Tyrone Taborn, the CEO and Publisher of Career Communications Group and STEM City USA metaverse founder, was one of four panelists who served on the STEM Panel at the Sigma Pi Phi Parity Project Symposium on  Saturday, April 20, at Dillard University, New Orleans, LA.

As the chairman of STEM conferences and publisher of print and digital media focused on STEM careers, Taborn has strongly advocated for more diversity in STEM and access to more opportunities in the STEM pipeline.

“Yesterday, there was a great discussion at the Parity Project held at Dillard University in New Orleans, where we explored the potential of the Metaverse,” Taborn shared in a LinkedIn post. “The Metaverse is expected to revolutionize the way we interact with each other and with digital content. It has the potential to create new jobs, boost innovation, and increase economic growth, especially in underserved communities. As we move towards this new digital world, it is essential to ensure that everyone has access to the tools and resources they need to succeed. By embracing the Metaverse and other transformative technologies, we can close the digital divide and create a more equitable future. Let’s work together to make sure that everyone has a chance to benefit from the opportunities of the Metaverse.”

Sigma Pi Phi, or The Boulé, is the oldest fraternity designed for African American professionals. The Parity Project is a call to action that aims to achieve parity for Black America by 2030 by leveling the playing field.

Achieving parity means ensuring that African Americans are represented by at least 13.4% in four key areas, including STEM degrees and STEM Jobs, which currently lack diversity.

The Black community is underrepresented in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workforce compared to the share of all workers. While Black workers make up 11% of all employed adults, they account for only 9% of those in STEM occupations, which needs to be addressed. Furthermore, their share is even lower in some STEM job clusters, such as engineering and architecture jobs, where they account for just 5%. The Parity Project’s goal is to increase African Americans’ representation in STEM fields and ensure access to more opportunities in STEM. STEM degrees include life sciences, agriculture and environment, physical and earth science, engineering and architecture, computer and information science, math and science, and health-related fields. STEM jobs encompass life sciences, physical and Earth sciences, engineering and architecture, computer science and math, and health-related occupations, including healthcare providers and technicians.

Other notable panelists lined up for the STEM Panel at the Sigma Pi Phi Paroty Project Symposium included Glenda Newell-Haris, a physician; Daryl C. Williams, executive director for global specialty products at GE Appliances, a Haier Company; and Mark T. Williams, a supply chain leader.