women Impact Tech.
The good news doesn’t end here! We have also earned recognition from Top 50 Employer by Woman Engineering Magazine, Top 50 Best Workplaces for Women in India, and the AnitaB.org 2021 Top Large Company for Women Technologists for the second consecutive year.
“As a leader, I want to create an environment of empowerment with a diversity of thought and perspectives,” said Laurie Liszewski, VP of Product Development at ADP.
Opportunities across ADP include participation in our Women’s Leadership Development Program, Grace Hopper Celebration with AnitaB.org, and our Business Resource Groups such as iWIN (International Women’s Inclusion Network).
“There’s a lot here to be excited about. We’re all working together, and we’re going to be stronger in the long run,” said Amber Abreu, Senior Manager of User Experience (UX) research at ADP.
We can’t wait to see what’s next!
Next Big Things in Tech
ADP DataCloud has been named on Fast Company’s first-ever list of the Next Big Things in Tech list, honoring the technology breakthroughs that promise to shape the future. We have earned this recognition for our powerful people analytics solution, ADP DataCloud, which leverages our vast workforce data to address the most significant challenges businesses face today, including employee retention, pay equity, diversity, equity, and inclusion shift economic policy. Read the press release here.
In addition to this award, ADP DataCloud has also earned a Stratus Award, the Top HR Product of the Year, and the Data Analytics Innovation of the Year.
We are proud of the product enhancements our teams developed:
- The new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Dashboard allow companies to see the makeup of their workforce and address underrepresentation.
- Organizational Benchmarks taps ADP’s workforce data to help companies decide how best to deploy workers.
- When paired with ADP DataCloud’s Pay Equity Storyboard, clients can generate a personalized planner and budget to help them close gaps and measure maturity against peers.
This award further validates our clients and prospects of what’s to come and why they need us. Congratulations to everyone who has been a part of the development!
ADP 2022 Built In Best Places to Work
We are the proudest of our valuable people and the culture here. Built In, a top industry source for tech candidates to research and review companies, has named ADP with seven awards, including 2022 Best Places to Work in LA and New York City, Best Large Companies to Work & Best Benefits in both cities.
“Now more than ever, we’re proud to offer an engaging workplace with a dynamic culture that empowers our associates to foster innovation and develop innovative ideas with limitless possibilities,” said Aaron S., Senior Vice President of Product Development at ADP. “We are thrilled to be recognized in New York City and will continue our relentless focus on growing our technology from the energy of our associates.”
“Our highly engaged associates know we’re committed to providing each person with opportunities to use their diverse expertise to develop great products and technology that help deliver amazing client experiences,” said Leonard K., Senior Vice President of Product Development. “Built In LA’s recognition is an honor and a direct reflection of the innovation and dedication of our associates.
Built In’s Best Places to Work program rates companies based on their compensation, benefits, and culture. This year’s list highlights those employers who have created a culture that supports employees in-office and virtually that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
Great Place to Work®
Great Place to Work® (GPTW), a global authority on workplace culture, named ADP Brazil Labs and ADP India one of the best companies to work for 2021. GPTW has a mission to build a better world by helping organizations become a great place to work for all.
Here are the award nominations.
ADP India
ADP India
- India’s Best Workplaces for Women 2021
- India’s Best Workplaces™ in IT & IT-BPM 2021
- India’s Best Companies to Work For 2021
- Commitment to Being a Great Place to Work
ADP Brazil Labs
ADP Brazil Labs
- One of the Best Companies in the Rio Grande do Sul.
- Women Impact Tech 2022 Honoree
The awards recognize ADP India and ADP Brazil Labs not only for their talented associates but also for an environment of technological culture and innovation applied in the workspace.
Our clients, associates, and tech recruiting teams remain focused on cultivating valuable relationships in the challenging times of pandemics. We will continue to strive to be the best place to work, creating a workplace for diverse talents.
Thank you, and Congratulations to all our associates who make ADP one of the best places to work!
Interested in a tech career at ADP?
Click here to search for your next move and visit Who We Hire.
Tech & Innovation Blog
Great Place to Work® Named ADP Brazil Labs one of the Best Companies to Work 2021
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At ADP Brazil Labs, the top two areas ranked most highly were pride in exercising the profession and teamwork.
Great Place to Work® Named ADP Brazil Labs one of the Best Companies to Work 2021
Great Place to Work® (GPTW), a global authority on workplace culture, named ADP Brazil Labs one of the best companies in the Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. GPTW has a mission to build a better world by helping organizations become a great place to work for all. ADP Brazil Labs was ranked 20th in the medium-sized category and was recognized as one of the most successful companies implementing people management.
