In honor of Black History Month, we are showcasing some of the recent profiles from our Black in Tech series.
The goal of our Black in Tech series is to share the inspirational stories of Black professionals in the tech industry at all levels of responsibility and across all job functions.
It is one of the ways we are trying to support a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce, as we hope these profiles will provide some guidance and advice for other Black professionals to pursue opportunities in the tech industry.
Each profile below features either a quote based on overcoming adversity or advice for Black professionals. Make sure to check them out!
“I think having a deep sense of curiosity as well as having confidence are critically important. In addition, having a well developed network of relationships across industries and specialties has enabled me to increase the chances for me to be in the path of opportunities. Lastly, I think being willing to help others on their journey irrespective has been hugely beneficial.”
“My resilience, as well as my will to want to win have contributed to my success thus far. My friends and family have helped me to continue to push forward as well. There have been setbacks along the way, but I continue to strive to be a better version of myself.”
"Don't be afraid to speak up. Don't be afraid of being the first because you definitely won't be the last. People are afraid to be the first because all eyes are on you. You become the example if you fail. Don't be afraid to go after it. Just go for it. Know that the landscape of the tech industry is changing with time. Have patience. Just like anything else, change is inevitable. It will happen. It’s a matter of if you want to be a part of that change.”
“My last bit of advice was given to me by one of my first managers in tech. He always said "Always continue to grow and learn. If you become the smartest person in the room, it’s time to find a new room." This advice has taken me a long way. I’m always looking for an opportunity to learn and improve.”
Check out the full Article View duck creek technologies' Jobs
“Staying curious and confident is everything. I feel like that’s a bit of a cliche at this point, but there will always be external factors and structures that will do their best to make you doubt yourself or feel unqualified. Staying curious allows you to explore areas and opportunities you may not have thought available to you (as was the case with me), and staying confident will ensure you find the right people (or they find you).”
“That being said, I would also like for people of color who come across my story to realize that their blackness will not limit them in the tech space. In my experience, whatever form of racial obstacles and prejudice you may have faced in the past will not apply in the tech industry, so do not hesitate to make your mark. The industry is so big and is getting bigger everyday.”
“I’d encourage them to go for it. There’s a Bible verse that says “A person’s gift makes room for them” and nowhere is it more true than in technology. If you have the skills to solve a company’s problems, doors will open for you. Being in the tech field means a commitment to lifelong learning, since tools, languages, and methodologies tend to undergo major reinventions at least every 7-10 years.”
“Having my voice heard and respected in the room are a couple of obstacles I had to overcome early in my career even after I had proven my competency. As my confidence grew, I spoke my mind more freely and forcefully in terms of thoughts and ideas I deemed to be constructive.”