The tech industry thrives on innovation, and diversity is a critical driver of creativity and progress. Yet, systemic barriers have long excluded women of color from full participation in tech—depriving the field of their invaluable perspectives and insights. The Action Collaborative on Transforming Trajectories for Women of Color in Tech, led by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, seeks to address these disparities through a cross-sector initiative uniting over 35 organizations across higher education, national labs, and government agencies.
This initiative, guided by an intersectional approach, aims to take targeted, collective action to dismantle barriers and create pathways for sustained inclusion. Over the next four years, the Action Collaborative’s sponsoring members will focus on transforming educational and career opportunities in tech for women who identify as African American, Black, Hispanic, Latina, American Indian, Asian American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Islander.
The “Why” Behind the Initiative: The Action Collaborative builds on the findings of the 2022 National Academies consensus report Transforming Trajectories for Women of Color in Tech, which outlined the systemic obstacles these women face—from underrepresentation in tech education to exclusion in the workforce. Jeena Thomas, M.S., who leads this transformative effort, highlights the importance of collective action, noting, “The hope is to chisel at this larger systemic issue and problem and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.” By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the initiative aims to amplify the voices of women of color and develop strategies to address the systemic inequities that hinder their success.
"The hope is to chisel at this larger systemic issue and problem and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future."
Inclusivity is a Universal Imperative: While the Action Collaborative’s work is ambitious and far-reaching, progress requires individual organizations to act within their contexts. Jeena Thomas underscores that addressing inequities in tech is not just a moral obligation but a competitive necessity. “The industry’s need for a diverse workforce is clear,” she asserts. “Excluding women of color not only does a disservice to these talented individuals but also limits the field’s potential for innovation and growth.”
Tech companies, universities, and government agencies must commit to creating environments where women of color can thrive. This includes fostering mentorship opportunities, addressing bias in hiring and promotions, and ensuring access to critical resources and networks. By prioritizing inclusivity, the tech industry can tap into a wellspring of talent and ideas to drive future breakthroughs.
Moving Forward Together: The success of the Action Collaborative on Transforming Trajectories for Women of Color in Tech depends on sustained collaboration and commitment from its partners and the broader tech community. Over the next four years, this initiative will serve as a model for how collective action can break down systemic barriers and transform industries. The journey to inclusion and equity is long, but the potential rewards—for individuals, organizations, and society—are boundless.
About Jeena Thomas:
Jeena Thomas, M.S., is a Program Officer with the Committee on Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine (CWSEM) at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. She leads the Action Collaborative on Transforming Trajectories for Women of Color in Tech and previously worked with the Action Collaborative on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education. Before joining the National Academies, she worked in translational research and policy coordination at the National Institutes of Health. Jeena earned an M.S. in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University and a B.A. in Biology from the University of Virginia.
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