Celebrating Change makers: 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.

Read the full blog at Women Who Code.