Will I be good enough? Entering the tech industry as a young black woman is both exhilarating and daunting. The fear of the unknown, the pressure to succeed, and the challenge of breaking barriers can be overwhelming. But today, I choose to embrace these fears and turn them into my driving force. When I first considered transitioning into IT & Healthcare Management, I was met with a whirlwind of emotions. Doubts crept in: "Do I have what it takes? "Can I navigate this male-dominated industry?" But then, I remembered why I started this journey. My passion for technology and its potential to transform lives, combined with my background in IT infrastructure, security, and data privacy, propels me forward. My experiences, from being an IT & Security Specialist to a Care Coordinator, have equipped me with unique insights that I bring to the table. To all the young black women standing at the crossroads of fear and ambition, know this: your voice matters, your skills are needed, and your perspective is invaluable. The path may be challenging, but it is also rich with opportunities for growth, learning, and impact. Every day, I remind myself that diversity fuels innovation. By stepping into this field, we are not just finding our place; we are creating it. Let's support each other, celebrate our victories, and turn our fears into the foundation of our success. Here's to new beginnings, breaking barriers, and making our mark in the tech world. Let's do this together! 📢 #WomenInTech #BlackWomenInTech #TechJourney #DiversityInTech #Inspiration #NewBeginnings
Praise Ajiboye, MBA, CC2’s Post
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A few years ago, I chose to be intentional and discerning about the content I consumed on topics relating to women in tech/business. While it *might* contain factually correct information, I found that the prevailing narrative often placed undue and unfair responsibility on women alone (to limit beliefs, change behaviours/actions, etc.), absolving all stakeholders of shared accountability. I found myself internalizing the content as my reality. As I grow in my career and mentor more early-career women, I notice that many of them do the same. They carry the weight of dreadful, looming narratives on their shoulders, shaping their perception of self and others (especially when they are being inundated with it across multiple platforms simultaneously). For example, here's how I would reframe the titles of some articles I read. ❌How women job search differently ✅How recruiters evaluate candidates differently ❌Why women in tech are so angry all the time ✅The tech industry's impact on women's anger ❌Black women need to support each other even more in professional settings ✅Black women's urgent need for solidarity in professional settings A subtle, consistent shift in framing can profoundly impact our perception over time.
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Hey Amazing Ladies, Join me and my amazing co-host, Kim Martin in an exclusive webinar on "Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Smartly: Pearls of Wisdom from our Black Women in Tech!" Together, we'll create a space for open dialogue and share practical strategies to overcome imposter syndrome. Get ready to be inspired by the stories and wisdom of remarkable Black women. Being a Black woman in tech can be tough. We're only 3% of the industry, and imposter syndrome can feel like a constant battle. But guess what? We got this! This webinar's all about: + Understanding imposter syndrome and how it affects us specifically. + Hearing inspiring stories from Black women who kicked imposter syndrome to the curb. + Learning practical tips to manage those self-doubts and build confidence. + Connecting with a supportive community of Black women in tech. Mark your calendars! Date: Thursday, July 11th Time: 10:00 AM CST / 11:00 AM EST Don't miss out on: Understanding imposter syndrome and how to fight it. Celebrating the incredible achievements of Black women in tech. Building the support network you need to up your level. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gWB4PDpV Spread the word! Share this with any Black women in tech who might be interested. ✨ #BlackInTech #ImposterSyndrome #Empowerment #Webinar #JoinUs #WomenInLeadership #Webinar #Empowerment #LeadershipDevelopment #Networking #Mentorship #CareerMapping #InclusiveLeadership #ChangeMakers
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🌟Empowering the Next Generation: Creating Pathways in Tech for Black Youth! As advocates for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, we believe in investing in the future generation of Black technologists. Today, we're exploring an important question: 🔍 How can we create pathways for Black youth to explore and pursue careers in technology from an early age, breaking down barriers and fostering a pipeline of diverse talent? It's crucial to provide opportunities and resources that empower young Black minds to discover their potential in tech. Share your ideas, experiences, and initiatives in the comments below! Let's work together to inspire and uplift the next generation of tech leaders. 🚀 #TechForBlackYouth #DiverseTalentPipeline #JoinTheConversation #BlacksInTech
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#GETInsights - Did you know that Black, multiracial, Indigenous, Pacific Islander, and Latina women make up the bottom 6% of all tech industry new hires? We’re on a mission to bridge the gap at an accelerated pace! At GET Cities, all of the work we do is intentionally and thoughtfully designed to address the existing inequities in the ecosystem. While there’s no doubt progress has been and continues to be made, there are still very clear existing inequities when it comes to seeing historically excluded talent stay in tech long term, and advance to higher level roles like CEO. In order to address this, we must focus our efforts intentionally on initiatives like DEI, resource allocation, increasing funding opportunities for historically excluded talent and opening up networking opportunities for all - equally. Interested in following us on our journey to create a shift toward equity?! Visit the link here: https://bit.ly/45Rhbts Read more statistics here: https://bit.ly/49R3flm
