Empowering Black Women in Tech: Insights from the 8th Annual Black Women Talk Tech Conference
Navigating Career Challenges and Driving Innovation: Strategies for Leadership, Networking, and Continuous Learning Unveiled at the Brooklyn Event
The tech industry already has its own culture, but for women of color, standing out while advancing her career can be both challenging and rewarding. The 8th Annual Black Women Talk Tech: Roadmap to Billions in Brooklyn, New York, offered a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and practical advice from seasoned professionals. Topics included empowering Black women in tech leadership, understanding investor expectations, and maintaining overall wellness.
EmpowerHER: Black Women in Technology Leadership
This session delved into the unique journey of Black women in tech by offering strategies to navigate challenges, foster allyship, and build fulfilling career paths.
How to Win as a Leader of Color in Tech:
Embrace Your Identity: Leveraging your unique experiences and perspectives as a Black woman can be a powerful asset. Use it to drive innovation and inclusivity within your teams.
Build a Strong Network: Fostering relationships with allies and mentors who understand and support your journey is crucial. Networking with other Black women in tech can also provide a supportive community and valuable connections.
Continuous Learning: Stay ahead by continually updating your skills and knowledge. Attend workshops, pursue certifications, and stay informed about industry trends to remain competitive and innovative.
Black Women Talk Tech and their co-founders Regina Gwynn and Esosa Ighodaro are committed to solving problems BIPOC women face within the tech sector. BWTT’s dedication is evident in the myriad of resources to fund these efforts. As the 2024 “Roadmap to Billions 2024 Pitch Competition” winner Rica Elysee, co-founder and CEO of Slay can attest to, BWTT is closing the financial gap for Black women. Elysee walked away with $10K as the first prize winner of the 2024 competition.
BWTT co-founder Esosa commented on the organization’s financial support: “We’ve given over half a million dollars in pitch money to founders in our community over the last eight years. We’re excited to celebrate innovation right in our backyard.”
A 2021 Pew Research Center survey revealed only 26.7% of tech workers are women, with just 4% being Black women. Disparities like this highlight the crucial impact of Black Women Talk Tech. As Esosa noted, it’s about “lifting as you climb.” Gwynn added, “Excluding communities decreases economic opportunity. We’re equalizing the playing field.”
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Courtney Dasher (she/her) is a freelance writer with a focus on technology and entertainment news, blending technical expertise with creative flair in her reporting. To further her passion for tech, she is currently pursuing a B.S. in software engineering at Penn State University online. In addition to her tech pursuits, Courtney creates engaging lifestyle content that champions wellness, fashion, fitness, and social issues affecting the BIPOC community.
