Celebrating Changemakers: Advocating for Black Women in Tech

Despite residing in an era where technology is actively shaping our lives, the tech industry 

continues to grapple with a significant disparity in representation, particularly concerning Black women, who account for only 3% of the industry. This gap is not just a matter of numbers; it reflects more profound systemic barriers that limit access to education, resources, and opportunities. To create a more inclusive and innovative future, we must dismantle these barriers and cultivate environments where resources are not only accessible but also tailored to meet the unique needs of Black women aspiring to enter and excel in tech.

However, amidst these challenges, there is a resounding cause for celebration. Black women in tech, though underrepresented, have and continue to make remarkable advancements and world-changing contributions. Their creativity and resilience forge new pathways in emerging fields like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, blockchain, automation, and renewable energy. Black women are not just participants but trailblazers.

In honor of Black History Month and the exponential impact of Black women, here are five Black women in tech we should all know and a few ways to create space for more Black women to advance in the tech industry. 

• Sevetri Wilson founded Resilia, a SaaS platform committed to building and prioritizing long-term capacity building for the most underserved nonprofits. According to Forbes, Sevetri became one of the top-funded Black woman founders in tech, raising $35 million in a venture capital (VC) funding round.

• Jasmine Crowe is the Founder and CEO of GoodrCo., an organization committed to eliminating food waste and decreasing food insecurity globally. Goodr’s technology model focuses on the food supply chain and tracking social and environmental impact. 

• Folasade Ayoola is the Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of ElectricFish, a climate tech startup supporting energy resilience through renewable energy. Folasade was recognized in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in 2022.

• Window Snyder is the Founder and CEO of Thistle Technologies, a security platform for embedded and IoT device manufacturers. Window has previously served as the Chief Security Officer at Square, Fastly, and Mozilla. 

• Elise Smith is the Co-Founder and CEO of PraxisLabs, an immersive learning platform focusing on more inclusive workplaces. Praxis Labs has raised over $15 million in VC funding.

These accomplished women are leaders and innovators in their fields, representing what’s possible when Black women in tech are empowered to pursue their wildest dreams. 

So, how can we advocate for more Black women to thrive in tech? 

While Black women are pioneers, leaders, and innovators, they shouldn’t have to make groundbreaking discoveries to be recognized and respected as key players in tech. This idea that Black women must be remarkable to be acknowledged is rooted in historical and systemic racism. It plays into long-standing stereotypes that undermine and oversimplify the complex experiences of Black women.

We often discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion in the abstract, but advocacy requires action. Individually and collectively, we can make tech a more inclusive industry where Black women have the support and sponsorship needed to launch a startup, excel in executive leadership, or innovate in cutting-edge research. To make this a reality, we must start by educating ourselves and others about the systemic barriers Black women face in tech, addressing biases, and dismantling stereotypes. We should actively seek out and amplify the voices of Black women in tech, giving them platforms to share their experiences, insights, and expertise. To effectively do this, we can:

• Promote Representation and Visibility: Celebrate the achievements of Black women in tech. Share their work, say their names, and recognize their contributions publicly by publishing their research, inviting them to interview, and openly acknowledging their achievements on our platforms. Shining a spotlight on the unique perspective Black women bring to the tech industry will inspire more Black women and women of color to pursue STEM careers. 

• Advocate for Systemic Change: In the workplace, the broader tech industry, and in local and state legislation, advocate for policy change, promote diversity, and create spaces for Black women to be active experts in their experiences and their roles. Ensure that there are safe and effective ways for Black women to report discrimination and bias and create brave spaces for Black women in tech to find support and community.

• Invest in Black Women: Encourage investment in startups and tech ventures led by Black women. Actively seek out, utilize, and support projects and businesses led by Black women, from networking opportunities to financial investment and business mentorship. Resource organizations committed to amplifying Black women in tech. Investing in Black women is an investment in innovation and collective progress. 

Empowering, championing, and celebrating Black women in tech is a commitment calling for action from every level of the industry. By working together to remove barriers to access and to call attention to the many ways Black women continue to 

Resources:

Black History Month: 30 Outstanding Black Women in Tech

Black Women In Tech You Need to Know

Celebrating Black Women Founders in STEMInvesting in Black Women Tech Founders – Forbes