We are Melanin (dot) Tech
Encouraging personal and professional advancement by creating a space where all Black techies can truly be themselves.
Project Description
What is our company's mission?
Melanin.Tech believes in development, diversity, education, and liberation. This is a place for Black people in tech to make meaningful connections, find jobs, build teams, learn from mentors and explore new career paths. We are here to unite, inform, and encourage Black professionals who either work in the tech industry or aspire to do so.
Our mission is to cultivate a close-knit community, provide a safe space, and accelerate the growth of the Black tech ecosystem.
What problem are we solving?
The lack of diversity in the tech industry can be lonely, frustrating and intimidating, but unfortunately, not surprising. There are lots of incredible communities and organizations with aligned missions that help amplify Black people in tech. We want to be able to bring all of those organizations into one place. There is power in number and having a strong universal community
In December 2019 Facebook reported having 44,942 employees, with approximately 3.8% of them being Black.
A company that has roughly 43% active Black users, yet only 3.8% of Black employees to help reflect them, is staggering, BUT common. Facebook definitely is not unique to this, just for a few examples, look at the numbers of Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Uber. You will see almost identical results. Regardless of the lack of representation amongst their customer base, the fact that a Black techie can barely look around and find others that look like them can be isolating.
We want to change that, but before we change the numbers, we need to be there for those currently feeling alone. We need to let them know we see them, we hear them, and we support them. That’s why Melanin.Tech was born.
How does our service solve this problem?
Melanin.Tech is purposeful in its content and determined in its method. Created out of disappointment and frustration, we are here to make a difference while trying a different approach. We offer our members a global community that links other like-minded resources advocating for a change in the tech industry.
We’re here to aid in the development of expertise, goals, and initiatives through action that creates growth, progress, and positive change in the quality of life for Black people in tech. We are doing everything in our power to create a pipeline that’ll erase the status quo of the industry, one job at a time.
What makes us unique?
- Distinctive programming and constantly evolving content
- Safe space for all Black people in the tech industry, including outside of technical roles
- One-stop-shop for talent acquisition and recruitment through our mobilize.io platform
- Global employee resource group to help foster diversity and inclusion in the workplace
- Mentor relationship connection for all levels of experience
- Intentional focus and open conversations on the importance of wellness
The word on the street (testimonials)
My name is Jiwan Jackson and I attended the Code N Chill event. The event was Phenomenal and I truly appreciate the organization's mission. I was hoping to learn about possible volunteer opportunities with Melanin.Tech at future events. - Jiwan Jackson
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Thank you all so much for offering the Code n Chill event this past Wednesday! It was a great opportunity to network and learn so much about the IT field from a Melanated Perspective :). What you all have started is amazing and I'm looking forward to future events from you all! Keep up the great work! - Crystal McDowell
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Chanita and the team at Melanin.Tech was the first tech organization that assisted me at the start of my tech career journey. They gave me the confidence and practical tools that were key to stand out and level myself up. With the rapid growth in technology every day, a platform like Melanin.Tech is a blessing and I'm extremely grateful for them. I highly recommend Melanin.Tech for anyone of Melanin descent. - Kobi
About our Founder
Chanita Simms is a loving world traveler, a mediocre salsa dancer, and a woman with a heart of gold (that actually enjoys jumping out of perfectly good airplanes). Yet, most importantly, she has a voice that will not be silenced.
She is committed to accelerating the growth of the Black tech ecosystem by helping members obtain opportunities in the industry and sustain long-term, rewarding careers. Her mission is to create lasting change in the tech industry that she knows and loves. Chanita is focused on inspiring others to stand up for what they believe in and help create opportunities for as many people as possible.
How can you help?
We aim to deliver an enlightening experience by providing our members with the tools and resources to obtain knowledge through involvement, study, or being taught.
The money raised through crowdfunding will assist us with operations, marketing, keeping membership cost low, increasing resource availability, and content programming compensation. In addition, you’ll help us grow our team because we all know it takes a village!
So please:
Contribute what you can, we truly appreciate your generosity!
Sign up for our newsletter, follow along on this journey, and stay in the know!
Help us spread the word, share our campaign on social media!
Thank you for believing in us, now help us continue to shake up the industry!
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
For this type of love, you deserve a whole swag pack!
Just Because I Care
Thank you so much for your contribution! Sending a fist bump, high five, or hug right your way. We'll send over ur playlist so we can all jam together!
We appreciate you and we want the world to know it! We can't wait to give you a shoutout on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for the support!
Don't forget to let us know your social handles.
We've got some swag JUST for you!
With this package, you'll get a newsletter highlight article about you OR your company broadcasted to our 2000+ email audience!
You'll receive a lifetime membership for yourself or sponsor a lifetime membership for 2 other people! The gift that keeps on giving.
You'll get to work directly with the founder, Chanita, for a DEI strategy consulting call for your company or organization.
Rewards
For this type of love, you deserve a whole swag pack!
Just Because I Care
Thank you so much for your contribution! Sending a fist bump, high five, or hug right your way. We'll send over ur playlist so we can all jam together!
We appreciate you and we want the world to know it! We can't wait to give you a shoutout on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for the support!
Don't forget to let us know your social handles.
We've got some swag JUST for you!
With this package, you'll get a newsletter highlight article about you OR your company broadcasted to our 2000+ email audience!
You'll receive a lifetime membership for yourself or sponsor a lifetime membership for 2 other people! The gift that keeps on giving.
You'll get to work directly with the founder, Chanita, for a DEI strategy consulting call for your company or organization.