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🌟 Reflecting on the Just Concluded Tech and Connect Summer Party 2024 🌟 I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the Tech and Connect Summer Party: Black Women Meet Black Men in Tech in the UK. This event was more than just a gathering; it was a powerful reminder of the strength, talent, and innovation that exists within our community. From the moment I arrived, I was surrounded by passionate and driven individuals who are making waves in the tech industry. The energy was palpable, and the conversations were enriching. It was a privilege to connect with so many brilliant minds, each with their unique stories and experiences. One of the highlights for me was when Flavilla Fongang and her team spoke about the importance of having Black women involved in tech. Their insights and dedication were truly inspiring. I had the chance to speak with numerous attendees and hear their stories of resilience, creativity, and perseverance. These conversations provided valuable advice on navigating the tech landscape and emphasized the importance of community and support. Here are a few key takeaways from the event: 1. **Networking is Key**: Building connections with fellow professionals can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations. The power of a strong network cannot be overstated. 2. **Community Matters**: Finding and fostering a supportive community can significantly impact your professional and personal growth. Being part of a network that understands and uplifts each other is invaluable. 3. **Representation is Crucial**: Seeing successful Black professionals in tech is motivating and reinforces the importance of diversity and inclusion in the industry. Representation matters, and it inspires the next generation to pursue their dreams in tech. I am incredibly grateful for the chance to attend this event and for the new connections I made. It was a reminder of the importance of creating spaces where we can come together, share, and uplift one another. Thank you to the organizers Tech London Advocates & Global Tech Advocates for putting together such a phenomenal event and to everyone who attended for making it so memorable. A special shoutout to Olufunke Ajenifuja and Elizabeth Odioko for their contributions and efforts in making this event a success for me. I’m looking forward to seeing the continued impact of our collective efforts in the tech industry. Let’s keep pushing boundaries, supporting one another, and driving change. #TechAndConnect #BlackInTech #Networking #Community #DiversityInTech #Inspiration #Gratitude #TechEvent2024 #RepresentationMatters
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If you didn’t know Black women in Tech are facing significant challenges when it comes to advancement in their fields. According to this article by Built In, there are 700,000 open tech roles in the country, but high-wage employers are often unwilling to hire the Black applicants who are qualified. We are simply not being hired due to biased hiring processes. And when we are, we encounter unique obstacles and resistance at every turn. To build a diverse hiring pipeline, companies must focus on debiasing their hiring processes. Your organization can do this by: - Reviewing job descriptions to ensure the language used is inclusive and equitable. - Examining candidate requirements to determine who might be excluded based on the criteria. - Expanding their hiring sources to avoid homogeneous results. - Ensuring hiring panels are diverse, so candidates meet with a range of employee backgrounds. - Training hiring managers and talent acquisition teams on inclusive hiring practices. Additionally, organizations must remember that an inclusive recruiting strategy is only the first step. They should also focus on retaining diverse talent by fostering a workplace culture that builds a sense of belonging for everyone, regardless of their background. If the environment is not welcoming, supporting and empowering, recruitment efforts may fall flat. Check out the full article, it was a great read:
Addressing the Challenges Facing Black Women in Tech | Built In
builtin.com
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The State of Representation in Tech Despite rapid growth and innovation, Black professionals remain critically underrepresented in tech. This lack of diversity stifles industry growth and innovation. This article explores the current state of representation, the importance of diversity, and initiatives making progress. Current Representation: The Numbers McKinsey & Company reports that only 3% of employees in the top 75 tech companies identify as Black, highlighting significant disparity. The Impact of Underrepresentation Lack of diversity stifles innovation and limits business outcomes. Diverse teams bring varied perspectives, leading to more creative solutions. A homogeneous workforce can negatively impact culture, leading to isolation and disengagement among underrepresented employees. Company Spotlight: Microsoft Microsoft has increased Black representation from 2% to 10% over five years through targeted recruitment and mentorship programs. Interview with Lindsay-Rae McIntyre, Chief Diversity Officer at Microsoft: Q: What strategies have you implemented to improve representation? A: Building relationships with HBCUs and launching internal mentorship programs have been key. These initiatives have created a more inclusive workplace. Key takeaways: partnerships with educational institutions, providing mentorship, and fostering an inclusive environment are crucial for long-term success. Profiles of Prominent Black Tech Leaders John W. Thompson, Chairman of Microsoft, and Reshma Saujani, CEO of Girls Who Code, highlight the importance of perseverance and mentorship. Programs offered by Black Professionals in Tech Network (BPTN) provide crucial guidance and networking opportunities. Sponsoring and enrolling in BPTN events, like BFUTR 2024, helps bridge the representation gap. Join the Conversation Join the conversation on social media using #DiversityInTech and BlackTechProfessionals. Connect on the OBSIDI platform at [BPTN.com](https://www.bptn.com) for mentorship, networking, and events like BFUTR 2024. Next Steps Support diversity in tech by implementing inclusive hiring practices, establishing mentorship programs, and investing in education initiatives for underrepresented communities. Addressing representation in tech is crucial for creating an inclusive, innovative industry. By understanding challenges and learning from successful initiatives, we can foster an environment where diversity thrives. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we delve into the educational barriers faced by Black students pursuing tech careers.
