Professional Organizations Elevating DEI Values in the Tech Industry
In the tech industry, many diversity initiatives are underway, compared to other industries. Following or joining a DEI professional organization, can help you in your personal journey and your career. Here are a couple of American and International organizations you might want to take a look at.
Accessibility.com
A dedicated group of professionals, with experience in the digital accessibility field, identified the urgent requirement for concrete and actionable guidance to promote digital inclusion and ensure compliance. These experts actively champion digital accessibility for businesses.
2Gether International
https://www.2gether-international.org
2Gether-International, founded with a mission to empower disabled founders, is a leading startup accelerator. Their focus is on creating thriving, high-growth, high-impact startups within the disability community.
Diversity and Ability
https://diversityandability.com
Diversity and Ability (D&A) is an award-winning social enterprise led by and for disabled people. Their mission is to create inclusive cultures in education, and in the workplace, where disability inclusion and accessibility are woven into the fabric of the environment.
Diversity and Disability Alliance
DDAlliance is a user-led disability support organization run by and for people with disabilities from diverse backgrounds, with the support of families and allies. They work to create an inclusive, diverse, and just society where individuals with disabilities have a voice, choice, and control over their lives.
Global DEI Alliance (GDEIA)
The GDEIA driven by the India Leadership Council under the auspices of Times Strategic Solutions Ltd, stands as a worldwide endeavor uniting individuals and entities dedicated to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) both within workplaces and beyond.
Alliance for Global Inclusion
https://www.allianceforglobalinclusion.com
The Alliance for Global Inclusion, founded by industry peers, is dedicated to fostering an equitable future. The coalition leverages the collective power and resources of global organizations to promote workplace inclusivity and full equity.
Disability Rights Advocates
Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) is a nonprofit organization that fights for the rights of people with disabilities in the United States. Their mission is to advance equal rights for individuals with all types of disabilities.
IAAP
https://www.accessibilityassociation.org/s/
The “International Association of Accessibility Professionals” (IAAP) aims to shape, advocate for, and enhance the accessibility field on a global scale. Through networking, education, and certification, IAAP facilitates the development of accessible products, content, services, and environments.
Blind Institute of Technology
https://blindinstituteoftechnology.org
Blind Institute of Technology (BIT) was established with a mission to empower disabled founders and stands as a leading startup accelerator. Their focus lies in nurturing thriving, high-growth, high-impact startups within the disability community.
Black Data Processing Associates
BDPA (Black Data Processing Associates), founded in 1975, is the largest professional technology organization for blacks, African Americans, and other people of color in the United States. Their mission is to advance tech careers for underrepresented groups, from the classroom to the boardroom.
Nacme
NACME (National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering) is a remarkable organization that plays a pivotal role in advancing diversity and inclusion within the engineering field.
Sacnas
SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science) is a national organization that connects STEM students and professionals of Native American descent to the people, programs, and resources they need to grow in STEM.
Black Girls Code
Black Girls Code (BGC) is a nonprofit organization that focuses on engaging African-American girls and other youth of color with computer programming education to nurture their careers in tech.
Black and Brown Founders
https://blackandbrownfounders.com
Black & Brown Founders, was founded with the mission to empower Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. It is a remarkable organization that provides community, education, and access to tech resources for underrepresented groups. Their goal is to enable these entrepreneurs to launch and build tech.
Blacks in Technology
https://www.blacksintechnology.net
Blacks in Technology (BIT) is a global platform for Black people in technology. Their mission was to “stomp the divide” by establishing standards for world-class technical excellence. They serve members through community, media, and mentorship, providing resources and guidance and challenging them to set new standards of innovation.
Code 2040
Code2040 is a black-led, American nonprofit organization that spearheads racial equity work within the innovation economy. Their mission is to dismantle the structural barriers preventing Black and Latinx technologists from fully participating in the tech industry.
Women who Code
Women Who Code (WWCode) is a global non-profit organization that empowers diverse women to excel in tech careers. Their mission is to support engineers, developers, data scientists, architects, designers, and other technologists with the resources and community they need to thrive in the technology industry.
Women in DevOps
https://www.trinnovogroup.com/women-in-devops
Women in DevOps is a global movement on a mission to promote gender equity, close the DevOps gender gap, and inspire future leaders in the technology world. Since its inception in 2017, Women in DevOps has thrived, growing into an 18,000+ network.
Wonder Women Tech
Wonder Women Tech (WWT) is a global ecosystem dedicated to creating a new paradigm in a world that is filled with closed doors, discrimination, systemic racism, exclusion, a lack of access, opportunity, and real DEI initiatives that truly impact women, BIPOC, and underserved communities.
Women in Technology International
Women in Technology International (WITI), also known as Workforce Innovation, Trust, and Influence, is a global network that spans across North and South America, EMEA, APAC, and Australia. With over 30 years of existence, WITI has been at the forefront of promoting the achievements of women in technology. Their mission revolves around empowering innovators, inspiring future generations, and building inclusive cultures worldwide.
NCWIT
NCWIT (National Center for Women & Information Technology) is a far-reaching network of change leaders dedicated to advance innovation by addressing underrepresentation in computing. This community convenes, equips, and unites over 1,500 organizations nationwide in the US, all committed to fostering influential and meaningful participation in technology.
MotherBoard
https://motherboardmovement.co.uk
MotherBoard is a platform for tech moms in the UK, providing safe discussions on motherhood and careers. Their charter focuses on holding businesses accountable for positive change, fostering a gender-balanced industry revolution.
HeyFlow
By conducting surveys driven by insights, offering confidence-building training, and implementing policies tailored to real-life situations, Heyflow empower leaders, managers, and employees to foster genuine inclusivity within their company.
Lesbians Who Tech
https://lesbianswhotech.org/pridesummit2024
Lesbians Who Tech + Allies is a vibrant global community founded by Leanne Pittsford in 2012. The mission of this organization is to create a space for queer women and their allies within the technology field.
Vira Health
Vira Health blends data, clinical expertise, and behavior change to address global health issues for women. Their flagship app, Stella, offers personalized menopause support based on cutting-edge science. Explore at www.onstella.com.
LGBT Tech
https://www.lgbttech.org/mission
LGBT Tech is a diverse team of experts from multiple backgrounds that belong to the LGBTQIA+ community. Their mission is to advance tech equity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Pride in STEM
Pride in STEM, co-founded in 2016, is a UK-based charity that provides unwavering support to LGBT+ scientists on an international scale. Their mission is to support all LGBTQIA+ people in STEM fields.
Queer Tech Club
Queer Tech Club (QTC) is a vibrant community that provides professional development and networking opportunities for LGBTQ+ technologists in the Chicago area (USA). Their mission is to empower queer individuals within the tech field, bridging innovation and inclusivity.
Out in Tech
Out in Tech is a nonprofit network that unites the LGBTQ+ tech community. With over 50,000 members, their mission is to advance careers, foster networking opportunities, and leverage technology for social change.
Equileap
Equileap, founded in 2016, is the leading data provider for gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. Their mission is to close the equality gap in the workforce. As a specialized data provider with a broad scope of gender equality metrics, they enable investors to make informed decisions with data on equality in the workplace.
If you feel that some major and notable organizations are missing from this list, feel free to message me and I will be more than happy to add it. Please understand that we will not be able to add all local organizations.
