Original Product [Wiley] Women Of Color In Tech: A Blueprint Inspiring And Mentoring The Next Generation Techn

Women of Color in Tech: A Blueprint Inspiring and Mentoring the Next Generation of Technology Innovators addresses several obstacles that may prevent women of color to pursue and stay in a career in high tech. First, it highlights how diverse and fun tech career rtunities can be. Theres a misconception that a technical career is simply coding or software development. Thats not the casetodays tech careers are incredibly dynamic and require a breadth and depth of skills. Second, the book seeks to highlight the skills necessary to embark on the technical career. The book focuses more on soft skills, like communication, public speaking and networking vs. technical. While young woman of color certainly need technical skills, they also need to be able to communicate, speak and present at a professional level. Finally, the book gives guidance on cultivating relationships with professional/academic organizations and networks. a variety of reasons, young women of color may not readily have access to a strong and/or knowledgeable support network to rely on guidance or mentorship. Identifying and interacting with these networks early on is crucial in getting young women of color in tech careers and keeping them there.One of the most valuable resources an aspiring tech professional can have is a mentor, especially women and people of color who are underrepresented in the tech industry. tunately, rising tech professionals like author Susanne Tedrick are stepping up as champions of mentorship and helping to expand the universe of those who see a future themselves in tech. Tedrick says effective mentorship is about taking time to build meaningful and lasting relationships. Its not just taking a phone call with someone or having a brief conversation, she said. Its a relationship that has to be beneficial and meaningful the mentee, which could mean having a difficult conversation with them, helping them navigate a complex problem, or partnering with them to get to the root of what they are trying to accomplish and understanding where they want to be. Mentorship programs play a critical role in expanding diversity in tech because they help inspire confidence in those who might not think an tech career is them. Tedrick reflected on her career path and said she initially didnt pursue a career in tech because she felt like it was something only others could do. But seeing women leaders in tech speak on panels and finding a mentor helped inspire her and now shes working to build that same confidence with the next wave of innovators.When asked about advice young women who are considering a career in IT, she said, Dont let others who cant see the vision get you down. I want to say everybody on my journey was supportive, but some werent. When youre having those low moments, acknowledge them but