Leading in Living Color: The Legacy and Impact of the Women of Color in Advocacy and Tech Reception at Tech Summit
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The Women of Color in Advocacy and Tech Reception was born from a deep need for community and connection amongst Black women and Women of Color. It was because of this need nine years ago, Kristelyn Berry and Rachel Gibson created this space at the National Network to End Domestic Violence’s (NNEDV) 4th annual Tech Summit after experiencing numerous environments where as Black women, they rarely saw other Women of Color or women who looked like them.
The space was initially launched with panel discussions, recognizing that the voices of Women of Color in the tech and advocacy communities are often overlooked. The goal was to create a space for women of color to network, spark conversations to facilitate change, and unite the advocacy and technology communities in their efforts to work together.
WOC REception 2018 - Audace, Shalini, rachel and kristelyn
Although Kristelyn and Rachel have journeyed on from NNEDV, they have remained supportive, often returning to participate, share their wisdom, and connect with attendees.
The Women of Color in Advocacy and Tech Reception has grown from an event into a strong, supportive community. Each year, more participants come together to share their experiences, discuss important issues, and support one another in their personal and professional lives.
This reception is now a key part of Tech Summit, and known for its welcoming environment where attendees can openly share their ideas and concerns around being a woman of color in the mainstream work place.
A big part of the reception’s success is its commitment to being inclusive and focusing on the diverse experiences of Women of Color. The topics covered are carefully chosen to reflect how technology and advocacy intersects with important issues like racial justice, gender equity, and violence prevention. This space is not just about sharing information but also about laughing, networking and inspiring attendees to take action in their own communities and workplaces.
This year’s, theme “Leading In Living Color” explored the evolving nature of leadership in today's technology landscape, particularly in virtual environments where navigating cultural dynamics is increasingly significant. Panelists Tonjie Reese, Kristelyn Berry, Amanda Takes War Bonnett , Tonya King and Esmeralda Pena shared their perspective on topics such as Creating a Sense of Belonging in Digital and In-Person Spaces and Balancing Cultural Authenticity with Professional Expectations. Attendees left inspired and encouraged to take back the many lessons learned.
Looking ahead, we hope to carry this reception forward and inspire other conference events to incorporate spaces like this into their gatherings. The legacy of the event’s founders, Kristelyn and Rachel, lives on in our conversations, connection, and effort to uplift and empower women of color in advocacy and technology. We are grateful they planted the seed for the space to continue to evolve and grow.
We left the space holding onto the powerful Harriet Tubman quote shared by NNEDV CEO, Stephanie Love-Patterson: 'If you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going. If there's shouting after you, keep going. Don't ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going.' We hope those words resonated with all attendees, inspiring them to continue their journey with unwavering determination.
Harriet Tubman was a Black woman who led boldly in living color. Born into the chains of slavery in Maryland in March 1822, she broke free and became a fearless abolitionist, masterminding the Underground Railroad and liberating around 70 enslaved people. Her unwavering courage and fierce determination made her an enduring symbol of resistance and freedom. Tubman’s legacy, which continued until her passing on March 10, 1913, is a powerful testament to the unyielding strength of resilience and the profound impact one extraordinary person can have on the world.
