Black professionals bring invaluable perspectives and talent to the tech industry, yet their full potential continues to be hindered by underrepresentation and barriers to career advancement.
Throughout history, Black inventors and innovators have played pivotal roles in advancing technology and shaping the world as we know it.
Figures such as Mark Dean, a computer engineer who co-created the IBM personal computer, and Dr. Patricia Bath, who revolutionized cataract surgery with her invention of the Laserphaco Probe, exemplify Black professionals' impact on technological progress. Garrett Morgan, whose traffic signal invention has saved countless lives, and Granville T. Woods, known as the “Black Edison,” have contributed groundbreaking inventions and paved the way for future generations of innovators.
Despite these significant contributions, Black individuals remain underrepresented in the tech sector today. This disparity is not a reflection of a lack of talent or interest but rather barriers and inequalities that limit access to resources and opportunities for Black professionals in the field.
Black individuals constitute 12 percent of the U.S. workforce, but only represent 8 percent of the tech sector’s employees, with just 3 percent of tech C-suite positions held by Black professionals, according to a 2023 McKinsey report.
Meanwhile, nearly half of Black individuals in technology fields have reported encountering racial disparities in aspects such as hiring processes, promotions, leadership opportunities and compensation packages, according to NAACP’s State of Tech Diversity report.
While the impact of meaningful representation is clear, realizing it requires more than just good intentions. It demands deliberate actions to break down the systemic barriers limiting Black talent in their professional journeys.
Companies like OppFi exemplify this proactive approach, moving beyond surface-level commitments to create real opportunities for growth, contribution and community, and recognizing the value of Black professionals.
Begina Armstrong, compliance senior associate of monitoring and testing, shared how she and her colleagues celebrate Black History Month and foster an inclusive workplace environment year-round.
What does Black History Month mean to you personally?
Black History Month is a yearly reminder of the significant contributions of the Black community to the world. Our intelligence, languages, struggles and much more have benefited the progress of humanity. In February, we celebrate the past, present and future of collective Black excellence, honoring it throughout the month.
Our intelligence, languages, struggles and much more have benefited the progress of humanity.”
How does OppFi celebrate Black History Month?
OppFi collaborates with the business resource group (BRG) and Oppt for Black Excellence (OBE) to develop enriching programming for Black History Month. This year, we are excited to offer two impactful events. OBE will host an in-person wine-tasting and education seminar. The experience is in partnership with Chicago local Certified Sommelier and Wine Culture Curator Derrick C. Westbrook to take participants on a tasting journey of four different wines, with an educational component tied to each.
OBE will also host a virtual guided discussion of Alice Walker’s tetralogy, The Color Purple. Throughout February, we will highlight virtual tours of online Black History Museums, showcase Black icons in the arts and encourage the use of our custom Zoom backgrounds. At OppFi, we want all employees to feel welcome to participate, whether they work from the office or remotely.
Each quarter, exemplary employees choose BRG-selected institutions to receive a charitable donation from OppFi. OBE partners with the Innocence Project, which works to exonerate individuals who have been wrongly convicted, using DNA testing and reforming the criminal justice system to prevent future injustice.
What are the other ways OppFi works to make your workplace more equitable, diverse and discrimination-free year-round?
OppFi supports workplace equity, diversity and discrimination-free year-round by offering tools and opportunities to its employees.
We use AllVoices, a platform where employees can ask questions, voice concerns and communicate with leadership anonymously. We also have an Employee Assistance Program, a confidential counseling and referral service that can help with mental health issues, legal matters, financial issues and more.
Recently, OppFi created a Regional Meetup Program, which bridges the gap between our remote working style and in-person interactions, offering networking collaborations through geographically organized gatherings.
Additionally, our bi-annual engagement survey, Pulse, helps drive continuous improvement with all senior leaders and employees, resulting in departmental action plans to strengthen employee-OppFi relationships and enhance employee experience, satisfaction and retention.
