Meet Carlie — visionary, social justice leader, and Instructional Design Manager here at StreetCode Academy.
As the diversity in the technology sector continues to grow, we celebrate and honor those trailblazing paths, inspiring millions of others to do the same. Black women — as the minority of already underrepresented groups in the technology sector — are not only exceptional in their roles, but exude and invite diverse perspectives, bringing innovative discoveries to the space.
For Black women and women of color everywhere, this evolution of the modern-day work environment calls for representation across all spectrums & borders.
“The future I envision for tech is colorful” — Carlie Jones
Q&A with Carlie Jones
How important is representation in tech?
Carlie: Representation in tech is huge! If I don’t see someone who looks like me or like someone I can relate to, I’m not going to feel as comfortable to be my authentic self in that space, let alone to dream, to try things new, or to innovate. When I have a community of people who I can relate to, the possibilities become endless and my genuine desire to collaborate increases!
What is the future you envision for tech?
Carlie: The future I envision for tech is colorful and intersectional. Right now there seems to be a huge need for people from the humanities, education, and liberal arts backgrounds to immerse themselves in the technology industry. It feels like the time for cross pollination and collaboration. I see the future of tech being inclusive and non-discriminatory, and in order for that to happen, the gates of who technology is accessible needs to open up.
How has your position with StreetCode encouraged you to pursue more opportunities in the technology sector?
Carlie: At first, when I was a student in Web Design, my involvement with StreetCode provided me with the community I needed to become confident enough to learn new challenging tech skills. As I transitioned to working with StreetCode, I became more excited and aware of the equity/access gaps that exist for the disenfranchised global majority — including myself. Now, I look for opportunities to level the playing field — both instantly and tangibly at StreetCode with the work I do, but also more globally and long term in my pursuit of higher legal education. Because of StreetCode I see the fight for equitable access to technology as a large part of my civic responsibility.
Who is your favorite African American historical figure and why?
Carlie: Too hard to choose just 1! I draw on all my ancestors for inspiration, grit, work ethic, positivity, balance, grounding & examples of achieving justice.
“Access to technology is social justice.” Can you reflect on what this statement means to you?
Carlie: To me, “access to technology is social justice” means — until all people have access to consistently functioning & high quality technology tools and education, we won’t have a just society. To me, having a just society means that everyone has the freedom and ability to pursue happiness. So that means having a just society everyone can trust is the ultimate goal of life.
