Creating a More Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Nonprofit Tech Sector

 In Perspectives and Announcements
Build is pleased to announce that at the close of 2021 we have continued our financial and volunteer support of four worthwhile organizations that work to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive nonprofit tech sector.

These are organizations that have been identified by staff as organizations they volunteer with, donate to, or serve in other ways.

“What really drew me to Global Girls Academy was their unique Trailblazers program. They offer their students access to women who have worked hard in their chosen careers and can provide personal perspective, guidance, and mentorship. Technology is often an overlooked profession by girls, especially as they start to plan their futures. Being able to educate and encourage them to identify their strengths and to develop the skills they need to thrive in this field will set them up for success in an increasingly tech reliant world. I am honored that Build has chosen to support the Global Girls Academy and invest in future leaders in our local DC community.” – Jo Butler, Senior Nonprofit CRM Manager

We believe that investments like these are one way that Build can take an active role in diversity, equity, and inclusion. We’re excited to continue to make future investments to drive impact and appreciate the individual efforts we take to create opportunities for all in a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive nonprofit tech sector.

Amplify

Founded Sept 12, 2013, the Amplify mission is: Empowering Underrepresented Voices in technology and those who support them to be fearless leaders. They are users, administrators, developers, and consultants who are working together to improve their careers, their organizations, and their communities. They began based in the Power of Us Hub, an online community of nonprofit and higher education Salesforce users open to Salesforce.org customers and partners. Today you can find them on Twitter, in their LinkedIn group, and their members-only Slack space!

Amplify has a powerful webpage dedicated to additional resources for pioneers in the Salesforce ecosystem. If you identify as not cis, white, or male, these resources and this community may be welcome support. If you are not under-represented, you may want to view the partners and accomplices page for advice on being an ally to under-represented colleagues. Build is proud to continue to support Amplify and the work they do.

For more information on donating or volunteering, please contact Amplify.

Girls Global Academy

Girls Global Academy  (GGA) is an all-girls public charter high school in Washington, DC. They provide a diverse group of young women with a global education that ignites empowerment and develops the confidence to influence change for global benefit. The curriculum focuses on engineering and business.

The GGA founding team uniquely understands the importance of a highly visible and tangible college- and career-going culture, having served in high schools for several years.  A college- and career-going culture is a school community effort that involves all stakeholders. While the leadership team and teachers play integral roles, the College and Career Readiness Counselor facilitate activities with support from staff, leadership, parents, and community members.  College and Career readiness starts in the 9th grade at GGA with the development of Personal Learning Plans for each student (with families) and a commitment to being an active participant in the GGA college and career going culture. The founding team uses software tools such as Overgrad to provide personalized support, monitoring, and communication with students and families.

When Girls Global Academy uses the terms “girls” or “young women,” they refer to how their students may choose to identify themselves. They welcome non-binary students who believe the supportive community they provide along with our rigorous academic program is optimal for their high school experience. GGA is designed to be an inclusive, safe, and dynamic learning environment for any girl in the District.

To learn more, volunteer, or donate, contact Girls Global Academy.

Techqueria

Techqueria is a nonprofit that serves the largest global community of Latinx professionals in tech, with 16,000+ members and allies.

Founded in 2019, their mission is to empower Latinx professionals with the resources and support that they need to thrive and become leaders in the tech industry.

Techqueria works with both tech companies and employee resource groups (ERGs) to build Latinx-centered spaces that revolve around career advice, recruiting, mentorship, and networking in order to comprehensively affect change in the tech industry.

To learn more, volunteer, donate, or join, contact Techqueria.

Vets in Tech

VetsinTech supports our current and returning veterans with re-integration services, and by connecting them to the national technology ecosystem. VIT is committed to bringing together a tech-specific network, resources, and programs for our Veterans interested in Education, Entrepreneurship, and Employment – the 3E’s!

Part job board, part convener of partners and conferences, part mentoring, and all Veteran oriented, VetsinTech provides training and opportunities to support Veterans in the tech sector.

To learn more, volunteer, donate, or join, contact VetsinTech.

Debbie Cameron and kids in front of a canyon