March 11, 2024
Amelius Carrillo (SCI ’13) is a senior healthcare technology consultant at Orlando Health and member of the School of Computing and Information (SCI) Alumni Board. After earning his undergraduate degree in information science at SCI, Carrillo has developed a successful career in the healthcare technology industry, advocating for greater representation of marginalized groups in STEM fields which have historically underrepresented Black students and professionals.
Q: What is one piece of insight you want to give other Black professionals and students in computing and information?
A: I would like for other black professionals and students to maximize their earning potential while doing what they enjoy. We are fortunate enough to be in a field that is relatively lucrative, but often times we are not paid what we should be. Never be afraid to ask for what you feel you are worth and don’t fear moving on to a new role.
Q: What is one piece of advice you want to share with those currently highly represented in the fields of computing and information to make the field more inclusive?
A: Be able to adapt and keep an open mind to those who do not look like, act like, or have the same background as you. It is easy to take for granted the fact that when you can walk into the workplace, you can be yourself without fear of judgement. It is important to the underrepresented population to feel empowered to be the most authentic version of themselves and have that same sense of belonging. Creating that space for them makes a difference in workplace dynamic and team performance. Just like the tech sector, the workplace is changing rapidly and we, as people, must be able to change just as quickly.
Q: What changes have you experienced over time, and how do you view the environment now compared to when you were a student?
A: Over time, I’ve seen more women and employees of color entering the tech and consulting sectors. I’ve also seen an increase in minority students showing interest and studying to go into STEM fields, which is exciting and encouraging. There is still a lot of room for growth, however, as more people of color enter the field and move into management level positions, the culture of the sector has begun to shift. It still has a long way to go, but there is hope given the progression that I have personally seen.
Q: Where do you think more progress can be made?
A: At Pitt, I think we can do a better job of early recruiting and creating a pipeline of interested and talented black and Hispanic students into SCI. We need to make a conscious effort in our recruiting of inner-city students and finding the funds to support them throughout their collegiate experience. In conjunction with that, we can do more to ensure we are working with companies who make a pointed effort to recruit diverse candidates to ensure that pipeline continues into the workplace. We should always be making continuous efforts to push forward our most underrepresented groups, especially in a time where there are several institutional systems meant to set us back.
Learn more about Carrillo and his work here.
--Alyssa Morales