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Diversity & Inclusion

Data from 22 leading institutions has found that enrollments of underrepresented minorities in MBA programs have declined or stagnated since 2020. A Drop In Enrollment Of Underrepresented Minorities Following George Floyd’s death in 2020, which ignited a push for racial justice, top U.S. business schools pledged to increase diversity. However, the University of Michigan, Virginia, and Berkeley have seen significant drops in minority student numbers. For instance, Virginia and Berkeley’s 2025 classes included just 6% underrepresented students, and Michigan had 7%.  These figures heavily contrast with their previous commitments to diversity. Despite some schools’ slight improvements, the overall

The Sims franchise, hair brand Dark & Lovely, and award-winning gaming content creator Danielle “Ebonix” Udogaranya have partnered to address the lack of diversity in gaming.  Introducing More Black Hairstyles In Sims Dark & Lovely, a leading hair color brand for Black women, is known for its products tailored to the specific beauty needs of Black women. Collaborating with The Sims 4 and Ugogaranya, they aim to enhance the representation of Black hairstyles within the game.  This effort is to empower Black gamers to express themselves more authentically in virtual spaces. “We are excited with this

Amazon Web Services (AWS), a leading cloud computing platform, is expandng its reach in South Africa’s tech landscape through its Equity Equivalent Investment Program (EEIP).  The 18-24 month enablement and acceleration program supports South African Black-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) who want to build their AWS business. The EEIP, launched in 2020, has already developed 27 SMEs and is looking to expand its reach to 20 more in its 2024 cohort.  AWS targets female and youth entrepreneurs, addressing the gender gap in tech startups. “These SMEs are critical drivers of our economic future,” said Chris

We have always been told that making connections and networking are essential to growing, learning, and improving in our industries.  Conferences for people of color provide a safe space for professionals to build their brand and increase visibility while relating to others who understand their experiences. In 2024, this field continues to open its doors wider to professionals of color, offering a series of tech conferences designed to connect, celebrate, and elevate their contributions and presence.  Let’s explore what’s on the calendar this year. May Latinas in Tech Summit – San

Leigh Higginbotham Butler has a pioneering AI platform and network for Black women, Akina. Akina, which means “strong family bond” in Swahili, originated from a personal need to create a safe space for discussions and support among Black mothers. It has since evolved into a Community-as-a-Service (CaaS) app and platform that leverages culturally competent AI and machine learning technology. From A Social Network To A Movement Akina was initially started 2020 as a social media platform for Black mothers. “It came about in the aftermath of the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmuad

Women’s History Month 2024 shines a spotlight on ‘Champions of Change,’ celebrating women who advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).  This month-long observance in March honors the role of women in American history and acknowledges their ongoing efforts to create a more equitable world.  This year’s theme particularly resonates with the tech industry, where women, especially Black women, are significantly underrepresented, undermined, and excluded.  In this context, we have spotlighted some Black women in tech whose startups are breaking barriers, building bridges, and making the world a more equitable place. Laura Weidman Powers – Code2040

Nearly 9 in 10 (87%) firms in the UK now prioritize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), a new report claims, with AI tools playing a significant role in this transformation.  The findings come from a recent Workday survey, Global Blueprint for Belonging and Diversity, with views from CEOs and leaders in HR, IT, and finance. Can AI Support DEI Programs? The report found that overall, having the right technology stack is essential and can be critical in enabling DEI. In particular, it was found that there is a significant correlation between AI adoption and effective

Tech companies are now offering AI-powered therapy services designed to meet the specific needs of Black individuals.  The Black Female Therapist The “Black Female Therapist” (BFT), a novel AI chatbot, is part of this approach from tech companies providing accessible and tailored mental health support. BFT, developed by Youper, leverages advanced algorithms and natural language processing to offer culturally sensitive advice and empathetic responses. According to Refinery29, the chatbot addresses the emotional challenges faced by Black individuals, including systemic barriers and the need for spaces where they feel seen and

Black students demonstrate a high aptitude in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, the 2024 Black Students and STEM Report has found. However, limited career exposure may contribute to a lack of interest in STEM subjects. High Aptitude, Low Interest The report is a collaboration between YouScience and Black Girls Do STEM. It analyzed data from 328,000 Black U.S. middle and high school students, utilizing YouScience’s Aptitude and Career Discovery tool.  Despite demonstrating strong potential for in-demand STEM careers, a significant career exposure gap hinders their pursuit of these opportunities. The findings are illuminating:

Tesla has settled a racial discrimination lawsuit with former employee Owen Diaz after a protracted legal battle.  After filing a lawsuit in 2017, Diaz was awarded a staggering $137 million in 2022. However, US District Court Judge William Orrick reduced this to $15 million and then to $3.2 million.  The settlement terms remain confidential but mark the end of a lawsuit that revealed disturbing practices within Tesla’s Fremont factory. Diaz vs. Tesla Diaz, who worked as a freight elevator operator for less than a year starting in June 2015, encountered

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