by Stacy Jackson
March 12, 2024
With its commitment to empowering Black women in tech, this groundbreaking program is paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future.
The inaugural cohort class of Black Women in Tech, a pioneering program aimed at increasing the representation of women of color in the tech industry, is set to graduate on March 15.
The trailblazing initiative offers training and skill development at all levels for women embarking on or transitioning to careers in tech. It also caters to those seeking to enhance their expertise or advance in the tech industry, according to WVXU News.
The news outlet reported that the program offers Google Career Certificates in six areas: IT support, UX design, data analytics, project management, cybersecurity, and digital marketing and e-commerce.
The three-month program, with classes meeting 16 hours per week, also supports participants’ success by providing services like childcare, mentoring, case management, and financial education workshops.
Ebony Young, vice president of impact for the Urban League, said about the initiative: “These women have worked hard to complete the work necessary to enter an in-demand field with good salaries and growth opportunities.
“We’re so happy to play a small role in their success and look forward to seeing what they do next.”
A graduate of the data analytics program, Keturah Tatum, said about being part of this groundbreaking program: “In today’s digital world, access to technology is very important.
“This program, for me, especially being that it was one of the first cohorts for Black women, I really believe that it helped to facilitate learning and skill development within our community,” Tatum continued. “This is the first time I’ve ever seen this level of engagement in the tech field for Black women.”
Tatum, who is an operations specialist and a small-business owner (Kadosh Aromas), told WVXU News that she is in a good position to advance at her company. She noted it’s all thanks to the skills she has acquired to build on the abilities she already has.
Taylor Higgins, another graduate, participated in the project management course. The founder of Taylored Design Co. said, “I am an entrepreneur, and I’m always looking to learn new things.”
“It’s really cool to be able to have the support to strengthen our individual capabilities, but also leverage contracts and pursue new business opportunities effectively,” Higgins also said to WVXU News.
Black Women in Tech was made possible by collaboration between the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, Brighton Center, the Community Action Agency, and the Gaskins Foundation. The program also got support from JPMorgan Chase, Google, and the Workforce Innovation Center of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, the news outlet reported.
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