February always goes by in a flash, ushering us into the unending month of March. The weather is turning springish, and I am happy that the winter blues are slowly coming to an end. The year began fast , and only now does it feel like things are beginning to anchor, allowing me to return to one of the things I love most: writing and storytelling.
I took a personal hiatus from writing in 2023, around the same time Black Women in Tech DACH was being born. That pause was necessary , a moment to realign, and rediscover purpose. Today, I am grateful to return to this space alongside a community that continues to grow with intention and impact.
A lot is happening, dear community members.. so let us dig in.
March 1 marks Zero Discrimination Day, a reminder that while progress continues across the DACH tech ecosystem, many Black women still navigate workplaces shaped by unconscious bias, structural barriers, and moments of exclusion.
Sometime ago, I experienced a situation during a customer engagement that left me dumbfounded. After coordinating a status update aimed at improving transparency and reducing duplicated work, I joined the meeting with the customer expecting alignment and collaboration. Instead, my presence and intentions were unexpectedly questioned, and I was asked to leave the meeting. Guys, you heard me, I was asked to leave the meeting!!
The moment was surprising, not because challenges are new, but because I expected that doing my work respectfully and responsibly would be treated fairly. It made me reflect: would the situation have unfolded differently if I was different...
What mattered most, however, was what happened next.!
Like many of us do, I reached out to someone within our community. That simple act reinforced an important truth: safe spaces and strong networks are not optional, they are essential.
Rather than internalising the experience, I chose action. I escalated the situation constructively to the executive sponsor on the customer side , as per governance is my direct counterpart , clearly outlining the collaboration challenges and proposing a better path forward. I also aligned with my manager to ensure transparency.
A follow-up discussion took place. Accountability was acknowledged by the customer, an in direct apology was offered, and expectations around collaboration were reset. The outcome reminded me of an important leadership lesson: speaking up respectfully creates change not only for ourselves but for those who come after us.
Silence may feel easier in the moment, but using our voice protects confidence, credibility, and progress.
Companies play a vital role in shaping inclusive workplaces. True inclusion goes beyond statements, it requires commitment at every level, from early career hiring to executive leadership.
Organisations thrive when collaboration, respect, and diverse perspectives are actively encouraged. When individuals feel valued, innovation strengthens. Inclusion is not only a moral imperative; it is a business advantage.
Experiences like these reinforce why Black Women in Tech DACH exists: to empower, support, and elevate the next generation of Black women across the region. Representation creates possibility, and visible role models help others imagine themselves in spaces they may not yet see reflected. Sharing our stories and changing the narratives.
Our network is a place where encouragement meets opportunity — where we grow individually while advancing collectively.
I am especially proud to share a major milestone:
Black Women in Tech DACH is now officially a registered association — an eingetragener Verein (e.V.) in Germany.
This step marks more than legal recognition; it represents commitment, sustainability, and the beginning of a stronger institutional future for our community.
As a Co-founder, the vision remains clear: a thriving space to normalise the empowerment, recognition, and representation of Black female talent in tech..
We are all in this together, hand in hand we come together as a community to educate, inspire, and celebrate our achievements, while collaborating with tech companies and influencers to advance diversity and representation across the DACH region.
Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping build a community rooted in empowerment, excellence, and impact. Our future in the DACH region will be stronger because of the voices, creativity, and leadership each of you brings.
With gratitude,
Chioma
1. Vorsiztender, Black Women in Tech DACH e.V.