Celebrating Women in Tech: Honoring Our Contributions & Acknowledging Our Barriers

Women in tech have been outnumbered. For decades, we’ve been underpaid, under-appreciated, and underrepresented in the industry.

We’ve been discriminated against, harassed, and isolated. Especially those of use who are intersectionally diverse. Can I get an AMEN??

Yet, through it all? We’re still here. We’ve innovated, grown, and made history despite the odds stacked against us.

That’s why all women — and especially women in tech groups — deserve to be celebrated during March for Women’s History Month.?

Women in STEM History: Barriers We’ve Faced

Throughout the history and current landscape of STEM fields, women pursuing careers ranging from software engineering to data science have encountered obstacles in advancing their professional paths:

???? Unequal Pay

One survey found that women in software engineering are paid $0.93 for every $1.00 a man makes in the same position. While it sounds like pennies, it can add up to thousands and tens of thousands over the years.?

And that’s just one position. Some gender pay gaps are even wider, with one survey finding that women data scientists earned 32% less on average than male data scientists.

???? Lack of Representation

Ever been the only woman in the room? It's a lonely feeling that can mess with your head. Imposter syndrome kicks in, and suddenly, you're second-guessing yourself. But the truth is: We belong here just as much as anyone else.

???? Stereotypes & Biases

Tech is not a “man’s job.” Despite this truth, many women in tech groups deal with biases when applying for roles and seeking leadership positions. One study showed that 38% of tech companies exclusively extended interviews to men in 2022.?

Women in STEM History: The Pioneers

Did you know that the very first computer programmer was a woman? Or that the first recorded computer bug was found by a woman? And the ideas behind Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth technology? Yeah, those were all founded by women. We've been laying the groundwork for technology since the beginning. Our tech skills are nothing new.

Innovation & Leadership

Women in STEM history paved the way for women in tech groups today to thrive. Despite a low representation of women in leadership, research shows tech organizations with women at the top are more profitable. Other studies show women score higher on emotional intelligence and leadership success tests.

What the Next Generation of Women in Software Engineering, Coding, & Tech Can Learn From the Past

1. Cultivate Resilience-Setbacks are inevitable, but they don't define us. Keep pushing forward. Remember why you started.. You've got this.
2. Lean into Assertiveness-Don't be afraid to speak up and advocate for yourself. Your voice matters, so make sure it's heard loud and clear. Own your space and stand tall.
3. Step into Leadership-You've got what it takes to lead, so don't hold back. Take charge, inspire others, and pave the way for the next generation of women in tech. Lead the way by joining women in tech groups.?
4. Find Ongoing Support in Women in Tech Groups-Surround yourself with a tribe of badass women who've got your back. Calling all women in software engineering, coding, IT, you name it. Together, we're unstoppable.

?? Take Action:?

Create a social media graphic using Canva to honor a pioneering woman in tech with a brief tribute highlighting her achievements and impact.

For example, Repped in Tech crafted a social media graphic honoring Annie Easley, a trailblazing African American woman in tech known for her contributions to NASA's space program. Here's how we did it:

• Step 1: Choose a template in Canva that fits the dimensions of your preferred social media platform (e.g., Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn).
• Step 2: Select eye-catching colors and fonts that align with the tone of your message and the theme of the tribute.
• Step 3: Incorporate images or illustrations that spotlight the pioneer of your choice and their impact on the tech industry.
• Step 4: Create a caption that highlights their achievements.For example we used: "Honoring Annie Easley, a true pioneer in aerospace technology whose brilliance and perseverance continue to inspire. Let's celebrate her legacy and commitment to advancing space exploration. #AnnieEasley #NASA #WomenInSTEM" #BlackWomeninTech?
• Step 5: Post the content you created, and be sure to tag @ReppedinTech and use the hashtags #getreppedintech and #reppedintech so we reshare it on our platforms!

• Want to start learning and growing? Join our learning communities and begin repping, influencing, and thriving in tech.
• Ready to become a tech creator and share your magic with the tech world? Apply to be on ReppedFLIX! (Coming Soon).
• Support the work and join us on any of our social media platforms: Twitch, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

??? I’m Dr. Teresa Vasquez, but you can call me Dr. T!

With over 20 years of professional experience at all levels in tech, I’m a Tech Leader and Educator who’s been through it all.

Yep, I’ve been there, done alla dat, and I don’t sugarcoat the experiences I’ve had.

As the founder of Repped In Tech?, I’m all about helping diverse creators amplify their voices in the tech world through our three pillars:

???? REPresentation and REPutation

???? INfluence

???? TECHnological skills

Join me on this journey of self-discovery and growth and #GetReppedInTech

#ReppedInTech

#BlackInTech

#diversityintech