Attending ColorStack StackedUp Summit Conference (3 pts) - Class of 2027

Attending the ColorStack Stacked Up Summit in San Francisco this past weekend was more than just a professional development opportunity. It was a deeply affirming experience that reshaped how I think about my place in the tech industry and the power of community-driven success. As a Black woman studying computer science, I've often felt the weight of being "the only" in various spaces, but this summit reminded me that I'm part of a larger movement of Black and Latinx technologists who are not just entering the industry but actively shaping its future.

The summit brought together leading tech companies like OpenAI, Netflix, HP, Duolingo, and Bloomberg, creating a space where meaningful conversations about innovation and representation could happen authentically. What made this experience particularly valuable was connecting with peers I'd only known through Slack and LinkedIn, transforming digital relationships into real collaborations. These connections reinforced lessons from my coursework on social capital and professional networks, showing me how intentional community-building can create pathways that might otherwise remain closed.

The most profound moment came during Jehron W. Petty's opening keynote when he said, "Do everything in community." That statement challenged the individualistic narrative I'd internalized about success in tech. It offered a counter-narrative rooted in collective uplift and mutual support, connecting directly to my Meta internship experience, where I learned that the best solutions come from diverse perspectives working together.

This experience has solidified my commitment to staying connected to organizations like ColorStack and paying forward the support I've received. I'm grateful to the Google Tech Exchange team for sponsoring my attendance. Moving forward, I plan to be more intentional about mentoring younger students in tech and contributing to communities that center underrepresented voices. This summit reminded me that my success is intertwined with the success of my community, and that the future of tech will be brighter when we build it together.

By Joie Whitmon