When people discuss diversity in tech, do you feel that race or gender should be more focal?Â
I think that’s an individual perspective that will be unique to each person you ask, and depending upon their life experiences. From where I sit, I’m black before I’m a woman, if that makes sense. My experiences are mostly colored by my ethnicity and my culture more so than my gender. The intersectionality adds complexity, for sure, but for the most part my experiences have been due to my race, and things that wouldn’t happen to me if I were a woman of other race. To that end, I personally feel that race should be more focal, because when you historically look at beneficiaries of affirmative action and/or any focus on diversity, it’s predominantly white women.
The problem is that when people think of the black workforce, they think of black men, and when they think of women in the workforce, they think of white women. That means there is no real place for us. However, from my experience, we (black women) tend to have more opportunities when the focus is on race versus gender. All that said, I think focusing on race would ultimately yield better results.
What are considerations that black talent should make when embarking on professional interests in the tech industry?
Think strategically about what you have to offer the industry, no matter the discipline, and how can you best articulate that. That goes across the board, from the first glance of a résumé to how you present yourself in an interview. How can you add value and solve your boss’ and department’s and company’s biggest issues? Part of the beauty of black talent in the tech industry is also recognizing ways in which we utilize the technology differently. Because of that modified use, we can note ways to improve it, or make it more efficient for certain audiences – create new features and functions. Demonstrate how you can help make a better product, because that’s what it’s all about in the end.
What are three tokens of advice that you would give to black professionals interested in integrating into Silicon Valley?
1. Cultivate relationships in networks outside of your norm. Those are invaluable in tech, because a lot of opportunities are known and given based on who you know, and who knows you. The circle can sometimes be insular, so you need to make sure you make the effort to diversify your network and foster those relationships.
2. Be willing to do things you haven’t done before. A lot of tech companies, even the large ones, bootstrap a lot of things, so even though it may be large, there is a start-up mentality. Your job duties will change, and you have to learn to embrace that and roll with it. It adds to your résumé, and provides a way to distinguish yourself.
3. Show initiative. If you have new ideas, speak up. I’d even suggest this as an interview strategy. People who demonstrate innovative ideas and ways to problem-solve stand out. Also demonstrate and offer ideas on how you’d solve some of the company’s biggest problems. It shows that you know their business, you did your homework, and shows you’re a thinker.
4. Be your authentic self. The beauty of the tech industry is it affords that luxury, and that will enable your ability to really contribute.
What is a “random trivia factoid” about working at Facebook that the BlackEnterprise.com readers would find interesting?
There is a good number of HBCU alums here, which people may not expect. Morgan State, Howard, FAMU, and Coppin State all represent. Surprisingly, no ‘SpelHouse.’ While I went to UC Berkeley, I have a very soft spot for HBCUs, as my mother and grandmother are HBCU grads, so I love to see them here.