In the United States, we urgently need more Latinas working in the tech industry. According to data from the National Center for Women & Information Technology, Latinas make up only 2% of the computing workforce in the United States. Also, a report from the Kapor Center found that Latinx people make up only 6% of the tech workforce, and that Latinx women make up only 1% of the tech workforce.
These numbers show that Latinas are staggeringly underrepresented in the tech industry, and we need more diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Many organizations and initiatives are working to promote greater DEI in tech, but there is still more work to do to make sure that the tech industry meets full diversity goals. Unfortunately, some tech companies have recently cut their DEI programs altogether.
While some tech companies do stellar work at making Latinas feel welcomed in the workplace during National Hispanic Heritage Month, it is important to remember to celebrate Latinas in tech all year long. Not only is there a lack of representation of Latinas in tech, but they face the largest gender pay gap and there is a lack of representation of Latinas in the C-suite. Tech organizations can better support Latinas year round by hiring more of them in the industry, paying them more, and promoting them to leadership positions.
Latinas are the future of tech, as they are earning educational degrees at increasing rates, despite facing disparities in their educational careers. A recent study by UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute found that more Latinas are earning a bachelor’s degree or higher. The number of Latina adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher increased from 5.4% in 2000 to 20% in 2021. However, despite Latinas’ advancement in education, they still tend to receive lower wages compared to their Latino and white male counterparts.
With the tech industry expected to continue to grow, many Latinas are ready and qualified to complement tech companies’ workforce. Despite alarming layoffs in the tech industry that have recently affected many Latinas in tech, the industry is growing faster than average occupations in the United States. Sectors like cybersecurity and generative artificial intelligence are expected to grow in the tech industry, providing countless opportunities for Latinas to work. Hiring Latinas is a great way to diversify tech companies and fill open roles quickly.
Once a Latina is working in tech, having an employee resource group dedicated to supporting them is beneficial and can help increase their sense of belonging. There are also great organizations supporting Latinas in the tech industry or looking to get into the industry. Latinas in Tech has multiple chapters worldwide that provide Latinas opportunities to network, receive mentorship, and chances to advance in their careers. Overall, Latinas are educated, hardworking, and can add a lot of value to the tech industry. They are qualified and willing to make a great impact in tech. They just need the opportunity to show that they can do it!
