Black History Month at New Relic: Real Stories From Black Women in Tech

In celebration of Black History Month, New Relic’s "Relics of Color" Employee Resource Group organized a series of events, including panel discussions featuring Black women in tech, to honor important events and figures in American history. The programming included appearances by notable speakers such as Emory Douglas, a Wakanda-themed happy hour, and a film screening of "BlaKkKlansman." One highlight was a panel where ten Black women from New Relic shared their experiences in the tech industry, discussing challenges related to underrepresentation and the importance of representation in leadership roles. The panelists emphasized the need for workplaces to align with values of diversity and inclusion, and they shared stories of empowerment and the impact of seeing people of color in leadership roles. Initiatives by panelists, like Mya James' non-profit in Ghana and Taylor West's mentorship with Black Girls Code, illustrate their commitment to closing the representation gap in tech. The events underscored the role of Black women as integral contributors to innovation in technology, advocating for continued change and recognition in the industry.