Top Professional Organizations for Black IT Pros
The field of IT is full of competition, making it a challenge to stand out from a group of innovative and intelligent individuals. When you’re a Black professional, you’re always working harder to overcome these obstacles.
The BIPOC workers in tech make up a small fraction of the overall workforce, but when they get together, they become a powerful combination. If you’ve ever seen a Black IT conference, you’ve felt the magic in action. If not, it’s past time to join in on the power of having like-minded allies in your network.
Joining a professional organization not only gives you something impressive to add to your resume, but it also connects you with people to use as references (see the importance of this factor in this article by Obsidi®). Not sure where to start? Check out these top professional organizations for Black IT pros and begin building your connections today!
1. DevColor
DevColor is a community full of forward-thinking Black software engineers, technologists, and leaders in tech determined to change the tech industry “for good.” Joining this organization puts you in touch with others like you who are passionate about helping Black professionals advance their careers.
2. Obsidi®
Standing out in the Black tech community is what Obsidi® is about. From partnering with employers to ensure that Black professionals are in the pipeline for new positions to training members to have the skills the top companies are looking for, this organization has it all. Follow Obsidi® to find out when the next webinars, conferences, and other meetings are held, and become a member today to see why it’s one of the most popular Black professional organizations in the world.
3. Code2040
This Black-led national nonprofit’s mission is to offer service programs and clear pathways into the tech industry to fight the imbalance of power faced by Black and Latinx people. Joining this organization ensures you’ll be working alongside people with the goal of creating racial equity, connecting peers, mentors, and companies with skilled, talented tech workers.
3. Black Data Processing Associates
Don’t let the name fool you — Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) is a diverse international organization designed to help students and professionals excel in STEM careers. Regardless of your level, whether you’re just getting started or trying to propel your career further, BDPA has the resources to help you.
4. Black Women Talk Tech
Black women in tech are even more underrepresented than Black males, and this group is intent on changing that statistic. Black Women Talk Tech is a community of professionals, leaders, and mentors who come together to support Black women in the tech industry through networking opportunities and resources to help them grow in their careers.
5. National Society of Black Engineers
Founded in 1975, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is one of the largest U.S.-based student-governed organizations. NSBE connects engineering and technology collegiate and pre-collegiate students, tech professionals, and industry leaders to advance its mission of increasing “the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers.”
6. digitalundivided
Another group focused on helping Black and Latina women grow in the tech industry, digital undivided offers programs designed to catalyze women entrepreneurs and propel them to success. digitalundivided’s programs include teaching members about the basics of getting started in the entrepreneurial tech field through C-Suite, a collaboration between the organization and Cosmopolitan to celebrate diverse women entrepreneurs.
7. National Association of Black Accountants (NABA)
NABA, Inc.’s goal is to help Black Business Leaders, but you don’t have to be an accountant to join. The nonprofit membership association connects leaders in accounting, business, finance, and entrepreneurship. Together with over 10,000 Black professionals, NABA serves as a strong foundation to educate individuals and provide resources to propel its members into career success.
Conclusion
Finding a network of like-minded professionals may be exactly what you need to move to the next level of your career goals. As a Black person in the IT industry, you have more resources and support available than you realize.
Join any or all of these organizations to begin collaborating with others who understand your journey and want to see you succeed, and share in their success, too. It’s a competitive industry, but there’s plenty of room to build the population of underrepresented minority groups!
