Highlights from Zayo’s Multicultural ERG Panel, “Black Excellence: Empowering Future Generations”
While STEM job opportunities are expanding rapidly, the share of Black professionals in these roles has not increased since 2016. This lack of inclusion raises critical questions about access, support, and systemic barriers that prevent talented individuals from entering and thriving in these spaces.
Zayo’s Multicultural Employee Resource Group (ERG) is all about celebrating cultural diversity and uniting employees through learning and connection. To honor Black History Month, the ERG hosted an inspiring panel, “Black Excellence: Empowering Future Generations,” spotlighting the legacy of Black culture and achievements.
Zayo employees shared personal experiences and actionable insights about empowering the next generation of Black leaders in STEM and beyond. They discussed the importance of representation, mentorship, and support networks in creating a pipeline for future Black excellence.
Key Takeaways from the Panel
1. Sponsorship Boosts Diversity and Inclusion
Phillip Young, Global Operations Specialist
Black professionals make up just 7% of the tech workforce, highlighting significant underrepresentation in the industry. This raises questions about the lack of exposure and opportunities for young Black individuals to enter these fields.
Black individuals that have the power in these corporations to sponsor kids coming out of college to have more engagement in this field, have more exposure to Black professionals.
Beyond mentorship, Phillip emphasized, “You need someone in leadership, Black individuals that have the power in these corporations to sponsor kids coming out of college to have more engagement in this field, have more exposure to Black professionals.”
For young Black individuals, sponsorship creates visibility, builds networks, and delivers opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
2. Early Access to Technology Inspires STEM Careers
Julius Abraham, Strategic Customer Success Manager
For me getting into engineering, as simplistic as it sounds, it all started because my parents were able to buy me a computer.
Drawing on 35 years of experience in telecommunications, Julius Abraham reflects on how early exposure to technology can inspire careers in STEM. Looking back on his journey, he said, “For me getting into engineering, as simplistic as it sounds, it all started because my parents were able to buy me a computer when I was 14 or 15, and that really shaped my life and my career.”
He also spotlighted initiatives like the Omega STEM Program, which opens doors to STEM opportunities for underrepresented communities. Such programs are essential, as only 7% of Black students nationwide earn bachelor’s degrees in STEM fields, and just 4.4% graduate with computer science degrees, according to the National Science Foundation.
3. Accessible Learning Unlocks Potential
Thomas Piggee, VP, Field Services
Similar to Julius, Thomas recalled discovering his love for math in 8th-grade calculus, and how that empowered him to eventually pursue tech opportunities. According to data from the Pew Research Center, Thomas’s story aligns with broader trends. Data shows 81% of Black college graduates working in STEM fields have at least one positive classroom experience in STEM subjects.
Thomas explained the importance of removing “the fear of what technology is doing and is going to become, and helping everyone understand how cool it can be, and how you can prosper from a career-based perspective.”
4. People-Focused Careers Drive Lasting Change
Kiera Jackson, People & Culture Operations Specialist
Kiera, who has a background in social work and comes from a family of educators, stressed the value of people-focused work in empowering the next generation of Black leaders. Careers in teaching, social work, and HR play a vital role in promoting diversity across all sectors. They are particularly impactful in advancing diversity within STEM fields, as highlighted by the compelling stories shared by other panelists.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, Black professionals account for 10% of all professional occupations, with higher representation in community and social service roles (20.5%). These careers are often undervalued despite their significant impact.
Nothing runs without the people. This company would not be here without the people.
Kiera shared that people-focused careers are “just as important as engineering or anything technology-related, and they can intersect if you allow them to. Nothing runs without the people. This company would not be here without the people. And it is hard work to take care of the people you work with.”
Empowering the Next Generation of Black Leaders in STEM
Promoting diversity in STEM isn’t just good for business, it’s good for society as a whole. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Foster Mentorship Programs: Create mentorship and sponsorship initiatives that actively support Black professionals.
- Expand Early Access Initiatives: Invest in programs that provide early exposure to technology and STEM education for underrepresented communities.
- Build Inclusive Ecosystems: Recognize and support the importance of people-based roles like HR and teaching as part of the STEM inclusion effort.
- Utilize Data-Driven Strategies: Continuously monitor and address inclusion gaps to create lasting, measurable change.