ADP Brazil Labs
How does GPTW rank companies?
GPTW uses a comprehensive method to measure employees’ work experiences and analyze the organization’s practices and culture, setting standards in the industry. The research includes a variety of criteria and ranks the best work environments. The survey covers associates’ evaluations on growth opportunities, quality of life, credibility, a sense of respect, impartiality, and aligning with values in the company. At ADP Brazil Labs, the top two areas ranked most highly were pride in exercising the profession and teamwork.
ADP Brazil Labs Associates Bringing Awareness to Breast Cancer
Over the past few years, ADP Brazil Labs has further strengthened its people management strategies and practices, including team development, improvements, and consolidation to encourage professional growth. The lab values people’s voices, promotes associate engagement and offers management tools. These practices sustain an organizational culture marked by associates’ self-development, leading to great recognition.
The award reinforces ADP Brazil Labs is heading in the right direction. “Being certified by the GPTW RS seal is only possible thanks to our associates,” said Julio Hartmann, the Vice president of ADP Brazil Labs. “They give their best day after day, fulfilling our purpose in building the future of work through technology and innovation.”
Interested in a tech career at ADP Brazil Labs?
Click here to search for your next move and visit Who We Hire.
Tech & Innovation Blog
Brazil Lab’s Alberto Boa Vista, Principal Technology Architect, Wins ADP’s 2021 President CSR Award
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Alberto’s Full Stack Social program focused on web development and behavioral skills, tackling the massive gap of the technology workforce by empowering socially vulnerable youngsters.
Brazil Lab’s Alberto Boa Vista, Principal Technology Architect, Wins ADP’s 2021 President CSR Award
Social responsibility is one of ADP’s core values and is integral to our brand. We recognize two associates each year by presenting the Corporate Social Responsibility Award, acknowledging associates whose commitment to social responsibility has a positive, measurable impact on the communities where we live and work.
President’s Corporate Social Responsibility Award
Bob Lockett, Chief Diversity & Talent Officer, presented the 2021 President’s Award to Alberto Boa Vista, Principal Technology Architect, GPT. “Alberto played a critical role in organizing a course called Full Stack Social, a 14-month theoretical and practical training program to help socially vulnerable children enter the labor market,” Bob said. “He continued to engage other volunteers and presented the project to ADP’s Brazil Lab. The goal of the project is to alleviate poverty by giving software development skills to young people that otherwise would probably never have access to it.”
Alberto (right) with ADP Associates at Award Ceremony
Alberto’s Full Stack Social program focused on web development and behavioral skills, tackling the massive gap of the technology workforce by empowering socially vulnerable youngsters. It is conducted by Marist Social Center (CESMAR), a philanthropic and nonprofit institution with more than 20 years of history dedicated to social responsibility. The center is strategically located in Porto Alegre, Brazil, one of the lowest Human Development Index regions.
Alberto playing the electric guitar
“I play a role in organizing the course’s curriculum, engaging other volunteers, and presenting the project to potential sponsors. I’ve been doing it for almost a year now, and I’m sure it’s just the beginning of this relationship,” Alberto said. “I also believe the market of digital products contribute to this generation’s social and commercial goals.” By volunteering his time and giving back, Alberto feels grateful for every opportunity he gets to share knowledge, collecting beautiful stories from people around him.
Alberto with his family
The recognition was accompanied by a donation, which went to CESMAR, a social center with professionals who focus on education and health. Alberto is confident their well-organized program will continue to transform many more lives. He views the award as a reaffirmation for many people who chose to dedicate their lives to social responsibility. “It’s not easy, and I know it builds on the long history of this institution,” he said. “Thank you, ADP. The donation will surely bring positive changes to the communities.”
Alberto also shared the solid internal communication and a network of contacts he received. “I had no words to describe how proud I am. I received tremendous support from ADP throughout the project. It is inspiring to see people embrace and spread the ideas,” Alberto said. “Every contact I spoke to contributed to actions with inclusion and diversity.”
Congratulations, Alberto!
Thank you for contributing and giving back.
Interested in a tech career at ADP?
Click here to search for your next move and visit Who We Hire.
Tech & Innovation Blog
Innovate with ADP: AfroTech Conference
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
ADP was proud to sponsor AfroTech 2021, an innovative conference for leaders in technology and business. We sat down with six ADP associates who attended the event and learned about their career interests.
