Women’s High-Tech Coalition and Wiley Launch ‘Tech Talks Pandemic’ Podcast

May 4, 2020

Wondering how tech is helping America work through the COVID-19 pandemic? During these challenging times, the Women’s High-Tech Coalition (WHTC) is partnering with Wiley Rein LLP to bring together policymakers and tech leaders in series of podcasts, “Tech Talks Pandemic.” Wiley has long supported the Women’s High-Tech Coalition, on whose Board I serve.

In the series, policymakers and private-sector experts talk about how technology is helping address the pandemic. Our first podcasts featured Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA), whose district was first affected by COVID-19; Jamie Boone from the Consumer Technology Association; and Julie Stitzel from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Future podcasts will include Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN), and leaders from various tech companies and associations.

The “Tech Talks Pandemic” podcast programs have included:

WHTC members and the tech community are solving problems, supporting essential workers, facilitating connectivity, and supporting online learning. They are also supporting their customers across the economy. As one CEO said, “At a time when ‘business as usual’ is not an option, we need to focus on helping each other, and assisting our customers as they respond and adapt.”

Here are just a few examples of innovation and resiliency seen across the tech sector, represented by WHTC Board Members’ organizations:

  • In the wireless sector, Verizon, T-Mobile, and CTIA-The Wireless Association are supporting connectivity to keep Americans online, while keeping workers safe and working against COVID-related telemarketing scams. CTIA is reporting changes in voice and data traffic on a weekly basis.

  • General Motors is mass-producing masks and taking other steps to help its communities and the economy.

  • Walmart is adapting its practices to keep Americans nationwide safely supplied, and hiring additional workers. 

  • Facebook is keeping people connected while taking steps to help businesses stay open and accessible online, including by offering $100 million in grants.

  • Symantec is supporting businesses in the pandemic by addressing security challenges and best practices, among other important contributions.

  • Qualcomm’s contributions to telecom networks ensure continued connectivity and innovation in its solutions that are key to business continuity, especially in the critical areas of health care, small business support, and remote education.

  • VMWare is continuing its services and promoting employee and customer safety.

  • The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has extensive resources available. It has been working directly with the government on pandemic response to keep the economy going. It has multiple briefings per week to connect business with government and essential resources. 

  • The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) partnered with the American Telemedicine Association to launch TechHealthDirectory.com, featuring digital health resources and solutions amid the pandemic. In addition, the CTA Foundation promotes technology for the underserved. Its partnerships with AARP and accessibility groups address COVID-19.

  • The Entertainment Software Association is addressing COVID-19 in many ways while its members support gaming innovations that build connections during social distancing. 

  • As TechNet explains, the high-tech sector is working around the clock on COVID-19 response. Tech companies are sharing information on coronavirus with the public; taking care of their employees, partners, and local communities; reducing barriers to teleworking; helping students and teachers stay connected; and providing telemedicine solutions.

What to learn more? Download and listen to Tech Talks Pandemic.

The Women’s High-Tech Coalition (WHTC) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), nonpartisan organization founded in 2000 to promote the exchange of ideas among leaders in the public and private sectors whose focus is technology, innovation, and the development of public policy related to technology. 

Wiley has been a sponsor of WHTC for years, and Megan Brown, a partner in our TMT, cyber and privacy practices has been on the Board. The firm helps clients of all sizes adjust to rapidly-shifting regulatory and legal issues. From working with government to keep businesses going and expand connectivity, to helping companies understand the CARES Act, we have been providing resources and working non-stop to support the private sector’s work amid the pandemic.

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