Image: Courtesy of Allie Tsahey.
Black women in tech are always going to get the job done. As women of color from all backgrounds continue to dominate various industries, it is of the utmost importance that they find communities to support them as they make their way to success.
After receiving great acclaim on social media, Baddies In Tech is hosting the inaugural BaddieCon event. Taking place in Brooklyn, New York on August 18, 2023, this tech conference aims to create a space to empower BIPOC women and encourage them to tap into their inner baddie. The event will also provide resources and opportunities to better their careers under the theme of “Sustainable Success.”
The brand’s founder, Allie Tsahey, spills the tea on why Black women in tech are the ultimate baddies and why they should attend BaddieCon this year.
EBONY: What inspired you to create Baddies In Tech?
Allie Tsahey: Baddies in Tech was born out of my personal journey and the desire for community and connection in the early stages of my tech career. Starting my first job in 2019, I found myself as the only Black woman and the youngest team member in an AI health-tech startup. This experience was both challenging and empowering. It made me realize that I didn’t fit into the typical “tech bro” mold, and that there was a need for a space where diverse individuals like myself could thrive and be celebrated. Baddies in Tech started as a passion project, a way to express these experiences and connect with others who shared similar stories. Little did I know, there were countless amazing individuals out there who were looking for the same thing. The brand became a platform for us to support, empower, and uplift each other in the tech industry.
What are some major disparities you’ve noticed for Black women in tech?
When it comes to disparities faced by Black women in the tech industry, there are a few key observations I’ve made over the years:
Representation Gap: Black women are severely underrepresented in tech roles. According to research by Accenture, only 3% of all tech roles are held by Black women. There is even less representation in very technical roles like software engineering, cybersecurity and cloud computing. It’s especially true at leadership levels, which leads to feelings of isolation, limited opportunities for career advancement, and even women of color leaving the industry altogether.
Bias and Stereotypes: Black women often encounter biases and stereotypes that hinder their progress in the tech industry. Preconceived notions about their technical abilities, communication styles, and leadership potential create additional barriers for their professional growth. That’s why being visible and breaking these stereotypes with a platform like Baddies in Tech is so important.
Access to Resources and Networks: Black women may face challenges in accessing the same resources, opportunities, and networks as their counterparts. This includes limited access to mentorship, sponsorship, and funding for entrepreneurial ventures. We’re addressing this disparity by putting Black women in rooms with people that can help. Whether it’s through our Discord community or one of our in-person events, we’re building networks of Black women professionals, and allies, at all stages of their professional journeys to elevate each other as they climb higher!
How is BaddieCon making a splash in the tech world in its first year? What are you excited to bring to attendees?
We’re very excited to bring a conference like no other to the tech world. We’re creating a unique and inclusive space for women of color in tech to come together to learn, connect, and be celebrated. Our conference program intentionally combines cutting-edge tech topics with personal and professional development. Attendees will experience an inspiring lineup of speakers, engaging workshops, and thought-provoking panels that will provide them with career growth insights, valuable networking opportunities, and the tools they need to navigate and thrive in the tech industry. What sets BaddieCon apart is our laser focus on the needs of women of color in tech. Our theme is “Sustainable Success: Balancing Career Ambition and Wellbeing” and we chose this because we understand the importance of psychological safety in the workplace, especially for Black women professionals. From sessions on building a personal brand to discussions on mental health and navigating workplace challenges, we are rejecting burnout, and equipping our community with knowledge and skills to redefine professionalism and create sustainable success on their own terms.
What are the traits of a Baddie in Tech?
Great question! When someone hears “baddie,” they immediately think of an Instagram model, but a “Baddie in Tech” is much more than just her looks. Tech Baddies embody a unique set of traits that represent the passion and innovation that Black women bring to anything they are a part of—including the tech industry. I get this question a lot, and I like to use this acronym to describe the traits of a Baddie:
B – Baddies are Bold. They fearlessly take on challenges and push boundaries in the tech industry. They are willing to step out of their comfort zone, embrace challenges and disrupt the status quo!
A – Baddies are Authentic. They embrace their authentic selves and bring their unique perspectives to the tech table. They celebrate their individuality, challenge stereotypes, and champion diversity of thought.
D – Baddies are Dynamic. They are multi-faceted, adaptable, and versatile. They thrive in the fast-paced and ever-changing tech landscape.
D – Baddies are Determined. They exhibit unwavering perseverance, pushing through challenges and setbacks to achieve their goals in the tech industry, never giving up on their dreams.
I – Baddies are Innovative. They embrace creativity and originality, constantly driving forward progress in technology by introducing groundbreaking ideas and solutions to problems our communities face.
E – Baddies are Empowering. They amplify and support others, sharing resources and lifting as they rise to foster an inclusive and empowering tech community.
S – Baddies are Successful! They define their own version of success, achieving remarkable accomplishments in both their professional and personal lives.
That’s a Baddie… I am her, she is me!