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As we come to the end of Women’s History Month 2024, we celebrate the next generation of tech leaders 💪🏽 Although she’s just getting started, Melissa Lavoile already has a solid track record in tech equity work and is proving to be an emerging dynamic leader in the tech space. Formerly a Tech Equity Analyst at National Fair Housing Alliance — Melissa played a pivotal role in contributing to team efforts to develop and advocate for solutions that ensure Artificial Intelligence is equitable for all consumers. Beyond her professional commitments, Melissa is deeply dedicated to fostering inclusivity and diversity in tech. As a Google Women Techmakers Ambassador, she works towards supporting a more diverse tech workforce. Her contributions to the Black Genius Academy further underscore her commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices in the industry. Melissa's tireless efforts to promote equity in tech make her a true inspiration and a leading light for the next generation of change-makers. “We all have influence somewhere, but if we want to make the most impact on society we should aim to become leaders. Regardless of what society may say, leadership isn't about the size of your platform. Leadership is about seeing a group, a person, or an issue that needs attention and seeing how you can use the resources you have to contribute toward the solution. We all have gifts that can help this world be a better place and my goal is to become a leader that helps the world become a more equitable place. I encourage others to do the same in whatever capacity they can.” — Melissa Lavoile #leadwithequity #techequity #leadership #womenshistorymonth #nextgenerationleaders

On the last day of Women in Engineering Week at Redgate here are some of the talks and articles we have been creating and sharing internally. Thanks to SheCanCode for your help and support and Bronwyn Boyle for taking my germ of an idea and making it happen!

Here’s a question that’s always perplexed me: “How do we get more Anthony Mays’s in tech?” I’ve invested a lot of time and effort advocating for the next generation of technologists . And I have no idea how to exactly measure the full impact of that work. There isn’t a stat line in a company’s 10K or a yearly DEI report that directly measures this. But I can tell you that the work still matters. And when I do get the chance to hear someone like Charlie tell me that I made a difference, it means the world. How can you make a difference? 1. Mentor the Next Generation: Offer guidance, support, and encouragement to aspiring technologists. 2. Advocate for DEI Initiatives: Support and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within your organization. 3. Share Your Story: Inspire others by sharing your journey and the challenges you’ve overcome. 4. Create Opportunities: Help create and promote opportunities for underrepresented groups in tech.

LinkedIn's VP of engineering Sabry Tozin, Coding Black Females's Charlene Hunter MBE, and VC consultant Jasmin Thomas on how #EngineeringLeadership can be strategic about #BlackTech recruitment, #inclusion and retention. Not just for #BlackHistoryMonth but every day. #DEIB Jasmin, Charlene and Sabry are the epitome of #BlackExcellence, which means they've worked harder to get where they are and now are working hard to bring others up with them. Be grateful to be able to learn from them. And I am grateful they each spent time with me to teach #ITLeadership: ✓ How to be intentional. ✓ How to recognize when you're about to lose your minoritized talent. ✓ How to leverage not just Skill but Will. ✓ How to have a career conversation. ✓ How to facilitate mentorship. ✓ How #DEI metrics work and matter. ✓ How to influence culture at scale. ✓ The many, many statistics of why this is a sound investment. NOW. Special gratitude to Katherine H. Vaiente for introducing me to another great LinkedIner, to Ed Yong for teaching me years ago about measuring my sources, and to my The New Stack editors Joab Jackson and Heather Joslyn who continue to invest in #DiversityEquityInclusion storytelling when much of the tech industry shows it cares less and less, or maybe never really cared at all. YOU! Yes, you the reader of this post. Please share this post. NOW.

We Black people are geniuses, we are so creative, we have so many different skills but when you talk about unlocking your genius and in the way we light up, we have to let AI and other technology tools help us with the rest,” said Alexa Turnage. A futurist technology movement is gaining momentum, one Saturday at a time in Detroit’s start-up community. Alexa and Johnnie Turnage, co-founders of Black Tech Saturdays, have made it their mission to bridge the gap in tech education and access. The innovative husband-and-wife duo is helping redefine how technology intersects with community empowerment for Black and Brown users. The development of a tech-focused meeting space addresses the digital divide across underserved communities, where access to high-speed internet and STEM education remains a challenge. "Technology is crucial to closing these gaps," Johnnie Turnage noted. "It's not just about catching up, it's about leading and innovating." In a world driven by technology, initiatives like #BlackTechSaturdays are not just transforming communities but also inspiring a new generation of tech leaders who are unapologetically Black and brilliant. As Johnnie aptly put it, "We're not just building businesses, we're building a legacy of innovation and empowerment." Kianga J. Moore EBONY Media 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 https://lnkd.in/gdHXtK8x #BlackTechSaturdays #keepgoing #strongertogether #togetherwecan #Bridgethedivide #ClosetheGap #creativeeconomy #Ebony #Detroit #Baltimore #Houston #Miami #Lansing #BlackExcellence #BlackLove #BlackJoy #BlackInTech #LatinxInTech #WomenInTech #DiversityInTech #Entrepreneurship #Founders #tech

