Women in Tech: How Black Women are Working To Break Barriers
Black women have been making significant strides in the technology sector for decades, yet the industry still has a long way to go when it comes to promoting diversity and inclusion. Despite their immense contributions, many Black women in tech still face significant challenges, from a lack of access to resources and opportunities to systemic racism and sexism in the workplace.
In recent years, however, the tech industry has made some progress in recognizing the talents and contributions of Black women. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple have all made commitments to increase diversity in their workforces, and organizations like Black Girls Code and the Anita Borg Institute are providing resources and mentorship opportunities for Black women in tech.
Black women have made their mark in many different areas of the tech industry, from software engineering to UX design. They are also leading the way in the creation of innovative new products and services, from fitness tracking apps to virtual reality experiences.
Despite the progress that has been made, there is still much work to be done to ensure that Black women have the same access to resources and opportunities as their white counterparts. It is essential that tech companies continue to prioritize initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, from mentorship programs to internships and recruitment initiatives.
It is also important to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of Black women in tech, and to ensure that their stories are heard and their contributions are valued.
A Few Black Women in Tech You Should Know
Black women in tech are important for a number of reasons. They bring a unique perspective, skills, and perspective to the tech industry that can help to improve the industry as a whole. They can bring fresh ideas and approaches to the table, which can lead to more innovative solutions. Additionally, they are powerful role models for other black women and girls who aspire to have a career in tech. Black women represent a larger group of people who are often underrepresented and overlooked in the tech industry.
Joy Buolamwini
Joy is the founder of the Algorithmic Justice League and is an advocate for fairness in artificial intelligence. She is best known for her research on facial recognition technology and its bias against women and people of color.
Kimberly Bryant
Kimberly is the founder and executive director of Black Girls Code, an organization dedicated to introducing girls of color to technology. Since its founding in 2011, Black Girls Code has served more than 10,000 girls of color in the US and South Africa.
Dr. Mae Jemison
Dr. Jemison is the first African-American woman in space and the first woman of color in space. She is a physician and a member of the National Academy of Engineering and the National Women's Hall of Fame.
Kaya Thomas
Kaya is a computer science major at Dartmouth College and the creator of We Read Too, an iOS app that helps young people discover books written by authors of color. She is also a National Center for Women & Information Technology Aspirations in Computing awardee.
Kimberly Jenkins
Kimberly is the founder and CEO of Code Fever, a Miami-based organization that provides coding and entrepreneurial training in underserved communities. She is also the co-founder of Refresh Miami and The Idea Center at Miami Dade College.
There are a growing number of programs that are specifically designed to help Black women become successful in the tech industry. These programs often provide mentorship, skills training, career guidance, and access to resources that may not be as readily available to them. Many of these programs are designed to increase the number of Black women in the tech industry, address the gender pay gap, and help close the opportunity gap.
Some of these programs offer scholarships to help cover the cost of tuition or training for women who are interested in pursuing a tech career. These programs are creating a more equitable and diverse landscape for Black women in the tech industry and empowering them to succeed.
By creating an environment in which Black women feel welcomed and supported, the tech industry has the potential to open doors to new opportunities and create a more equitable and inclusive future.
