September 21, 2022
At this moment in history, current news and events are riddled with tragedy and sadness so I want to break through all the “noise” and deliver stories of hope.
“Antianna Beal was having difficulty finding a path that worked for her and was working at a Foot Locker when someone encouraged her to participate in the Workforce Innovation Center’s Women of Color in Tech program that was funded by JPMorganChase. Ms. Beal “locked in” and finished the Google certificate that the program offered. It opened doors and opportunities for her. She’s now working in research and development at P&G, with a great career path ahead of her.” – Brendon Cull, President & Chief Executive Officer, Cincinnati Regional Chamber
Ms. Beal is one of 212 women that attained their Google certifications in one of six focus areas: IT Support, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, UX Design, eCommerce & Digital Marketing, Project Management. This time-limited grant-funded program has now come to an end but its impact will continue.
Over this past year, I met many women like Ms. Beal who came from across the region hoping to make a better life for themselves and preparing for their “next.” So, I created a Speaker Series to gain connections, knowledge in all things tech, and a chance to hear from those whose journey as black and brown professionals in an industry where women account for 35% of tech jobs in the US (data from WIT at the end of 2023).1 Sessions included a Career Fair to volunteer career coaches, from Cybersecurity companies like 4BIZ to mentoring circles and panel discussions with Ingage and Microsoft, from hands-on real-life applications in Project Management and Data Analytics sessions to networking events and International Women’s Day.
Azizah Nubia, a participant in the Women in Tech program through the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, credits the experience with deepening her expertise in marketing and reigniting her momentum as an entrepreneur. “The program helped me stay committed and reminded me that I belong in tech. It’s rare to find programs that not only teach but care.”
That care came in the form of our four partner organizations, The Brighton Center, The Community Action Agency of Cincinnati – Hamilton County, The Gaskins Foundation, and The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio all of whom worked tirelessly to support participants, from fireside chats to reworking résumés and access to laptops. “And their battles have never been just about meeting deadlines or completing courses. Their challenges have been more profound, their struggles heavier. They have navigated housing instability, financial barriers, career transitions, and grueling full-time jobs—all while raising children, caring for loved ones, and still finding the strength to show up for themselves and this program.” – Jonika Greene, The Brighton Center, Workforce Development Assistant Director, Graduation Speech
Participants gained valuable information but what I gained most came from the women themselves – “Daughters of resilience, mothers of change, sisters to every dreamer who dared.” (S. Hodge)2. Many showed up for the sessions ready with their questions, making connections.
Women Tech Network reported in 2025 that among the largest tech companies, women comprise 45% or less of the workforce. Beyond underrepresentation, a lack of belonging in the industry is a challenge for women of color, according to the Harvard Business Review, with many rating their sense of belonging at an average of 6.7 out of 10. Many of these women have described themselves as feeling like “outsiders.” Compounding these issues, according to CIO (2024), is that women are frequently underpaid and often discriminated against in the tech industry.3
As I stated at the beginning, this is a story of hope. A story where an ecosystem of workforce partners, a funder (JPMC), volunteers, and employers work in concert to strengthen families, benefit employers, and realize a thriving region and a future where everyone belongs. Here’s what I know:
- Talent is found in the most unexpected places – choose to go outside the traditional forums to find your next employee
- Experience does in fact count for something. Life experience, a strong work ethic, and initiative to be better are something of significance that can be as valuable as a degree
- Youth does in fact count for something. If in the taxonomy of generations, Digital Natives is ascribed to the newest generation entering the workforce, then perhaps they have what it takes to give them the experience they need to excel
- Partnerships such as The Chamber can help bridge the Digital Divide and fill workforce shortages
Thank you to the Cincinnati Chamber for the opportunity to be on this journey with incredible women, who too often are left out of consideration for all the reasons we know. But my gratitude goes to the women who chose to let all of us join them on their journey to their next while making us better in the process.
By: Alena O’Donnell
Regional Project Director, Women of Color in Tech
1 Women in Tech Stats 2025 | Women in Tech Network , Women Tech Network
2 “Rise Queen” by Shawnte Hodge
3 Women in tech statistics: The hard truths of an uphill battle | CIO by Sarah K. White, March 14, 2025, CIO
