Adding Color to the Technology Workforce
Black people are underrepresented in the tech industry, and this lack of diversity has been a long standing issue. In 2020, only 3% of computing-related jobs were held by Black women, and 5% of these jobs were held by Black men, according to the National Center for Women and Information Technology.
“So often the tech industry moves fast and shoots for the stars — yet when it comes to diversity and inclusion, the industry’s progress has been agonizingly slow,” said Oona King, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Snap Inc. which operates Snapchat. “Collective action is key, and we need everyone in business — from CEOs to interns — to be inspired to act.”
There are several causes for this underrepresentation, including historical and institutional barriers to education and employment opportunities, unconscious biases in hiring methods, and a lack of diverse role models and mentors in the industry.
Tech Leaders Offer DEI Solutions
“Diversity, equity and inclusion must be treated with the same prioritization, investment and rigor as other C-Suite priorities — it demands collaboration, accountability and transparency to help accelerate systemic and sustainable change,” said Shannon Schuyler, Chief Purpose & Inclusion Officer at PwC US.
In New Orleans, the NOLAvate Black initiative encourages networking among Black professionals working in tech while also advocating for more accessible pathways into the industry. Since 2018 they have provided individuals with a space to exchange resources, capital, and expertise.
Other efforts focus increasing access to education and training programs for underrepresented groups, promoting diversity and inclusion in hiring practices, and providing mentorship and support to Black individuals pursuing careers in tech.
Nationally, Generation USA aims to move people into life-changing careers that would otherwise be inaccessible by removing barriers for job training for people who are unemployed, underemployed, or need to learn new skills.
There is still work to be done, but progress is being made to increase representation of Blacks in tech fields. Additionally, companies are recognizing the importance of diversity in driving innovation and success and are taking steps to create more inclusive work environments.
“The computing discipline has widely been viewed as central to improving our lives. However, when some groups of people are systemically excluded from participating in the development of new technologies, we risk creating products that primarily benefit some segments of the population,” said Terry Hogan, president and CTO for the National Center for Women and Information Technology. “It’s never been more important to ensure that the computing products and services we rely on are created by a diverse group of people.”
Diversifying the STEM Workforce
Pew Research Center Reveals Uneven Progress
Black and Hispanic adults are less likely to earn degrees in STEM than other degree fields, and they continue to make up a lower share of STEM graduates relative to their share of the adult population.
Defeating Imposter Syndrome
Marginalized Populations Are At Higher Risk
Do you ever feel like you’re a fraud? Over 70 percent of people report experiencing imposter syndrome. Women and people of color account for the most impacted. Don’t believe everything you think.
