Navigating the Tech Terrain: Strategies for Thriving as a Marginalized Professional

I'm a Black woman in tech, and even after two years from finishing my undergrad degree, I often wonder whether I should continue to lean in or clock out. I'd like to say the tech industry has improved its inclusivity over the years, but the imposter syndrome that comes from being the only one still hurts. Earlier this month, I was invited to speak at the She Codes in Code Summit alongside three other women to share our experiences navigating the tech industry. Their stories about being the only woman or woman of color in the workplace resonated with me, and I wanted to share some strategies from the talk that can help marginalized professionals early in their career not only survive but thrive in the workplace.

Telling Your Story: Empowerment Through Narrative

One powerful strategy for addressing the lack of diversity in the room is embracing the narrative. Sharing your story, whether it's the struggles or triumphs, can be a powerful way to foster understanding and empathy. It takes courage to speak up, so start small if you need to; talking to a trusted colleague or peer can be liberating. You'd be surprised how many people also experienced the same challenges in their tech journey, and your bravery gives them the strength to share their stories.

Seek Allyship: Strength in Solidarity

Allies are pivotal advocates for marginalized voices and catalysts for fostering inclusivity in the workplace. Actively seeking out allies—those dedicated to confronting systemic biases and championing equity—can offer support. Embracing allyship involves reciprocation; one effective method is to adopt an allyship mindset. By attentively listening, observing, and learning from others with curiosity and empathy, you can both find allies and become allies yourself.

Build a Board of Directors or Mentors: Guided Support

Mentors are invaluable in navigating the tech industry. They can offer guidance, wisdom, and support based on their own experiences. A diverse board of mentors can provide multifaceted perspectives and help navigate complex career decisions, overcome obstacles, widen your professional network, and seize growth opportunities. They can also help you advocate for yourself and their interests, and provide a sounding board for ideas. A bonus about seeking a board of mentors is that there doesn't have to be a formal mentorship relationship. If you find someone at work or online inspiring and achieving goals you like, follow in their path. Whether it's building projects in public, writing technical blogs, or creating consistent study habits — see what works for them and do the same.

Join Affinity Groups: Finding Community and Support

Affinity groups, also known as employee resource groups in the workplace, provide a safe space for marginalized individuals to connect, share experiences, and advocate for change. These groups offer a sense of community, belonging, and solidarity, and they foster professional development and networking opportunities. By actively participating in affinity groups, marginalized professionals can amplify their voices, drive initiatives for diversity and inclusion, and create a more inclusive workplace culture. If there isn’t an affinity group at work that’s represents you, be the catalyst and create one yourself! Another suggestion is joining an external professional affinity organization that could reach a bigger audience than your employer, such as Rewriting the Code or Lime Connect. CIO has shared a list of women in tech orgs, the Tech Disability Project shared a list of orgs for tech professionals with disabilities , and below are more articles with many communities that you can join today.

Protect Your Peace: Prioritizing Self-Care

It's important to recognize that your workplace shouldn't consume your entire life. In the fast-paced and demanding tech industry, try to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being, utilizing all available resources to do so. This could include establishing boundaries, practicing mindfulness techniques, seeking therapy or support groups, and creating a balanced work-life dynamic (such as using Paid Time Off regularly and setting clear work hours). Distinguish yourself as an individual separate from your job title, acknowledging that you possess goals, hobbies, and interests beyond your employer. This mindset can offer a sense of peace, particularly in toxic environments. By prioritizing self-care, you can recharge, maintain resilience, and ensure long-term success in your career journey.