Black women in tech: claiming space and driving transformation. 

By Deja Wayne, Desktop Service Technician 

My name is Deja! No, not Déjà vu, neither! Just Deja or, as my friends call me, Dej!

I grew up on the south and west sides of Chicago, but I am a novice at the famous footwork. If you need a tour guide to show you the “real Chicago,” I’m your girl! Growing up in Chicago was a bit of a struggle; however, it was fun! I enjoyed the summer days and nights when someone would open the fire hydrant and we would play in the water while it flooded the streets. I love a good Italian beef, and my two favorite pizza places are Italian Fiesta and Home Run Inn. (Yes, I am from Chicago but I’m not a fan of deep-dish pizza. In my opinion, thin crust is the way to go!) I enjoy cooking for my family and I post my recipes on TikTok to help others. I am a foodie, and I love soul food and Jamaican food. 

After graduating high school, I enlisted in the U.S. Army and, eight years after that, joined the U.S. Air Force, giving a total of eleven years of being in the military. Whew, chile! All before turning 30!  

I am a MUVA (mother) to my beautiful six-year-old girl, Kennedi Reign, whom I call My Only. I take a good amount of time teaching her Black history! Even though my family struggled financially growing up, my grandparents made sure I understood and learned my history and I am passing it down to my daughter. Black history and being Black in general is everything to me. Normally, when people hear “Black History Month,” they think of Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Malcolm X, or even the days of slavery. However, Black history is the pinnacle of EVERYTHING and I pride myself on being amongst the Black demographic.  

I am a Black woman in Information Technology, making me a part of the 3% of this demographic in tech. Just thinking about it makes me proud because I am adding to that number as a Desktop Service Technician right here at Cramer-Krasselt. Knowing this shaped the way I approach my work and how I connect with my colleagues and peers.  

Being a Black woman in tech or even in the workforce, I bring invaluable perspectives, energy, resilience and talents to the workplace that contribute to its diversity and creativity in any aspect. Black women in tech, myself included, bring a wealth of innovation, problem-solving skills and unique perspectives that are essential for driving progress in the industry. Our diverse experiences and expertise contribute to creating more inclusive, creative and effective technological solutions, helping to shape the future of IT.  

Black women in the workforce excel at building strong, authentic professional relationships that foster collaboration, trust and inclusivity. Our ability to connect with diverse teams, mentor others and navigate challenges with grace and resilience makes us invaluable leaders and colleagues, driving success in any workplace. This makes me strive to mirror the efforts of women like Katherine Johnson and Annie Easley. They were two women who worked at NASA, earning reputations as “human computers” while creating a space for Black women to work in IT/STEM.  

What I would love to see is more Black women filling in the space in IT. Now is the time for Black women to continue breaking barriers and shaping the future of information technology. Our unique perspectives, creativity and determination are essential for driving innovation and inclusion in tech. Let’s push for more representation, mentorship and opportunities in the field. Together, we can build a more diverse, equitable and empowered tech industry. Black women have always been innovators, and now it’s time to amplify our voices in the world of information technology. I believe the tech industry needs our bold ideas, our vision, and our expertise to break new ground. The future of technology is diverse and Black women have an essential role to play in shaping it.  

Black women, our brilliance in IT can drive transformation, challenge the status quo and inspire the next wave of tech leaders. It’s time to claim our space, seize opportunities and create lasting impact in the tech world. Let’s step up, create change and lead the way for future generations of women in tech.