About NCWIT | National Center for Women & Information Technology

“The critical need to increase diversity in computing is driven by business and human issues that affect us all, and we all stand to benefit from changing or expanding existing norms,” says NCWIT Co-founder and Executive-in-Residence, Lucy Sanders.

The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) is the farthest-reaching network of change leaders focused on advancing innovation by correcting underrepresentation in computing.

NCWIT convenes, equips, and unites more than 1,500 change leader organizations nationwide to increase the influential and meaningful participation of girls and women — at the intersections of race/ethnicity, class, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, and other historically marginalized identities — in the field of computing, particularly in terms of innovation and development.

Chartered in 2004 by the National Science Foundation, NCWIT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that creates a far greater impact than if institutions acted alone.

NCWIT Racial Equity Commitment

NCWIT reaffirms our steadfast commitment to racial equity, a core component of our mission to foster a more inclusive technology culture. Our ongoing dedication is rooted in the values we articulated in our 2020 Call to Action and the subsequent 2021 update, where we emphasized the need for proactive measures to dismantle systemic barriers and promote fair representation in technology.

In 2023, NCWIT took bold strides in its pursuit of racial equity, marking a year of transformative growth and action. At the heart of this journey was the Racial Equity Committee. Their foresight and dedication have not only paved the way for this crucial work but continue to infuse it with invaluable wisdom. Their commitment ensures NCWIT’s path towards racial equity is both thoughtful and impactful.

Building on this foundation, we are ready to advance into the next phase and achieve our goals through several strategic initiatives. By implementing continuous training programs, we are deepening our understanding and application of equity principles. Additionally, by actively cultivating and enhancing our partnerships, we are expanding our networks and creating a vibrant mosaic of shared knowledge that enriches our communities with diverse perspectives.

We recognize that the journey toward achieving these goals is continuous and requires unwavering effort and community engagement. As we move forward, we maintain our focus on creating opportunities and supportive environments for individuals from underrepresented groups, particularly women and gender queer individuals of color in technology. By doing so, we not only adhere to our mission but also contribute to enhancing innovation and creativity within the industry.

This commitment involves not only revisiting the initiatives that have brought us progress, but also developing new strategies to meet the evolving challenges. Our community’s active participation is crucial in this regard, and we call on all members to contribute to this vital endeavor.

Commit to the Tech Inclusion Journey this year to enhance your capabilities in fostering inclusive environments.
Sign up to be a mentor in our Aspirations in Computing program to guide the next generation of technologists.
Empower K12 educators to transform science and math classes by integrating innovative curricula from TeachEngineering.org to expand access to technology education.
Help us spread the word about NCWIT by sharing your experiences and the value of diversity in tech through your social media networks.

Let us continue to build on our initial commitments, striving to cultivate a tech industry that not only reflects, but also celebrates the diversity of our communities. By prioritizing equity and inclusion, we can ensure they become central to driving innovation, fostering an environment where every voice is valued, and every idea has the potential to spark change. Together, we can create a more inclusive and innovative future.

Sharmaine Jackson, PhD, JD
Racial Equity Director
National Center for Women & Information Technology
University of Colorado Boulder | College of Engineering and Applied Science

Racial Equity Values

Inclusion & Belonging: We champion work and educational l spaces where everyone, irrespective of their racial or ethnic background, feels welcomed, valued, included and thrives.

Innovation Through Diversity: Breakthrough innovations are fueled by the active integration of diverse perspectives in creative endeavors and decision-making processes. A diverse approach strengthens organizational resilience by redefining and enriching cultures that expand previously unexplored paths to progress.

Community & Collaboration: Our strength lies in our community. We emphasize the power of collaborative efforts, uniting diverse groups to achieve our common goals of equity and inclusivity within the tech industry.

Empowerment for Change: We are not just sparking conversations; we are igniting action. We are committed to empowering communities by providing tools, resources, and the support necessary to inspire collective action and facilitate sustained systemic change.

Transparency & Accountability: We hold ourselves to the highest standards, ensuring our actions are transparent, measurable, and align with our mission to convene, equip, and unite change leader organizations nationwide to increase the influential and meaningful participation for individuals from underrepresented groups, particularly women and gender queer individuals of color in technology.