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Breaking Down Barriers: The Challenges Faced by Black Professionals in North America's Tech Industry Despite strides in diversity and inclusion, Black professionals in North America's tech industry continue to face significant barriers to entry. These obstacles not only hinder individual careers but also impact the industry's overall growth and innovation potential. Representation and Inclusion: Black professionals remain underrepresented in the tech sector. According to a report by McKinsey, only 3% of employees in the top 75 tech companies identify as Black (McKinsey & Company). This lack of representation perpetuates a cycle where aspiring Black tech professionals lack role models and mentors within the industry. Educational and Skill Gaps: Access to quality education and resources is a significant barrier. A study by the National Center for Education Statistics highlights that Black students are less likely to have access to advanced placement courses in STEM fields(NCES). This disparity results in fewer Black graduates with the technical skills required for entry-level tech positions. Bias and Discrimination: Implicit bias and discrimination in hiring and workplace practices further exacerbate the issue. The Kapor Center's Tech Leavers Study found that Black employees are 3.5 times more likely than their White counterparts to leave the tech industry due to unfair treatment(Kapor Center). This environment not only deters new entrants but also leads to higher attrition rates among existing Black tech professionals. Networking and Opportunities: Networking plays a crucial role in career advancement, yet Black professionals often find themselves excluded from these informal networks. Research by the Harvard Business Review indicates that Black employees receive less sponsorship and mentorship compared to their peers, limiting their career progression opportunities -Harvard Business Review. Economic Barriers: Economic factors also play a significant role. Many Black families face economic challenges that limit access to expensive training programs and technology necessary to develop relevant skills. According to the Brookings Institution, the median wealth of Black families is significantly lower than that of White families, which impacts the ability to invest in tech education and career advancement -Brookings. Moving Forward: Addressing these barriers requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders in the tech industry. Companies must implement inclusive hiring practices, provide mentorship and sponsorship programs, and invest in educational initiatives that target underrepresented communities. By doing so, the tech industry can tap into a broader talent pool and drive innovation through diverse perspectives. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on how we can collectively work towards a more inclusive tech industry. #DiversityInTech #Inclusion #BlackTechProfessionals #TechIndustry #EqualOpportunity
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Are you ready for a true behind-the-scenes look into some of the world's biggest tech companies with today's #BlackstoneShowcase? SEEN YET UNSEEN: A Black Woman Crashes the Tech Fraternity by Bärí A. Williams releases May 14th and will be exposing just how some of these companies both exclude and are hostile toward Black women and the lasting impact it has on the technology we all use each and every day. 📚✨ Dive into the heart of Silicon Valley through the eyes of Bärí, a pioneering Black woman who navigated the tech giants' hallways, from leading as Facebook's counsel to challenging the status quo. This part memoir, part revelation, unveils the critical impact of excluding Black women from the tech industry not just on the workforce, but on the very products shaping our future. 🔍 In pages brimming with personal stories, Williams confronts the dual invisibility felt by Black women and the consequential risks as the dawn of AI and the Metaverse approach. SEEN YET UNSEEN is a call for genuine inclusivity and listening to Black women to halt the weaponization of emerging tech against marginalized communities. 🚀 Don't miss this insightful read that digs into the obscured realities within tech giants and argues why diversity is not just beneficial, but foundational, to innovation and equity in technology. Preorder here: https://ow.ly/5TjY50QThCE . . . #SeenYetUnseen #TechInclusivity #DiversityInTech #BariWilliams #BariAWilliams #TechXLaw #BlackInTech #BlackXTech #nonfictionbooks #blackwomenintech #blackwomen #womenintech #womeninstem #steminist #memoir #exposé #stem #workplaceequity #equityresearch #diversityequityinclusion #equityforall #embraceequity #equityandinclusion #inclusionmatters #techinclusion #techdiversity #BlackstoneBooks #BlackstoneBookReveal #BlackstonePublishing #BlackstoneAudio
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Put this on your calendar! It's free but there are limited spots...so do it now! AngelsSpeaking, Inc. is hosting an exciting event where L. Angel Henry, MLIS, MBA, PMP, CSM, POPM and Tonya T`ere Webb-Wallace, MBA-PM, CSM, SP4 will dive into the importance of sponsoring Black women in the tech industry. This in-person event will be hosted at the Eight Eleven Group. Learn how to uncover the secrets behind successful sponsorship and how it can help empower and elevate Black women in tech. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to learn, connect, and grow together! Who's needs to be there? Those who identify as Black Women who are: -Executive Level -Seasoned Career Professionals -Early Career/New Graduates -In a Career Transition seeking to pivot INTO tech from another industry -SPONSORS/ ACTIVE ALLIES- if you are a hiring manager, tech startup owner, tech recruiter- we NEED YOU THERE!
Uncorking the Mystery of Sponsoring Black Women in Tech
eventbrite.com
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