Designing a Multi-Modal Community for Black Undergraduate Women in Computing at a Predominantly-White University
Black women are significantly underrepresented in computer sci- ence, which limits the field's diversity and innovation. Existing university programs often lack cultural relevance, making interven- tions that resonate with Black women's experiences crucial. This paper details the auto-ethnographic design and implementation of a multi-modal community during the 2023-24 academic year at a predominantly white institution in the U.S. Designed by a Black woman, the community aimed to increase participation and support for Black undergraduate women in computing. The virtual commu- nity grew, with increasing engagement in in-person events. The paper explores the cultural foundations, design process, challenges, and recommendations for expanding similar interventions across other institutions
Authors
- Marlon Mejias (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8768-8108)
- Noah Q. Cowit (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9148-6143)
- Luce-Melissa Kouaho
- Oluwagbeminiyi Rest Johnson
Institutions
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte (US)
- University of Colorado Boulder (US)
Publication Details
- Published
- 2025-02-18
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1145/3641555.3705162
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Gender and Technology in Education
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 3.87