Diversity in tech: 3 stories of perseverance and success

These leaders in technology share several qualities: drive, vision, and execution. They transformed their work environments to value diversity and create inclusion. As leaders in technology, they are champions of change. Each of them knows that creating an inclusive corporate culture includes removing any barriers to entry, just as Reddit Inc. co-founder Alexis Ohanian did by stepping down from the board to make room for a Black candidate.

Companies who act purposefully and show top-down commitment can change workplace demographics. For example, JPMorgan Chase launched a corporate initiative, Advancing Black Leaders, assigning accountability and measuring progress. Since its inception in 2016, the number of Black managing directors by increased by 41% and Black executive directors by 53%. 

Technology companies extol the virtues of inclusion, saying all the right words – but talk is cheap. Even though they understand the business imperative, how diversity of thought sparks creativity, reduces risk, and supports profitability, companies have been slow to act. We know that changing workplace demographics is possible, but success requires top-down leadership commitment and consistent processes to remove bias. The rules of engagement must change. As a society we need to support others, share our stories, and become comfortable surrounded by different views and perspectives. We need to do more than believe in inclusion – we need to embrace it.