Her Tech Trail recently held its highly anticipated Tech Her Fest’24, an event focused on closing the gender gap in the technology industry. With only 26% of tech jobs occupied by women and a mere 3% by Black women, the festival aimed to inspire and uplift aspiring female tech professionals from diverse backgrounds.
Event organizer Gloria Ojukwu highlighted the pressing need for improved representation in the tech sector. “Our mission is to significantly increase the number of Black women in technology by offering mentorship, resources, and a nurturing community,” Ojukwu stated.
The festival featured a variety of dynamic panel discussions and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and motivation among participants. Faith Benibo, a noted panelist, shared her enthusiasm for the event, saying, “Tech Her Fest empowers Black women to pursue financial independence and build successful careers in technology.”
The event attracted a diverse crowd, including high school students, university scholars, recent graduates, National Youth Service Corps members, entrepreneurs, and media representatives from five different states. Many attendees expressed their appreciation for the insights gained, believing they would significantly impact their future career paths.
Data analyst Tina Okonkwo, another speaker at the festival, encouraged aspiring tech professionals to actively seek growth opportunities. “It’s essential to put yourself out there and pursue feedback and experiences in the tech industry,” Okonkwo advised.
Tech Her Fest’24 served as a vital reminder of the importance of initiatives aimed at enhancing diversity and inclusion in the technology sector while empowering women—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—to thrive in this crucial field.