Why do black software engineers need environments for career growth?

/dev/color is a non-profit that maximizes the impact of Black software engineers. The organization runs a program called A*. The program was designed to create environments where Black software engineers learn from one another & hold one another accountable for reaching ambitious career goals.

I spent time getting to know /dev/color members and discussing the impact the organization has had on their lives. Members frequently say that events are invaluable for their career growth.

Increased Confidence and Ambition

Dozens of members tell me that our events help bring their goals within reach. /dev/color hosts fireside chats, small group dinners, conferences, tech talks, and hackathons. All of these events put ambitious, career-oriented Black software engineers and industry leaders within contact of one another.

I had a engaging conversation with Jessica Mong, Software Engineer at SurveyMonkey and member. She talked about her transformation after attending an event with Hugh Molotsi, a Silicon Valley innovator, advisor, and investor in the Silicon Valley. Jessica explained, “Dinners like this provide us with access. The opportunity to talk to Hugh at a personal level was very helpful.”

Jessica beamed with pride as she discussed her transition into a new position at SurveyMonkey. She credited a lot of her success to event guests who have guided her through various challenges. “The event changed my perspective and certain goals I had for myself,” she said.

The A* program is unique because it creates environments where members can to share their goals, offer help to one another, and celebrate their accomplishments.

“/dev/color provides us with small groups and access. The event changed my perspective and certain goals I had for myself.” — Jessica Mong

Opportunity to learn from major influencers in the industry

Events are one of many perks members can take advantage of when they join the organization. Members discussed meeting people they look up to and admire in the industry at events.

/dev/color hosts industry leaders such as Merline Santil, Head of Operations of Product & Technology at Intuit, Ben Horowitz, Co-Founder & Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, and Tony Gauda, Founder & CEO of ThinAir Labs.

Members beam with excitement when they meet the leaders that are put within their reach. Jaren Glover, Infrastructure Engineer at Robinhood and member had the opportunity to facilitate a fireside chat with Dustin Moskovitz, CEO and co-founder of Asana.

I sat in the audience and had the opportunity to witness Glover lead a discussion on Dustin’s time at Facebook, his current projects at Asana, and his views on balance in the workplace.

“The event with Dustin Moskovitz was the most valuable for me. I got to learn more about him and see from his vantage point,” Glover said.

Members were incredibly engaged at this event. They asked questions and made connections with members they weren’t familiar with. Event speakers go above and beyond to make themselves available to our members.

I enjoy seeing members put themselves out there and make connections with black software engineers and leaders who want to see them succeed.

Environment for Learning and Growth

There is something really powerful about a space where learning and growth is highly encouraged. Events allow members to talk to other black software engineers and influencers about their present and past challenges in the industry.

I talked to Jarvis Johnson, Software Engineer at Patreon and member. He spoke positively about his experience at events.

“I really enjoy fireside chats and have been to several. When I attend I listen and absorb the way people are thinking about problems.There are a million and one ways to accomplish a goal,” he said.

“When I attend fireside chats I listen and absorb the way people are thinking about problems. There are a million and one ways to accomplish a goal.” — Jarvis Johnson, member

The organization creates a space where members can discuss challenges they face in the industry. Members like Jarvis can meet with others who are at similar stages at their careers or at more advanced levels.

“I want to model my path after people I am a fan of. The people at fireside chats are people I am interested in,” Jarvis said.

My team encourages members to utilize all of the resources provided to them. /dev/color events are one of many resources A* members can take advantage of when they join the program.

So why do black software engineers need environments for career growth? Black software engineers are the underrepresented in the technology sector are least likely to see themselves represented in senior engineer or leader positions. We miss out on opportunites to exchange valuable career information with people who share our racial or ethnic identities.

Opportunites to share with those who have similar lived experiences are invaluable and reaffirming.

We wanted a place where we could learn from the best. We wanted a place where we could teach others the lessons we’ve learned. We couldn’t find that place anywhere else, so we made it for ourselves.

/dev/color is a non-profit organization that maximizes the impact of Black software engineers. We create environments where Black software engineers can learn from one another and hold one another accountable for reaching ambitious career goals. To learn more, check out our website and follow our blog & twitter account.