Reflecting on my journey in tech, I'm struck by how our early influences shape our paths. My recent interview with the Guardian Newspaper made me ponder: How do we turn childhood inspirations into innovative careers? Starting my career in Silicon Valley was an eye-opening experience. It taught me that diversity in tech isn't just about representation—it's about bringing unique perspectives to solve global challenges. As one of the few black women in the field, I've learned that our differences are our strengths. But here's the real question: How can we create a tech ecosystem where every voice is not just heard but amplified? Where empathy drives innovation and continuous learning is the norm? I believe the future of tech lies in nurturing a culture of inclusive innovation. What are your thoughts on building this future together? #TechInnovation #InclusiveLeadership #FutureOfTech #DiversityInSTEM #Engineering #Innovation #WomenInTech #CareerJourney #Growth

✨ Spotlight on Kimberly Bryant: Empowering the Next Generation of Tech Leaders ✨ Today, we celebrate Kimberly Bryant, a visionary in the tech world and the founder of Black Girls CODE—a nonprofit dedicated to introducing young Black girls to the world of coding, technology, and innovation. 🚀 As an electrical engineer, Kimberly noticed a glaring lack of diversity in the tech industry and took action. Since its founding in 2011, Black Girls CODE has grown into a global movement, giving thousands of girls the tools and confidence to break barriers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). 💡 Kimberly’s work challenges stereotypes, closes opportunity gaps, and ensures that the future of tech looks more inclusive and innovative. Her passion has reshaped the conversation about who belongs in the tech industry, empowering future leaders to see themselves as game-changers. 🌍💻 Her message? Representation matters. When young Black girls are empowered to code, they’re empowered to change the world. #KimberlyBryant #BlackGirlsCode #WomenInSTEM #InclusionInTech #TechForGood #Trailblazers #RepresentationMatters #STEMEducation

Black technologists have long been underrepresented in IT. These organizations aim to help close the diversity gap in tech by empowering Black tech professionals at every level. Despite diversity being a much-discussed topic in the tech industry, representation for Black tech workers is still not where it needs to be, with African Americans holding just 7% of positions in the tech industry, and only 2% of tech executive roles, according to data from the Diversity in High Tech report published by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Moreover, Black IT pros — even those in leadership positions — still encounter unique challenges both in the workplace and in their career paths. While the onus of change rests in large part on employers to alter their approaches to hiring and inclusivity in the workplace, the following 20 professional organizations are dedicated to advancing the careers of Black IT pros and increasing Black representation in the tech industry through training, networking resources, and more. #YesWeIT #YesWeLead #YesWeGrow https://lnkd.in/dW4yz_4R

Yesterday was "Women in Technology Day." Women have had a profound impact on my career and I want to say "thank you" for helping me achieve the success that I've had. Women were many "firsts" in my career and set my future expectations. Mrs Ligarski: My high school programming teacher. She exposed me to computer science and established a foundation which is still strong today. Terry: My first manager. Pat: My first tech lead. Lori: My first mentee. Joyce: The first SVP to whom I reported. Sharon: The first manager I hired. Janice: The first person I promoted to director. Maura: My first direct report who was promoted to VP. It's impossible to enumerate all of the women who were great leaders, partners or team members but here are a few: Anne, Debbie, Alex, Deniz, Vicki, Margy, Kristen, Suzie, Karen, Wendy, Jen, Chris, Meredith, Gwen, Kathy, Seemantini, Claudine, and many, many more!

Hey LinkedIn fam! I'm thrilled to share a bit about my journey in the tech world and the mission that drives me every day. As a passionate tech coach and entrepreneur, I've had the privilege of guiding aspiring tech enthusiasts and small businesses on their journey to success. From inspiring talks to hands-on workshops, I'm committed to empowering others to thrive in the digital age. Tech Education Advocate: With a background in mentoring youth and providing innovative tech programs to schools, I'm deeply passionate about the importance of tech education. I believe that every child deserves access to quality tech education and the opportunity to explore their potential in the digital world. Future of Tech: I believe that diversity and inclusion are essential for driving innovation and shaping the future of tech. As a young black woman in the tech industry, I'm committed to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups to thrive. Building a Brighter Future: Whether it's mentoring youth, guiding small businesses, or advocating for diversity in tech, I'm dedicated to making a positive impact and empowering others to reach their full potential. Together, let's build a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed in tech! #WomenInTech #BlackTech