Innovate with ADP: AfroTech Conference
ADP was proud to sponsor AfroTech 2021, a multicultural tech conference in the United States, bringing together leaders in technology and business. This year, the panel included a series of in-person and digital events happening during the week of November 18. The attendees got the opportunity to exchange ideas and together built a strong black tech community.
AfroTech World: November 8 – 13
“It’s about connecting and learning from a diverse group of people,” Denise J., Principal Product Manager, shared her perspective.
Dawn D.R., Senior Tech PM
Dawn D.R., Senior Tech Project Manager, believes AfroTech is an opportunity for associates at ADP to think about the future of technology. “Being able to share these ideas and have discussions with others who may have crossed the Digital Divide is special. It’s a win-win. I got to learn from a technology community with cultural similarities and served as a representation for people of color,” Dawn said. “Representation is sometimes all that’s needed to encourage someone and show his/her interest in technology can be more than just a hobby.”
Denise R., Manager of Apps Develop (middle)
“Technology is a bridge to unity, and I was excited to be part of it. I wanted to see how others use their talents to build the bridge and find out how I can share my talents as we move toward continuous improvement and growth globally,” Denise R., Manager of Apps Develop, said. She believes AfroTech is about connection, inspiration, and motivation. “It was wonderful to be a part of the group. I was ready to contribute, exchange ideas, and build a community,” Denise said.
“For me, AfroTech is a place to find acceptance and foster new ideas,” Hafeez R., Director of UX Design, said. He looked forward to discussing technology trends that impacted and enhanced the people of color’s community.
Nathaniel T., Lead UX Designer
Nathaniel T., Lead UX Designer, believes AfroTech is a culmination of hard work, perseverance, and a true testament to the community’s determination. “I was so excited to attend a conference like this. While there are few of us represented in tech, it gave me hope and encouragement when we listen, learn, share, and pass the knowledge along for the folks up next,” Nathaniel said.
“To me, AfroTech was a new experience. It was my first time attending a professional conference. I was very excited to take this opportunity and find out what makes our industry so special,” Sean G., Associate Application Developer, said. He was curious to learn how difference and diversity help innovation in tech.
Who We Are: Belonging and Designing for People
“It’s exciting to hear ADP is a sponsor of AfroTech 2021! ADP proves every day that they are at the forefront of inclusion and diversity, encouraging associates to learn from each other and be who we are,” Nathaniel takes pride in working for ADP.
When it comes to team dynamics and mentorship, Hafeez is grateful for genuine relationships with his peers and teams. The environment motivates him to take part in conferences such as AfroTech. “I am grateful for ADP as I recently took part in a management accelerator program sponsored by McKinsey, in which I learned about business strategy, operations, and leadership training,” Hafeez used the opportunity to broaden his horizon.
We offer a variety of programs and conferences to our associates across the globe. “AfroTech is one of many different opportunities that helped me fuel my growth. The GPT program I joined taught me brand new concepts and ideas about the industry,” Sean said. He also told us he met some of his best colleagues through the program.
Sean G., Associate Application Developer
“I have had the opportunity to attend numerous industry conferences and take advantage of ADP’s tuition reimbursement program. In the past few years, I have achieved two professional certifications from Stanford University using this wonderful program,” Denise J. said. “I feel like I belong when I know my opinion counts. I have also built many valuable relationships throughout the years and created life-long friendships.”
Denise J., Principal Product Manager
At ADP, we value associates’ personal growth and encourage everyone to continue learning. “There is no room for stay comfortable or stagnant, especially in technology. I have access to different learning tools and opportunities to attend conferences like AfroTech, Grace Hopper, and many more! The possibilities are amazing,” Denise R. said.
In addition, Denise said, “I learned about different communication tools from a mentor, and I applied the insights at work and in life. I’m super grateful for the resources provided by ADP! I am looking forward to what’s to come in the future.”
Hafeez R., Director of UX Design
We want to make sure every associate feels supported and performs at their best. “I am always challenged. Growth is valuable to me. ADP, once you are deemed a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in an area or topic, you can seek and offer something completely new. In the beginning, you may feel uncomfortable, but there will always be support,” Dawn said. “There are a few categories in our timesheet that always make me feel supported because I know ADP values my learning and philanthropic growth – Training & Volunteering. Seeing these options listed has encouraged me to explore personal goals and aspirations.”
In the future, ADP will continue providing training and conference opportunities for associates. We encourage our technologists to ask questions and problem-solve, investing in personal growth and learning from each other.
