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The Inequality of Black Women in Computing

This presentation examines the lack of Black women pursuing careers in computer science and explores the reasons behind this disparity. Interviews with Black women working in the field reveal the challenges they have faced and the need for more diversity in the tech industry.

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The Inequality of Black Women in Computing

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  1. Black Women in Computing Final Presentation By: Amirah Ray

  2. The Age of the Internet Divide • A study by The Commerce Department found that: • Households with incomes of $75,000 and higher are more than 20 times more likely to have access to the internet than those at the lowest income levels. • Whites are more likely to have access to the internet from home than Blacks or Hispanics have from any location. • Regardless of income level, Americans living in rural areas are lagging behind in internet access. Source: BBC News Article Clinton: End ‘digital divide’ 12/9/99

  3. The inequality of Black women in CS • Most will likely agree that fewer and fewer women are finding their way to completing a bachelor's degree in one of the computing sciences. • In looking at data collected by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on bachelor's degrees in Computer Science (CS), it is evident that African American women are scarce. • For most of the African American women who have succeeded in Computer Science, a supportive family or mentor, sheer will and a sprinkle of good fortune seemed to have made the difference.

  4. Why? • I interviewed three Black women: • Two that majored in Computer Science and are currently working in the computer field. • One that began college with a major in Computer Science but switched to Psychology. • I wanted to know why they choose their paths.

  5. Interview 1 - Rhea • Rhea Coleman, PMP for Fidelity National • Has worked in IT for 20+ years • Majored in Computer Science with a focus in Data Processing at Loop “Harold Washington” College • Received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Roosevelt University. • Started her technical career in COBOL programming and is now a Project Manager.

  6. Interview 1 – Rhea (cont’d) • Did you ever think of another profession? • “My original thought was to be a CPA or Pharmacist.” • What made you choose Computer Science? • “I was a 24 years old, newly divorced, single mother on welfare, and at the time I could get a job in Data Processing faster than studying for a CPA exam or going for a Pharmaceutical degree.” • Did you experience any discrimination? • “Yes. Some people thought that the only reason I was hired was because of Affirmative Action and that I wasn’t qualified. But what people don’t understand is that Affirmative Action may get a Black person an interview but knowledge gets you the job. I think Affirmative Action is a good way to get diversity in the workplace.” • What pulled you through? • “I was determined to prove people wrong. I wanted to be successful and break the stereotype.” • Why do you think less Black women choose Computer Science as a career? • “They don’t know about it and it is not encouraged in Black schools. One other misconception is that CS is math-based, so people who are not good in math tend to shy away.”

  7. Interview 3 - Sherri • Sherri Anderson, System Analyst for CNA Insurance • Has worked in IT for 12 years • Graduated from Jackson State University with a degree in Computer Science • Is currently working on her PMP Certification

  8. Interview 3 – Sherri (cont’d) • Did you ever think of another profession? • “Yes. I was thinking of becoming a special education teacher.” • What made you choose Computer Science? • “Computers have always been a hobby of mine. And there is good money in computers. It’s better than a teachers salary.” • Did you experience any discrimination? • “In my opinion, yes.” • What pulled you through? • “The personal enjoyment of what I do and not wanting to start over with a new career.” • Why do you think less Black women choose Computer Science as a career? • “Probably because of the outsourcing. Also nursing is more sought after. The math and science aspect may also have something to do with it.”

  9. Interview 2 - Victoria • Victoria Giles, College Senior at Chicago State University • Is graduating in the Spring with a Degree in Psychology. • Transferred from Kennedy King College • Plans to pursue a career working with children in a professional setting

  10. Interview 2 -Victoria (cont’d) • What career did you see yourself doing in high school? • “I saw myself working with computers. Not fixing them or anything like that, just working with them.” • Why did you decide to choose Psychology as your major? • “Computer science is too long and too hard of a major. I wanted to get it over with.” • Do you see yourself working with computers in Psychology? • “Yes, but probably not much more than typing papers or using the internet. Pretty much what I do now.” • Why do you think less Black women choose Computer Science as a career? • “Because it is more of a male field, computers are built by men and there aren’t a lot of Black people in the field. Plus there aren’t a lot of jobs offered to Black women.”

  11. Analysis of the Data • Rhea’s reasoning for entering computer science reiterate the fact that most women do not enter computing because they are “in love with computers.” • For Rhea, computing was simply a way to change her quality of life. • This sentiment is also evident in Sherri’s interview when she mentioned that computers had always been a hobby but she still thought of other professions.

  12. Analysis of the Data • Victoria’s reasoning and views about computers are typical to those of many women. • In the interview she says, “I saw myself working with computers. Not fixing them or anything like that, just working with them.” • According to Unlocking the Clubhouse: Women in Computing women tend to be less fascinated by fixing computers than men.

  13. Black Women • When the question was brought up concerning why less Black women choose computer science as a major or profession the answers varied but were similar on some levels. • Rhea thought that there were less Black women because computer science is not encouraged in Black schools both Rhea and Sherri thought it is more of a math-based subject which can deter not only Black women but anyone who is not as confident in math. • Sherri brought up the issue of outsourcing while Victoria brought up the issue of lack of job opportunities for Black women in computing. • I find these thoughts interesting because I have never heard this reasoning before but it could pay a major part in the way Black women choose their majors and professions.

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