Gayle Thompson-Igwebike
As October and Black History Month draw to a close, I’m left wondering—what’s next? Do we pause our recognition of Black and underrepresented achievements? Should we return to ‘normal,’? And what does that even mean? Surely, celebrating and reclaiming diverse narratives goes beyond just one month.
Kelsey Robb, EMEA Community Advisor at Google and Next Tech Girls Role Model, put it perfectly, highlighting the need for ongoing conversations around what remains, unfortunately, an ‘awkward’ subject:
“When you look at the statistics regarding the representation of women, particularly women of colour, in the tech industry, it can be discouraging. It’s difficult to stay motivated when the data feels stacked against you…..not having access to individuals within the tech space means missing out on crucial information and opportunities. As the saying goes, ‘you don’t know what you don’t know.”
Kelsey’s words reflect exactly what we, at Next Tech Girls strive to create- ‘normalising diversity and inclusivity in tech!’
Our previous blog highlighted our commitment to empowering young women and girls in tech education. Now, here’s a look at the remarkable women proving what’s possible in the tech industry. Our role models don’t just participate—they actively uplift and inspire, paving the way for the next generation. Through their stories, mentorship, and achievements, they’re helping us build a legacy that shatters stereotypes and opens doors for many more to thrive.
And if reading this blog makes you feel like Next Tech Girls is celebrating its own success—you’d be absolutely right! We are, because we believe wholeheartedly in our work and in amplifying the voices within our community to boldly proclaim the future we’re building together.
Passing the Baton to the Next Generation
Akua Opong, Senior End User Computing Engineer at LSEG, has mentored aspiring women and hosted multiple work experience placements through Next Tech Girls. Her dedication to uplifting the next generation is evident in her own words. Her message of self-belief and ambition reminding us that the future of STEM belongs to those who dare to dream big.
“Next Tech Girls for me is about giving back to the community and passing the baton to the next generation of women in STEM. I want them to visualise what they can become and keep aiming for it. Be curious, be brave, and aim high. They have the talent and now need to BELIEVE in themselves plus back themselves.”
Building a Community That Uplifts
For young black girls who often face isolation in their pursuit of tech careers, Arin Ososanya’s story is a testament to the power of community and the importance of visibility. A Graduate Product Manager at Rare Recruitment and former Next Tech Girls team member, Arin reflects on her own early experiences in tech and how being a role model allows her to create invaluable opportunities for young students.
“My journey in technology was largely solo at the very start, and I often felt alone navigating various roles and possibilities. I wish I had a community like Next Tech Girls at 16. As a Role Model, I aim to support young girls, especially Black girls, in discovering opportunities in tech.”
Shaping a Legacy of Excellence and Resilience
Millicent Didacus, a final-year Computer Science student, exemplifies how the Next Tech Girls community empowers women to break barriers and build genuine connections. Her journey with Next Tech Girls, from volunteering at major events to mentoring at Next Tech Fest, reflects the depth of her commitment to creating change.
“Through this community, I’ve built genuine connections, had the chance to do what I love—helping and teaching—and found more motivation to keep pushing boundaries and breaking stereotypes. Black women continue to shape the future, and it’s inspiring to be part of a legacy of excellence and resilience.”
The Power of Representation
As we exit Black History Month, it’s essential to keep on recognising how representation fuels inspiration. Mia Gordon, a Software Developer for the Ministry of Justice, shares how the power of seeing women like herself in tech creates new possibilities:
"Representation, connection, and immeasurable inspiration sum up why I love being a part of Next Tech Girls. Social enterprises like Next Tech Girls never existed when I was in school and would have undoubtedly opened my eyes to careers that felt unattainable for someone that looked like me."
Her powerful words are reminder of why the work we do at Next Tech Girls is so vital. By providing visibility, we are helping to unlock doors for future generations of black and underrepresented women to thrive in tech.
See It, Be It:
Anne Awele Nwaokolo, a Senior Information Analyst at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, discovered Next Tech Girls in early 2023 and soon after, became a mentor at our events, sharing her story and advice to young women. That Anne sees the Next Tech Girls community as a place for authentic empowerment, encouraging and uplifting Black women in tech makes us very proud and inspired to keep doing what we do.
“As a mentor and role model for Next Tech Girls, my experience has been a transformative one filled with empowerment, community, and growth. It is very encouraging for me as a Black woman to be a part of a network that deliberately provides spaces for us to thrive in addition to valuing diverse viewpoints…I am honoured to stand with other Black women in our community.”
The Journey Continues….
Beyond Black History Month and looking toward the future, Next Tech Girls remain committed to empowering and inspiring women in tech, ensuring that Black women and women from underrepresented backgrounds in our community are seen and heard. Our role models are more than mentors—they are champions of change, reminding us that narratives can be reclaimed, rewritten, and redefined. Each of them brings a unique perspective, yet all share a common goal: to challenge stereotypes and create a more inclusive future!
To conclude with Kelsey Robb’s words; “…..spaces like Next Tech Girls are so important, especially during formative years. I often reflect on how much I would have benefited from such support as a teenager. Without it, I spent my early years in tech just trying to figure things out, with a few stumbles along the way….It’s a joy to see the next generation of tech leaders rise, empowered by the knowledge and confidence they deserve.”
Here’s to empowering the future, smashing stereotypes, pushing boundaries, and creating lasting legacies!
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