Understanding the Lack of Diversity in Tech Through The Leaky Tech Pipeline Framework

Description

Despite increasing recognition of the importance of diversity, well-intentioned commitments to diversity, and the investment of hundreds of millions of dollars on diversity-related initiatives, there has been little progress in diversifying the tech industry.

This session discusses The Leaky Tech Pipeline, a framework developed at the Kapor Center that explains and addresses the racial and gender underrepresentation in the technology ecosystem. It draws on social science research and data, as well as the experiences and insights of tech professionals, to highlight the lack of diversity, which results from a complex set of structural and social/psychological barriers or “leaks” that occur across the length of the technology pipeline. This pipeline begins in elementary school, continues through higher education, and extends into the workplace and entrepreneurship.

The session will also provide concrete recommendations on how to help “fill the leaks” throughout each phase of the pipeline.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand The Leaky Tech Pipeline and its impact on the tech workforce
• Pinpoint specific pipeline leaks that prevent some from entering and succeeding in tech
• Identify strategies to help fill leaks throughout the tech pipeline