Race adds a layer of complexity for students. Black women represent a growing cohort in the tech industry but are less likely than other groups to see themselves in tech-related discussions. Your stories are often limited to diversity-specific panels, with little to no representation elsewhere. Our mission is to uplift, connect, and develop Black college women in tech.
The Black Wings group is for Black women in technology and engineering majors to share experiences and advice, have a familiar community within the tech industry, and gain support from having a group of women with shared interests. The group is built around inclusivity and is a welcoming, safe space to share experiences, discuss difficult topics, and, most importantly, meet more Black women in tech!
The Black Wings community is working towards a more inclusive tech industry by
- Providing students the opportunity to build community with fellow Black women college students pursuing computing degrees at a local, regional and national level.
- Retaining more Black women in computing majors by welcoming students to a supportive community of peers and exposing students to role models and mentors.
- Collaborating with technology companies to better understand career paths across industries, learn about roles available for computing students, develop their talent, and understand whether ‘diversity of thought’ and inclusivity are genuinely part of the company culture.
- Connecting with Black company engineers, recruiters, and leaders who can share their journeys and tech experience, careers and opportunities as Black employees, and their experience with non-Black co-workers.
- Better understanding and addressing the unique experiences and needs of Black women during recruiting and early into their careers so they will have equal opportunities and feel welcomed and supported as they enter their careers in tech.
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Black Wings Members
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Colleges + Universities
As a member of Black Wings, Rewriting the Code supports and empowers you with exclusive content and opportunities.
Role Models
Exposure to influential Black women, with advanced degrees, in leadership positions at tech companies and in various tech-related jobs.
Education & Resources
Lessons from Black women engineers and recruiters regarding approaches to handling challenges such as bias and impostor syndrome, as well as the best ways to approach interviews, negotiate offers, prepare for conferences, and network with company representatives. We’ll also facilitate events/mixers to provide support and build community, from shopping for professional clothing together to exchanging internship experiences and perspectives.
Tech Company Interaction
Authentic educational and recruiting events to engage Black students across the spectrum of HBCU, public and private schools. Provide Black students the opportunity to interact and ask questions of recruiters and engineers who look like them and offer relatable insight and perspective in exploring internship and full-time opportunities. Offer women guidance for understanding what companies are looking for, the application process, interview preparation, and the company onboarding process.
Research & Studies
Conduct surveys asking what other Black women members desire from the program, what experiences they have had, what challenges they face in college or during their internship, and whether or not they have a mentor. We invite people with different roles in tech (product manager, project manager, technical program manager, software engineer, etc.) and from different tracks (fintech, ed-tech, data analytics, etc.) to gain a wide perspective.
Finding communities like RTC where I get to see the manifestation of my dreams in all the Black women currently in the Tech industry has been very positive in my journey, and especially from the Black Wings. My journey is not rosy or sweet to the ear, it’s rough, and I’m still persevering.
Cynthia, Black Wings Member
Support Black women in tech. Partner with us.
Corporate partners of Rewriting the Code impact the lives of college and early career women who are passionate about technology. Through recruiting and participation in RTC programs and events all year round, companies have the unique opportunity to not only attract diverse tech talent to their organizations but also to be an influencing factor in their decision to continue their pursuit of technology.