BaddieCon: Empowering Women of Color in Tech – A Program Director's Perspective
As the Program Director for the inaugural BaddieCon event, I had the incredible opportunity to lead an initiative that directly addresses the underrepresentation of women of color in the tech industry. BaddieCon, a groundbreaking professional conference hosted by the non-profit DAO, Baddies in Tech, was designed to empower minority female technologists and amplify their presence in tech to a substantial 10% by 2030.
Accenture's research, revealing that only 3% of Black women and 2% of Latinas occupy computing roles in the tech sector, underscores the pressing need for diversity and inclusion in our industry. Our mission was clear: to tackle these challenges head-on and provide comprehensive solutions.
At BaddieCon, we meticulously curated our programming to focus on key areas aimed at fostering inclusivity and empowerment:
Workforce Development: We organized a series of sessions and workshops designed to equip our attendees with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in tech roles, regardless of their career stage. Our goal was to empower these women to thrive in their tech careers.
Networking: We recognized the immense value of networking in the tech industry. Through carefully facilitated opportunities, we aimed to connect our attendees with experienced professionals, promoting mentorship and providing avenues for career growth through meaningful relationships.
Entrepreneurship: We celebrated women entrepreneurs and startups by featuring sessions that offered guidance on launching and scaling tech-related businesses, inspiring future tech leaders.
Personal Finance: Financial empowerment was a top priority, and we provided valuable insights into personal finance, budgeting, and investment strategies, enabling attendees to take control of their financial well-being.
Community Building: We encouraged our attendees to connect, share experiences, and build a supportive network within the tech industry. This sense of community was instrumental in fostering a strong sense of belonging and mutual support.
Economic Opportunity: We delved into the vast opportunities in emerging tech sectors and emphasized the pivotal role diversity plays in shaping the future of the tech industry.
Our aim was to provide a comprehensive solution to the underrepresentation challenge in tech. BaddieCon's mission was to inspire, educate, and empower our attendees to drive positive change in their lives and communities. Our carefully curated programming laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable tech industry, empowering women to thrive and lead with unwavering confidence.
To cater to our diverse membership base, consisting of newcomers and experienced tech professionals, we introduced two distinct tracks:
Emerging Professionals Track (0-5 Years in Technology): This track was thoughtfully designed to address the needs of the majority of our members who have less than five years of experience in the tech field. We provided a curated selection of sessions, workshops, and resources tailored to help those at the beginning of their tech journey, arming them with essential skills, guidance, and inspiration to kickstart and navigate their careers effectively.
Experienced Professionals Track (5+ Years in Technology): Acknowledging the expertise and contributions of the 20% of our members with five or more years in the industry, we curated a specialized track aimed at Senior Associates, Managers, Directors, and Executives. This track offered advanced insights, leadership development opportunities, and discussions on navigating the unique challenges and opportunities at more advanced career stages.
By offering these two tracks, we ensured that every member of Baddies in Tech had access to relevant content and networking opportunities, regardless of their level of experience in the tech industry. Our goal was to foster an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone could learn, grow, and connect with their peers and industry leaders, ultimately contributing to a stronger and more diverse tech community.
I had the privilege of working alongside an incredibly talented and passionate team, consisting of software engineers, graphic designers, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts, and more. We all shared a common mission: to address the challenges of the lack of representation of women in tech, with the aim of breaking down barriers and building a brighter and more inclusive future for all aspiring and accomplished women in the technology industry.
The conference reached full capacity with 315 attendees, featuring insights from 36 speakers, and hosting 11 vendors. It was the result of a dynamic three-month collaborative effort, where our shared commitment to a common goal brought out the best in our team's integrity, dedication, and spirit of collaboration.
While assessing metrics and key performance indicators is vital for evaluating the viability of an event of this scale, it is equally crucial to remain attuned to the needs of our community and recognize why this event is not just timely but also critical, reflecting our deep commitment to addressing industry-wide and social challenges.
The high tech sector is a major source of economic growth and opportunity globally. It’s impact extends beyond its core activities, and influences sectors like healthcare, education, finance, and entertainment. It has transformed how we communicate, access information, and address societal problems. It is important that minority women contribute their voices and perspectives.
The Baddies in Tech conference provided a safe space for minority women to share experiences, build confidence, and connect with mentors and role models. Diversity, especially from minority women, is crucial for more inclusive tech solutions. Fostering diversity isn't just about social justice; it enhances creativity, fuels innovation, and strengthens the industry's competitive edge.
The conference aimed to support women interested in transitioning to tech and those already in the field looking to grow and network. The theme of the inaugural conference was "Sustainable Success: Balancing Career Ambition & Wellbeing." It was essential that we addressed the mental, emotional, and physical stress that often accompanies this mindset and how to navigate it in a healthy way.
Despite the challenges we discussed, the tech industry has the potential to be a great source of opportunity for minority women and their families. By addressing the challenges that minority women face, we can help ensure they can fully participate in the tech economy and benefit from its growth. Here are some specific ways to increase diversity in the tech industry:
Recruit More Women and Minority Candidates: Networking with minority communities, attending career fairs, and using targeted advertising can help attract a more diverse pool of candidates.
Create More Mentorship and Sponsorship Opportunities: Supporting professional development and advancement for women and minority tech workers is crucial for increasing representation.
Promote Inclusivity: Fostering a culture of respect and inclusion while addressing unconscious bias can make the tech industry more welcoming and diverse.
As the Program Director of BaddieCon, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all who participated in this remarkable event. Your passion, dedication, and commitment to addressing the underrepresentation of minority women in tech have been truly inspiring.
I'd also like to express our gratitude to our community partner, So You Love Money, for their invaluable support in making BaddieCon a reality. Together, we've taken significant steps towards creating a more inclusive and diverse tech industry.
Let us remember that our journey doesn't end here. It's a continuous effort to drive positive change, empower women of color in tech, and shape a brighter future for all. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the world of technology.
Thank you for being a part of BaddieCon, and I look forward to seeing our shared mission flourish in the years to come.
—
Baddies in Tech, founded in 2019, is a non-profit DAO with a commendable goal: empowering minority female technologists worldwide and boosting women of color's representation in tech to 10% by 2030. This goal aligns perfectly with the current state of technology's impact on society and its profound effect on minority communities.
To learn more about Baddies in Tech and how to support visit https://www.baddiesintech.com/.
