Tech trailblazers on a mission to solve techs diversity issue

By Hannah Freeman - September 18, 2020

As we near October’s annual ‘Global Diversity Awareness Month’ - a month highlighting why having a diverse workforce is so crucial - we take a look at some of the UK’s top initiatives striving to solve the diversity issues within the tech industry.   

The representation of women and ethnic minorities within the tech industry is something that has been talked extensively about in panels, conferences, books, podcasts etc so, why is there still so much progress to be made? NS Tech recently found that the UK’s tech sector is ‘lagging behind in diversity with fewer than one in five tech company officers being women. 

Diversity is needed so that products, innovation and employees can thrive. When companies hire people with different experiences, backgrounds and cultures this results in wider skillsets and more inclusive creative visions. Although progress is happening there is still a lot of work to be done. Below we highlight some of the trail blazers within the tech community that are creating space for women and ethnic minorities while thriving for inclusivity within the industry through diversity initiatives. 

  

  • Founded in 2016 by Arfah FarooqMuslamicmakers is a meetup and networking group bringing Muslim & non-Muslim makers together to discuss, learn & share ideas. They hold events in London and Manchester to build creative confidence and help Muslim communities thrive. Their mission is to not only create spaces for Muslims within the tech industry but to own their workspaces and industries. Their latest initiative, Digital Careers Kickstarter Programme provides training on topics such as user research, product development, prototyping, design and data. They also provide mentoring, work experience and networking opportunities. Learn more and get involved here. 
  • Founded in 2014 by Elena Sinel, Teens in AI is on a mission to empower young people to change the world through technology. Launching in 2018 at UN's AI for Good Global Summit, Teens in AI offers young people aged 12-18 early exposure to AI for social good through a combination of expert mentoring, talks, workshops in AI/ML, human-centred design and ethics, hackathons, accelerators, company tours and networking opportunities. Learn more about their latest hackathon celebrating Ada Lovelace Day here. 
  • Founded in 2016 by Lauren HassonDevelopHer is a non-for-profit organisation that looks to elevate women in tech, digital and entrepreneurship. Their events and meetups are dedicated to bringing women together to drive opportunities, develop confidence, and create a network of support. Learn more about their latest virtual events or join their slack community here. 
  • Founded in 2018 by Hephzi PembertonEquality group is a search and consultancy company focused on Diversity and Inclusion for the Finance and Technology industry. Equality Group is a data-driven consultancy which harnesses the power of diverse leaders through Executive Search, Strategy Consulting and Inclusion Education. Join the community as a client or candidate here.  
  • Founded in 2017 by Deborah OkenlainYSYS is a StartUp community for founders, developers, creatives, and investors on a mission to open doors of opportunity for diverse talent within the StartUp ecosystem. Their mission is to help 100,000+ people to excel in tech by 2023. They’re looking to partner with organisations that are passionate about inclusion and understand that diversity needs action. Learn more about their programmes FoundersDoor and TalentDoor here. 
  • Founded in 2016 by Dion McKenzie and Ashleigh AinsleyColorintech  is a Non-profit Organisation dedicated to creating a more transparent and inclusive tech economy. Known for their student programs, Colorintech works with governments, universities, VCs and technology companies to help close the skills and opportunity-gap for underrepresented individuals. Their mission is to make Europe the most inclusive tech hub in the world. Learn more about their events, programmes and online courses here. 
  • Founded in 2013 by Anjali Ramachandran and Merici Vinton Ada's List is a group for women who are committed to changing the technology industry. Created to help tackle the systemic inequities within the tech industry. Ada's List is an email-based community where members can talk off the record about professional, tech and science-related topics, share job listings, announce conference panels, find support and much more. Join their network here. 

  

We're making every effort to create a diverse and inclusive culture for everyone at Concirrus, check out our recent blog series #SheFounders highlighting the work of female founders within the tech industry here. 

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