Leading Nigerian tech company SkillPaddy has collaborated with ethical business bank Unity Bank Plc to train 1,000 female software engineers through their new “Count Her In Tech’ program. The partnership seeks to boost women’s participation in the tech industry where they comprise only 33% of the global workforce. The Count Her In Program The “Count Her In Tech’ program aligns with the 2024 International Women’s Day theme, #InspireInclusion, which celebrates women who advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. “As a bank committed to fostering economic empowerment and gender equality, we are proud
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
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 US 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:
Lisa Leslie, a celebrated icon in women’s basketball, has ventured into the metaverse with LootMogul to transform sports fan engagement. The three-time Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) MVP and four-time Olympic gold medalist joins LootMogul as the brand ambassador and business partner. Bringing sports fans and influencers together This move marks a significant transition for Leslie from her days on the court to an innovative realm in the tech industry. LootMogul is a multiverse blockchain gaming platform where sports enthusiasts and influencers converge. The platform uses blockchain, NFTs, and the metaverse to provide
Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company under Alphabet, has announced the expansion of its robotaxi service to Los Angeles and Austin. Robotaxis hit LA this week Tekedra Mawakana, the co-CEO of Waymo, announced the expansion at SXSW on Wednesday. Los Angeles, known for its sprawling highways and traffic, will witness the commencement of Waymo’s service in a 63-square-mile area spanning from Santa Monica to downtown. Initially free, these rides will gradually transition to a paid model, in line with regulatory approvals from the California Public Utilities Commission. The company aims to integrate over
The 2024 Tech Equity Collective (TEC) Impact Fund has announced a stride towards tech industry equity by introducing its 20 grantees. Since its 2021 inception, Tech Equity Collective has been dedicated to accelerating Black innovation and representation in tech. It works alongside tech giants and community organizations to create new career opportunities for Black tech innovators. The 2024 Tech Equity Collective Impact Fund The chosen organizations exemplify innovation and commitment to fostering an inclusive tech ecosystem. They focus on reskilling, upskilling, and training programs for aspiring Black technical talent. This year’s grantees, chosen for their pioneering
The potential ban of the social media platform TikTok following the US government’s concern about national security implications could have an unfortunate effect on Black creators. The potential TikTok ban The US government, concerned about national security implications linked to TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance, proposed a bill with a profound impact. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, a 12-page document, threatened to uproot TikTok from American soil unless ByteDance sold it. On Wednesday, March 13, the Republican-controlled House voted 352 to 65 on a bill requiring TikTok either be divested from
Mellody Hobson’s rise to co-CEO of Ariel Investments, a history-making firm with over $14.9 billion in assets, is a tale of ambition, foresight, and resilience. Meet Mellody Hobson In 1991, as a student at Princeton, Hobson was on the brink of launching her career in the high-stakes world of finance. With offers from major New York City firms in hand, she found herself in a moment of reflection in the basement of the then Woodrow Wilson School. It was then that she made a pivotal decision. “And I thought, ‘What am I
Tech founder and major political donor Frank Hester reportedly said that looking at Diane Abbott, Britain’s longest-serving Black Member of Parliament (MP), made him “want to hate all Black women” and that she “should be shot.” Hester, the founder and CEO of software company The Phoenix Partnership (TPP), donated £10 million ($12.8 million) to the Conservative Party last year. What Happened? The Guardian reports that Hester made the remarks about Abbott during a 2019 meeting. His comments have sparked widespread outcry, raising serious questions about racism within the tech industry and
