Women in Tech Gather At Condé Nast to Celebrate Black History Month

By Serena Lee

Coding Black Females is a women’s tech group making meaningful waves in the field of technology. These women endeavour to build a more inclusive and forward-thinking IT industry by sharing their experiences, advice, and training.

Last week the group were invited to Condé Nast International for Black History Month – Celebrating black women in tech history. Software engineer Faduma Mohammed spoke about her experience working at Condé Nast, followed by a panel discussion with 3 Black women who are doing great things in technology:

• Dionne Condor Farrell, award winning Senior Developer at Transport for London, is also a tech coach, mentor and public speaker, who is passionate about improving diversity in the tech industry.

• Buki Thompson, Software Developer and founder of CodeXhiphop teaches how to make music with coding technology.

• Jean Jimbo, is Product Manager at the BBC and tech mentor that runs Women Driven Development and BBC Women in STEM network dedicated to supporting underrepresented groups in tech.

Britain’s technology sector has a worrying lack of diversity. Coding Black Females’ aim is to offer a platform specifically for black women working or interested in technology to discuss issues or questions they have relating to work and life in a safe and comfortable environment. They provide opportunities to network, receive support and hear professional speakers. Founder Charlene Hunter has over 10 years experience as a Senior Developer. She is in demand, with talks at HSBC, Afrotech Fest, plus upcoming talk at the BBC. She explains, “The tech industry has so many rewards it’s a great industry to work in, its important that black women who are interested, to reap those rewards too.”