The Importance of Equity and History of Women in the Tech Space

As we close the chapter on another Women's History Month, it is important to reflect on how influential women have been in shaping the world of technology. From pioneers like Deborah Washington Brown, who helped to create AI-driven speech recognition technology, to computer programming coder Annie Easley, whose code became the foundation for the programming of electric cars, space shuttles, and the Centaur upper-stage rocket, their contributions will continue to positively transform how we live and work for decades to come. Yet despite their impact, women, particularly women of color, continue to remain underrepresented in the tech industry.

The lack of equity in tech is a missed opportunity for the countless women ready to step into the industry, and ultimately, it’s a stalling force for the entire industry. The absence of women's talented contributions creates a blind spot in the tech landscape, hindering innovation and the development of truly groundbreaking solutions. 

It is imperative that we move beyond celebration and into action. 

We are proud that in 3 years, we have built a movement that champions the entry and advancement of women of color in tech. Now, with the support of our partners, we’ve launched initiatives that enable women to pursue a way into software development careers in just 20 weeks with NPower’s new Path2TECH program.

This is a crucial step in continuing our mission to increase the representation of women and women of color in the industry. Fostering a truly inclusive tech landscape where women can thrive is not just the right thing to do; it's a necessity for the future of technology itself. By harnessing the collective brilliance of all genders, we can build a more robust and representative tech industry that benefits everyone.

Command Shift joins Google Tech Equity Collective

NPower couldn't be more excited to join forces with #TechEquityCollective (TEC), a Google Initiative, as a 2024 Impact Fund Grantee! The TEC Impact Fund is a $1M commitment to provide financial and strategic support for organizations re-skilling and upskilling Black technical talent.

TEC fosters a powerful ecosystem of programs, mentorship, and industry connections. By joining forces, TEC is creating even more impactful pathways for Black tech talent.

To learn more about Google 's #TechEquityCollective click here.

NPower Alumni Spotlight

Xiomara Machado 

NPower New York

Tech Fundamentals Fall 2023

IT Technician Intern, LVMH Fashion Group North America

Prior to joining NPower, Xiomara M felt lost and directionless. She was working minimum wage jobs with no set goals or clear career path. When her sister showed her a post on social media about NPower, she decided to challenge herself and see if she was capable of entering the tech industry. Despite being skeptical about her ability to complete the program, Xiomara persevered with the help of her supportive classmates and instructors.

Throughout the program, Xiomara enjoyed attending professional development events, connecting with tech professionals, and gaining a better understanding of what it is like working in the tech industry. She also honed her technical skills and took advantage of study sessions with NPower instructors. It was challenging to learn so much material within a short time span, but it paid off.

Now, Xiomara is working as an IT Technician Intern at LVMH Fashion, where she is putting everything she learned at NPower into practice while continuing to grow and develop her skills. She is excited to see what the future holds and where her career in technology will lead.

Watch Xiomara's inspiring speech at the New York graduation

As Women's History Month comes to a close, let's keep the momentum going in honoring and empowering women in technology!

NPower and CommandShift have launched Path2TECH, our software development program, to further support women in tech. With nearly 80 women starting this journey this month, you can be part of supporting this inaugural program!

Here's how you can support this groundbreaking initiative:

🌟 Hiring Talent: Consider diversifying your workforce by hiring graduates from our Path2TECH program.

🌟 Mentorship Opportunities: Become a mentor for Path2TECH participants and guide them on their journey to success.

🌟 Professional Development Support: Offer your expertise in resume writing and technical interviewing to empower Path2TECH participants in navigating the job market.

If you or your company are interested in supporting NPower's Path2TECH Program, please reach out to us at Path2TECH@npower.org. Together, let's pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future in tech! 💡