How We Work Podcast: Kham Ward on Vulnerability, Building Communities & BLK Men in Tech | Workhuman

TL;DR

Black Men in Tech founder, Cam Ward, discusses the need for a space where black men can be their authentic selves and find opportunities in the tech industry.

Transcript

hello everyone welcome to how we work a podcast about the very real and very human dynamics that shape the way we work I'm your host Dr Misha and Martin and I am the senior director of people analytics and research here at work human y'all this week we are live in Atlanta at work human life it's been fantastic actually I've been having a great time... Read More

Key Insights

• 🖤 Black Men in Tech was founded out of a need for a space where black men in the tech industry can be their authentic selves and find support.
• 💗 The organization has grown rapidly and now has over 3,300 members worldwide.
• 🖤 Black Men in Tech focuses on providing access and opportunities to black men in the tech industry, with a strong emphasis on community and support.
• 🤩 Vulnerability, trust, and transparency are key components in creating inclusive and sustainable diversity efforts within organizations.
• 🥹 Data is important in holding organizations accountable, but it should not be the sole driver of diversity efforts. Qualitative perspectives and storytelling are crucial in measuring progress and understanding the impact of initiatives.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the idea for Black Men in Tech come about?

Cam Ward founded Black Men in Tech out of a need for a space to be his authentic self and support other black men in the tech industry. It was born out of the events of summer 2020 and the desire for a safe space to discuss the challenges faced by the black community.

Q: What can organizations do to make employees feel safe to show up authentically, especially during challenging times?

Organizations can treat people like people, rather than chess pieces. This means providing space and support for employees to express their emotions and offering mental breaks when needed. It's important to treat everyone with empathy and understanding.

Q: How does Black Men in Tech create a sense of community and belonging?

Black Men in Tech aims to create a neighborhood-like environment where diversity is celebrated. It encourages support and collaboration among individuals from different backgrounds, fostering a strong sense of community. The organization rallies around black men to provide them with opportunities and assistance in their tech careers.

Q: How does Black Men in Tech support young black men in their educational journey?

The organization has a Collegiate and High School effort that offers scholarships, book stipends, and laptops to support students studying STEM subjects. The goal is to provide these young individuals with the necessary tools and resources to succeed academically and professionally.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Cam Ward founded Black Men in Tech out of a need for a space where he could be his authentic self and support other black men in the tech industry.

• The organization started with a small group of five brothers and has since grown to over 3,300 members, hosting conferences and providing job opportunities.

• The focus of Black Men in Tech is to provide support, access, and opportunities to black men in the tech industry, ultimately creating a supportive community.