Walmart has recently decided to discontinue multiple diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in its workplaces. With 1.6 million employees, Walmart is one of the world’s largest retailers, meaning its decision on DEI has significant consequences for all retailers and corporations. Walmart rolls back DEI This plan to phase out DEI efforts was initially made public by anti-DEI conservative activist Robby Starbuck. Posting on X, Starbuck said, “Walmart is ending their woke policies. Last week, I told execs at [Walmart] that I was doing a story on wokeness there. Instead,
Each year, the BBC honors 100 inspiring and influential women from around the globe, celebrating their contributions to society across various fields. This listicle highlights the women of color in tech who have earned a spot on the BBC 100 Women list this year. Gabriela Salas Cabrera, Mexico Gabriela Salas Cabrera is a programmer and data scientist whose work bridges technology and cultural preservation. When her mother tongue, Náhuatl, was missing from Google Translate, Salas took action. Collaborating with the tech giant, she helped integrate Náhuatl and other indigenous Mexican
Howard University has announced a record-breaking 36,000 applications for the 2024-2025 academic year, marking an unprecedented surge in interest, as first reported by Bloomberg. This trend mirrors a broader revival for historically Black colleges and universities, with more students seeking out schools that affirm their cultural identity while offering academic rigor. HBCUs See a Renaissance HBCUs are experiencing a significant surge in applications and enrollments after years of decline that mirrored national trends. Schools like Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Morgan State University reporting record numbers of applicants. Spelman, for
Mielle Organics, a leader in textured hair care, has announced its first-ever partnership with an HBCU athletic program, which includes a WNBA-led mentorship program for student athletes. Mielle partners with Hampton University Mielle Organics has pledged $300,000 to Hampton University’s women’s basketball. The multi-year partnership includes a $200,000 donation to Hampton Athletics and a $100,000 endowed scholarship through Mielle Cares, the company’s philanthropic arm. Additionally, Mielle is introducing a WNBA-led mentorship program, providing Hampton athletes with professional guidance both on and off the court. Investing in the Future of HBCU
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich traditions, cultures, and contributions of Native American communities across the United States. In tech, Native Americans are making groundbreaking strides, breaking barriers, and inspiring future generations. Here we shine a spotlight on five trailblazers who are redefining success. Aaron Yazzie: Developing Tools for Mars Exploration As a mechanical engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Aaron Yazzie, a Diné (Navajo) Nation member, designs critical systems for space missions. His work on the Mars Perseverance Rover, particularly the drill bits
Google has unveiled the latest cohort startups selected for its Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa program. The six Black-led South African startups were announced at an event coinciding with this year’s Africa Tech Festival, which was held in Cape Town, South Africa. Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa The three-month hybrid accelerator program supports Seed to Series A technology startups led by at least one Black founder. This opportunity includes ZAR1 million ($50,000) in non-dilutive funding, up to ZAR3.6 million ($200,000) in Google Cloud credits, and access to mentorship and industry networks. By
As Transgender Awareness Week shines a spotlight on the challenges and achievements of the transgender community, the tech industry offers inspiring stories of resilience and innovation. This week, we’re celebrating trans people of color in tech who are breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and shaping a more inclusive future in one of the world’s most dynamic sectors. From empowering marginalized communities to championing diversity in STEM, these leaders are making waves in the industry and beyond. Here’s a closer look at some of the trailblazers leading the charge for equity and
The push for full-time office work is gaining momentum at major companies, but experts warn it may come at a significant cost to workplace diversity. Harvard Business School professor Prithwiraj Choudhury told Washington Post that these policies risk making workforces “more white and more male,” reducing organizational diversity and innovation. A Shift Back to the Office Companies like Amazon, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan Chase have mandated employees to return to the office five days a week. Amazon, for example, enforced this policy in September 2024 after initially introducing a hybrid
The Shawn Carter Foundation, in partnership with Toyota Motor North America, has introduced a financial education program designed to support students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Called Champions for Financial Legacy (CFFL), the initiative aims to equip students and their surrounding communities with essential financial skills. Bridging Knowledge Gaps to Build Wealth CFFL, developed in collaboration with the Wharton School’s Coalition for Equity and Opportunity, is based on an existing curriculum by Dr. Keith Weigelt – the Marks-Darivoff Family Professor of Strategy at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
The Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium (Southern Black Girls) has launched the Dream Investment Program to empower Black girls and women entrepreneurs across the South. The Dream Investment Program This initiative will support 25 current and aspiring business owners with financial investments, training, and mentorship, in partnership with Kindred Futures and supported by a grant from the Kellogg Foundation. “This program is a dream come true,” LaTosha Brown, Founder of Southern Black Girls, said in a press statement. “It’s about giving Black girls and women the resources and opportunities
