Final Presentation By: Amirah Ray

1. Black Women in Computing Final Presentation By: Amirah Ray

2. The Age of the Internet Divide • A study by The Commerce Department found that: • Households with incomes of $75,000 and higher are more than 20 times more likely to have access to the internet than those at the lowest income levels. • Whites are more likely to have access to the internet from home than Blacks or Hispanics have from any location. • Regardless of income level, Americans living in rural areas are lagging behind in internet access. Source: BBC News Article Clinton: End ‘digital divide’ 12/9/99

3. The inequality of Black women in CS • Most will likely agree that fewer and fewer women are finding their way to completing a bachelor's degree in one of the computing sciences. • In looking at data collected by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on bachelor's degrees in Computer Science (CS), it is evident that African American women are scarce. • For most of the African American women who have succeeded in Computer Science, a supportive family or mentor, sheer will and a sprinkle of good fortune seemed to have made the difference.

4. Why? • I interviewed three Black women: • Two that majored in Computer Science and are currently working in the computer field. • One that began college with a major in Computer Science but switched to Psychology. • I wanted to know why they choose their paths.

5. Interview 1 - Rhea • Rhea Coleman, PMP for Fidelity National • Has worked in IT for 20+ years • Majored in Computer Science with a focus in Data Processing at Loop “Harold Washington” College • Received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Roosevelt University. • Started her technical career in COBOL programming and is now a Project Manager.

6. Interview 1 – Rhea (cont’d) • Did you ever think of another profession? • “My original thought was to be a CPA or Pharmacist.” • What made you choose Computer Science? • “I was a 24 years old, newly divorced, single mother on welfare, and at the time I could get a job in Data Processing faster than studying for a CPA exam or going for a Pharmaceutical degree.” • Did you experience any discrimination? • “Yes. Some people thought that the only reason I was hired was because of Affirmative Action and that I wasn’t qualified. But what people don’t understand is that Affirmative Action may get a Black person an interview but knowledge gets you the job. I think Affirmative Action is a good way to get diversity in the workplace.” • What pulled you through? • “I was determined to prove people wrong. I wanted to be successful and break the stereotype.” • Why do you think less Black women choose Computer Science as a career? • “They don’t know about it and it is not encouraged in Black schools. One other misconception is that CS is math-based, so people who are not good in math tend to shy away.”

7. Interview 3 - Sherri • Sherri Anderson, System Analyst for CNA Insurance • Has worked in IT for 12 years • Graduated from Jackson State University with a degree in Computer Science • Is currently working on her PMP Certification

8. Interview 3 – Sherri (cont’d) • Did you ever think of another profession? • “Yes. I was thinking of becoming a special education teacher.” • What made you choose Computer Science? • “Computers have always been a hobby of mine. And there is good money in computers. It’s better than a teachers salary.” • Did you experience any discrimination? • “In my opinion, yes.” • What pulled you through? • “The personal enjoyment of what I do and not wanting to start over with a new career.” • Why do you think less Black women choose Computer Science as a career? • “Probably because of the outsourcing. Also nursing is more sought after. The math and science aspect may also have something to do with it.”

9. Interview 2 - Victoria • Victoria Giles, College Senior at Chicago State University • Is graduating in the Spring with a Degree in Psychology. • Transferred from Kennedy King College • Plans to pursue a career working with children in a professional setting

10. Interview 2 -Victoria (cont’d) • What career did you see yourself doing in high school? • “I saw myself working with computers. Not fixing them or anything like that, just working with them.” • Why did you decide to choose Psychology as your major? • “Computer science is too long and too hard of a major. I wanted to get it over with.” • Do you see yourself working with computers in Psychology? • “Yes, but probably not much more than typing papers or using the internet. Pretty much what I do now.” • Why do you think less Black women choose Computer Science as a career? • “Because it is more of a male field, computers are built by men and there aren’t a lot of Black people in the field. Plus there aren’t a lot of jobs offered to Black women.”

11. Analysis of the Data • Rhea’s reasoning for entering computer science reiterate the fact that most women do not enter computing because they are “in love with computers.” • For Rhea, computing was simply a way to change her quality of life. • This sentiment is also evident in Sherri’s interview when she mentioned that computers had always been a hobby but she still thought of other professions.

12. Analysis of the Data • Victoria’s reasoning and views about computers are typical to those of many women. • In the interview she says, “I saw myself working with computers. Not fixing them or anything like that, just working with them.” • According to Unlocking the Clubhouse: Women in Computing women tend to be less fascinated by fixing computers than men.

13. Black Women • When the question was brought up concerning why less Black women choose computer science as a major or profession the answers varied but were similar on some levels. • Rhea thought that there were less Black women because computer science is not encouraged in Black schools both Rhea and Sherri thought it is more of a math-based subject which can deter not only Black women but anyone who is not as confident in math. • Sherri brought up the issue of outsourcing while Victoria brought up the issue of lack of job opportunities for Black women in computing. • I find these thoughts interesting because I have never heard this reasoning before but it could pay a major part in the way Black women choose their majors and professions.