How RTC and Black Wings support women in tech

“We talk about how we can use those same experiences in those organizations to still be competitive with their white or more privileged peers, who don’t need organizations that are racially affirming, and still build a résumé that’s compelling,” says Austin.

Additionally, Austin says they also guide low-income members who might be the first of their family to go to college and don’t have the same background as their peers. What these members typically do have is applicable life experience, whether it’s caring for a sibling or actual job experience. And while that experience might not be directly in the tech industry, those skills can always translate on a résumé to demonstrate they have the right aptitude and skills for a career in tech.

Networking and events to build community

RTC holds monthly and annual events centered on the perspectives and experiences of Black, Latina, and Native women in the tech industry. These include virtual workshops, monthly virtual check-ins, virtual workshops, Black History Month celebrations, and more. Black Wings helps build community for women of color within RTC, creating inclusive spaces for them to collaborate, network, and foster an overall sense of belonging. There are several ways organizations can get involved with RTC or with subgroups like Black Wings, RTC Tech natives, and Latinas de RTC. RTC hosts virtual career summits, connecting organizations with 2,000 women from over 400 colleges and universities. Organizations can also volunteer their engineering and recruiting teams as mentors through RTC’s mentoring programs.