An article on IBC picks apart the idea that a focus on diversity automatically leads to an inclusive community. While diversity is clearly needed in the predominantly white male tech industry, without focusing on inclusiveness first, it's unlikely to lead to lasting change. Rather, the root of the issue needs to be addressed. But what is the root? Is it the pipeline we so often hear about, or access or discrimination or even just plain lack of interest? Alicia Pritchett, M+E strategy at Fastly and president and founder of Women in Streaming Media, explained, "The idea that certain people are not interested in tech is a dangerous concept. Stereotype threat influences performances at a very early age, particularly for women. Black women are one of the best educated groups in the US, yet people still think there is a problem with the pipeline. The pipeline factor truly is a myth that we maintain because we do not want to look at the stereotypes or biases in our hiring processes." In other words, implicit bias. (See WiCipedia: The lack of women in tech is bigger than a 'pipeline problem'.)

Snapchat (yep, someone is still using this social media platform apparently!) recently released its second annual diversity report. The company, which explains that progress was somewhat slowed down by the pandemic, made some notable leaps, particularly in the representation of women. Leadership roles for women increased from 6.7% to 13.7% at the company in 2020, and the number of Black women in all roles increased from 2% to 5.1%. The Board of Directors even achieved 50% female representation (up from 37.5%). Pretty impressive, right? On the flipside, LatinX and Asian representation slid ever so slightly across the board. Snap Inc., parent company of Snapchat, has vowed to increase its minority representation numbers and meet new goals by 2025. (See WiCipedia: Diversity is about more than checking boxes.)

Did you know that sports tech – essentially the marriage of sports and STEM – is an industry expected to climb to a valuation of $30 billion in the next three years? Neither did we. Forbes explains that the burgeoning industry is chugging along, and some want to make sure that women are included in the journey. Nonprofit organization Women In Sports Tech is currently working to unveil a range of different collaborations, all with the goal of attracting and retaining women in the industry through fellowships, mentorships and other initiatives. The founder and CEO of WiST, Marilou McFarlane, told Forbes, "What we really want to do is impact and influence culture. It doesn't matter if you just check a box and bring in the lonely only. We want to help employers understand the importance of diversity, and really inclusion in terms of culture." (See WiCipedia: 'Gender is embedded in the job'.)

— Eryn Leavens, Special Features & Copy Editor, Light Reading. Follow us on Twitter @LR_WiC and contact Eryn directly at [email protected].