BRIDGING THE GAP: LATINO REPRESENTATION IN THE TECH INDUSTRY

June 6, 2024 Buffalo Latino Village

Back in early November, I took a Civil Service Exam for a Communications Specialist position with Erie County at the downtown E.C.C. City Campus. Since I was one of the first to enter and take a seat in the testing room, I noticed the group of other test takers who attended that morning. While sitting in the room, as about 65 or so additional test takers trickled in, I observed there were zero Black test takers and I was the only Latino that I could recognize sitting in attendance.

This scene reminded me of other scenes I’ve noticed in my professional experience and reflects a broader trend where Latinos remain conspicuously absent from various sectors, including technology.

Lack of Latinos in Tech Spaces: In recent times, the spotlight on diversity and inclusion within the tech industry has intensified, revealing a significant gap in representation, particularly for Latino and Black professionals. As someone deeply embedded in both the tech field and the Latino community, I’ve observed firsthand the disparities that persist in this critical sector of the economy. The lack of diversity isn’t just a matter of numbers; it’s a systemic issue that demands urgent attention. Tech is a growing industry that employs millions of Americans; however, Latinos continue to make up a small portion of the tech workforce.

Although I’m a filmmaker, my current day job is within the tech field, working as a Software Implementation Consultant/Coordinator within the higher education space. My work within tech has been ongoing for the last 13 or so years, and one thing I have always noticed was the low number of Blacks or Latinos working within the technology fields.

A few weeks ago, I attended a Crowdfunding Seminar for Latino creatives, and one of the connections I made during that seminar was with a young lady out of Orlando who is working on a series that revolves around Latinas in Tech. We shared our common experiences and observations and the question continued to be raised, why aren’t there many Latinos/Latinas or Black people of color working within these fields?

Numbers don’t lie: Statistics paint a clear picture of this disparity. Despite being one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in the United States, Latinos occupy only a fraction of positions in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) fields. Shockingly, as of 2021, only 8% of the 34.9 million Americans in STEM are Latino. This underrepresentation extends across various subfields within STEM, indicating deep-rooted barriers that hinder Latino participation and advancement.

The implications of this underrepresentation are profound, not only for the Latino community, but for the nation as a whole. With Latinos projected to account for nearly one-quarter of the US population by 2030, fostering their inclusion in the tech industry isn’t just a matter of equity, it’s an economic imperative. As technology continues to drive innovation and shape the future workforce, harnessing the talents and perspectives of Latino professionals is essential for sustained growth and competitiveness.

Addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Latino representation in tech requires a comprehensive approach. It begins with education, where efforts should focus on expanding access to computer science education from an early age. By integrating computer science concepts into K-12 curricula and diversifying the teaching workforce, we can empower Latino students to pursue careers in technology from a position of strength.

Moreover, postsecondary education plays a crucial role in preparing Latino students for tech careers. Community colleges, in particular, can serve as vital pathways for Latino students seeking to enter the tech industry. By forging partnerships between educational institutions and tech companies, providing financial aid, and removing logistical barriers, we can ensure that Latino talent is nurtured and supported throughout their educational journey. However, increasing Latino representation in tech doesn’t end with education. We must also address systemic issues within the tech workplace itself. From improving hiring practices to fostering a culture of inclusivity and belonging, there are numerous steps that companies can take to create environments where Latino professionals can thrive. Ultimately, bridging the gap in Latino representation within the tech industry requires collective action. It demands commitment from policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and advocates to dismantle barriers and create pathways for success. By harnessing the full potential of Latino talent, we can not only build a more diverse and equitable tech industry but also drive innovation and prosperity for generations to come.

Ultimately, bridging the gap in Latino representation within the tech industry requires collective action. It demands commitment from policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and advocates to dismantle barriers and create pathways for success. By harnessing the full potential of Latino talent, we can not only build a more diverse and equitable tech industry but also drive innovation and prosperity for generations to come.