"Disrupting the Code: A Black Woman's Crusade for Equity in Tech"

After enduring persistent exclusion and underrepresentation in the IT industry, I left full-time employment in 2008. My patience was depleted by an industry resistant to change, particularly slow to embrace the contributions and value of Black women like myself. This decision was validated by the findings of a joint British Computer Society (BCS) and Coding Black Females (CBF) report, which highlighted the stark underrepresentation of Black women in the UK IT sector: a mere 0.7% compared to 1.8% across all UK industries. My narrative, including these systemic barriers, is chronicled in my book "She Disrupts," offering a candid journey through the STEM and AI fields as a Black woman.

I faced numerous challenges: I was overlooked for senior positions, regarded as a diversity token when hired, and faced with leaders who needed to recognize my qualifications or the potential of technology. I had to strive disproportionately for recognition, often scrutinized more rigorously than my peers, with little to no acknowledgement of my achievements.

Presently, as a board member, I see that Black women's advancement into senior tech roles remains rare, with all ethnic minorities underrepresented at crucial levels, like IT director (17%) and programmer/developer (16%). These disparities are not just numbers; they indicate a longstanding issue I have been addressing since the early 2000s—calling for action that was, and still is, critically slow.

Through my coaching of executive Black women, I've learned their struggles mirror my own, with their competencies frequently diminished by workplace culture and leadership biases. Such misrepresentations can be egregious, with some assuming I hold junior or administrative positions despite my expertise and seniority. My involvement as a judge in electronic awards has further enlightened me on the unconscious biases that plague our workplaces, reinforcing my belief that disruption of systemic policies is necessary for genuine inclusion.

The "missing" 20,000 Black women from the UK tech industry, as reported by BCS and CBF, is not just a number—it's a reflection of the pervasive 'tech bro' culture, inflexible work conditions, and inadequate career support. I discuss these barriers in my book and emphasize the urgency to bridge this gap, wondering aloud about the progress, if any, since the 2021 report.

The narrative of Black women not advancing is often a story imposed upon us, not our choosing. Despite being in tech since 2000, my visibility has been largely due to personal efforts. Yet I know many successful Black women in the UK tech scene remain obscured, their achievements and potential blocked.

Accurate representation and role modelling are critical. I grew up with positive influences, including my parents, who provided a strong foundation. My father, a committed Jamaican man, shared lessons on resilience and the importance of using our voices intentionally—a lesson I've taken to heart.

In the #BeMedigitalinclusion program, we aim to improve global representation in IT, educate black girls about diverse career paths, and align DEI policies with corporate values. Through the #SheDISRUPTS program, I advocate for measures like gender- and name-blind recruitment to address the gender pay gap and push for more significant opportunities for Black women in tech, whether new to the industry, transitioning from other sectors, or returning from a career break.

#SheDISRUPTS

The way forward is clear: as Martin Luther King said, "If you can't fly, then run. If you can't run, then walk. If you can't walk, crawl, but whatever you do, you must keep moving forward." This sentiment guides my efforts to empower Black women in technology to move forward, relentlessly pursuing progress and inclusion.

Check out my website.

Buy my book: She Disrupts