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In her keynote titled "Who and What We're Leaving Behind," Bianca Escalante addresses the important issue of inclusion within technology and the Ruby community. She discusses her personal struggle to deliver her talk, which prompted deep reflection on privilege, equity, and the responsibility of the tech community to engage with those who are often excluded.

**Key Points:**
- **Personal Journey:** Escalante shares her experience of finding the right topic for her keynote, leading her to contemplate the divergent paths of individuals, especially relating to privilege and exclusion.
- **The Importance of Inclusion:** She highlights how the exclusion of marginalized groups from technology and society not only impacts their lives but also stifles innovation and progress in the tech industry. 
- **Community Engagement:** Escalante emphasizes the need for technology communities to actively include voices from the margins and recognizes that many tech initiatives fail to consider these perspectives.
- **Empathy and Proximity:** Drawing from Bryan Stevenson’s talk on empathy, she stresses the necessity of closing the distance between different community members to foster understanding and inclusivity.
- **Reflecting on Ruby Community:** The Ruby community’s ethos is rooted in kindness and emotional expression, but Escalante points out that issues of exclusion still persist, highlighting the importance of acknowledging these flaws to promote growth.
- **Call to Action:** Escalante urges attendees to reach out to underrepresented communities and involve them in problem-solving discussions, stressing that the efforts of groups like Code Tenderloin, Annie Cannons, and others are vital in creating opportunities for those historically excluded.
- **Conclusion:** She concludes with an optimistic outlook on the future, emphasizing that by prioritizing inclusivity, communities can unlock a wealth of potential and collectively address societal challenges.

Escalante’s talk serves as a stirring reminder of the values of empathy, community, and inclusivity that drive innovation and societal progress, ultimately advocating for a future where no one is left behind in the conversation about technology and development.

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