### The Landscape for Black Women in Tech: Obstacles and Advancements
The present scenario for Black women within the tech sector is troubling. The retraction of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs by leading firms such as [Google](https://mashable.com/article/google-dei-trump-diversity-equity-program-cancelled) and [Meta](https://mashable.com/article/meta-ends-dei) has prompted concern. Moreover, [Mark Zuckerberg’s appeal for increased “masculine energy”](https://mashable.com/article/mark-zuckerberg-joe-rogan-masculine-feminine-energy) in corporate environments has further solidified the notion that Silicon Valley is becoming less accommodating to women and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Data supports these worries: Women account for a mere 19% of bachelor’s degrees in computer science, while Black women represent only 3%. In addition, Black women occupy just 2% of tech positions, based on findings from [Black Girls Code](https://www.wearebgc.org/newsroom).
### Black Girls Code: Creating Opportunities for Black Girls in Tech
Black Girls Code (BGC) is striving to transform these figures by offering Black girls both in-person and virtual educational experiences through collaborations with educational institutions, corporations, and volunteers. In late 2023, Cristina Mancini, a previous executive at Salesforce and 20th Century Fox, became the new CEO. She declared her [aspiration of connecting one million girls of color to tech by 2040](https://www.wearebgc.org/news/cristina-mancini) and highlighted workforce development as a significant focus.
With Black History Month commencing and the tech landscape shifting rapidly, Mashable engaged with Mancini regarding BGC’s latest projects and her outlook during these trying times.
### BGC’s Objectives for the Year
**Mancini:** Black Girls Code is committed to motivating, educating, and propelling the upcoming generation of tech innovators by imparting the skills and confidence necessary to excel in an industry where they have historically been marginalized.
This year, we have a number of thrilling projects, including a new season of our complimentary video-based coding academy, [Code Along](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VroOSToSNx8&list=PLl1ZwRWbrzdRGZVYFeQFH8OFwCscjXsp5), which will be launched on YouTube later this month.
Our main priorities include broadening our outreach and refining our curriculum to stay aligned with advancements in technology like AI. Our aims are to:
– Extend to more cities to involve a greater number of girls.
– Enhance our curriculum and bolster career advancement programs.
– Establish additional pathways to apprenticeships that will influence the future of tech.
Our ambition is audacious: We aim to propel one million Black girls into tech by 2040. Considering that just 2% of technical positions are currently held by Black women, this objective is not merely aspirational—it’s essential.
### The Significance of Parents, Educators, and Communities
Women still constitute only 18% of new graduates in computer science, and the figures are even lower for Black women. This issue transcends the tech realm—it’s a societal dilemma.
**Mancini:** One inquiry I frequently pose is: What is the cost of doing nothing? When entire demographics are left out of the conversations surrounding the development, funding, and legislation of technology, innovation is hindered, and enduring biases remain.
At BGC, we are steadfast in our commitment to our mission, our learners, and our community. We must remain connected, share resources, and be deliberate about where we allocate our time and financial resources. It is vital to create environments where young women of color feel a sense of belonging. We must demystify technology and reaffirm that it is accessible to everyone.
I urge educators, parents, and family members to investigate our [Code Along series](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP_OsxPbdXA). This no-cost video-based coding academy makes learning engaging and approachable. Last year, our dual Code Along initiatives reached over two million viewers. These programs equip students with practical skills that will prepare them for future careers.
### Maintaining Positivity in a Challenging Industry
**Mancini:** I strongly believe that we can cultivate a tech industry that is inclusive, secure, and joyful. Tackling representation gaps is not solely a tech challenge—it’s a human challenge.
As members of the Black community, we are active users of technology, and we possess the opportunity to become its designers. As tech progresses swiftly, we must assure our presence in the spaces where decisions are made. We need to be proactive, engaged, and solution-oriented.
At BGC, we are reshaping the narrative for Black women in tech. Rather than framing success around overcoming adversity, we spotlight Black joy in technology. We celebrate the brilliance of