Don’t forget to subscribe to our tech blog! #ADPTech #ADPLife
Learn more about what it’s like working for ADP here and our current openings.
Tech & Innovation Blog
Celebrate with ADP: National STEM/STEAM Day
Impact, Culture, How We Work
Consider volunteering, joining mentorship programs, and giving back to the communities!
Celebrate with ADP: National STEM/STEAM Day
November 8th is National STEM/STEAM Day! Celebrate with ADP and learn how we participated in various events, supporting technologists across the globe.
ADP associates at Grace Hopper Celebration
Supporting Young Talents & Women in Tech
ADP associates from New York and New Jersey volunteered at HackJA, a 24-hour hackathon with more than 100 high school students participating during the last school year. Our associates helped with students’ projects and reviewed the final submissions. The students were assigned challenges related to computer science and information technology. It was an excellent opportunity for young talents to participate in workshops and meet mentors from diverse backgrounds.
“I liked the different activities we could do. I had fun using VR and learning more about Python,” says Jane, a 9th-grade student. “I applied my previous knowledge at the event. I also learned how to be a group leader and split work up evenly,” says Kush, an 11th-grade student.
To encourage women in pursing tech careers, ADP sponsored three scholarships through the Women in Tech (WIT) organization, promoting STEM opportunities. We provide annual scholarships for female leaders who devote their careers to advancing technology.
“At ADP, we are passionate about nurturing and fostering female talents. We believe this is the key in moving our workplace forward,” says Melanie Shook, Vice President at ADP and executive sponsor for WIT on behalf of ADP. “These scholarship investments, through our partnership with WIT, are one way we look to advance technology talents forward.”
ADP sponsored three $5,000 WIT Campus scholarships this year, with ADP’s GPT business unit representatives attending the check award ceremony. “I am extremely thankful to have been chosen as one of the scholarship recipients by ADP and WIT Campus. This money allows me to continue my education at Georgia Gwinnett College and pay off my student loans. It also allows me to connect with many amazing women who were there to support me,” says Briana Hickson, one of the ADP Scholarship winners. Watch the full award recognition video here.
ADP continues sponsoring conferences such as the Grace Hopper Celebration by AnitaB.org and virtual AfroTech Conference happening the week of November 8th, supporting the future generation of technologists.
AfroTech Conference Sponsored by ADP
Get Inspired: Mentorship Program & The Future
We encourage our associates to keep learning and discovering. ADP started the Inspire Business Resource Group, a community mission to imagine, question, and empower. The global group has more than 3,000 associates from 30 countries who actively develop innovative ideas in conversations. The group hosts creative activities such as speaker series, inspired challenges, and innovative discussions. New members are always welcome!
ADP launched the Women in Technology Leadership (WiTL) mentoring program in 2020, providing development opportunities for women technologists. The program pairs Global Product & Tech (GPT) women from different leadership levels with three goals in mind. One goal is to advance diversity and inclusion. Another goal is to increase, retain, and develop top, diverse talents. The third goal is to create a talent pipeline for future leadership roles.
“The program provided a fantastic opportunity for women in leadership to connect and share their experiences. I found it rewarding and inspiring,” one attendee shared. “I gained valuable insights on how I handle challenges in my job. The experience brings confidence and broadens my network.”
Initiatives such as WiTL have helped ADP earn recognition from different organizations. We are named the 2020 and 2021 Top Companies for Women Technologists Winner in the Large Technical Workforce category from AnitaB.org. Readers of Woman Engineer Magazine chose ADP as one of the Top 50 US companies they would like to work for and believe it provides a positive working environment for women engineers.
Communities: Giving Back
It is about sharing knowledge and giving back to our communities. ADP’s UX team from Pasadena provided mentorship and training support to STEAM:CODERS, a California-based non-profit organization with a mission to inspire underrepresented students and their families through STEAM. Our associates invited the participants to our office before the pandemic and provided user experience research and design training as a part of the Design Thinking course.
NJIT Women Hackathon
During the pandemic, ADP sponsored a first all-female 48-hour hackathon in partnership with Major League Hacking, a 24-hour hackathon with New Jersey Institute of Technology Girl Hacks, and a national non-profit organization, Girls Who Code, supporting girls and women in the tech community.
Celebrate National STEM Day with us! Consider volunteering, joining mentorship programs, and giving back to the communities.
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Learn more about what it’s like working for ADP here and our current openings.
