Intersectionality: Building a Tech Future That Works for Everyone
By Shantelle King.
Tech is shaping everything – from how we work and communicate to how we learn and access essential services. Yet for all its innovation, the tech industry still struggles with inclusion. Yes, progress has been made, but when we talk about diversity, businesses often stop at the surface.
That’s where intersectionality comes in.
At our recent LeadersLab ‘How Do We Fix The Tech Leadership Pipeline’ event in partnership with Corecom Consulting, we had briefly discussed intersectionality and the importance of pushing this forward in the Tech community.
“The main area where people go wrong is not being able to articulate the why. Why are we integrating ED&I? Why is [ED&I] important to us? If not, all you’ll end up with is a shopping list of things to tick off, none of which really speaks to why it’s important for your business.”
What Is Intersectionality… and Why Is It Important in Tech?
Coined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, intersectionality is the idea that people’s experiences are shaped by the overlap of multiple identities – like race, gender, class, disability, and sexuality. These identities don’t just exist in isolation, and neither do the challenges that come with them.
In tech, intersectionality helps us understand why blanket diversity statements simply aren’t good enough. Saying “we need more women in tech” is a start – but what about Black women? What about Trans women, or women balancing motherhood and a career change? Each of those experiences comes with unique hurdles, and if we don’t acknowledge them, we risk leaving people behind in tech.
Real People, Real Stories, Real Barriers
At Corecom Technology Academy, we see the positive impact of intersectionality every day. Our Associates come from a wide range of backgrounds to the table. In fact:
42% identify as BAME
31% are neurodiverse
52% come from low social mobility backgrounds
37% are career changers
These aren’t just statistics – they’re brand-new opportunities actively being created for people to break into an industry that hasn’t always been accessible to them. Their journeys are inspiring and underscore an important truth: traditional pathways into tech aren’t designed for everyone. So, we need to build new ones.
Designing for People, Not Personas
We’ve designed a unique Recruit, Train, Deploy model with people, not just personas, in mind. That means flexible learning options, inclusive mentorship, and tailored support that meets learners where they are. We’re not just training on tech essentials – we’re creating an environment where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
“Our work in the ED&I space gives us the platform to generate discussions and grow understanding about this crucial and pressing issue. Through our events and the work the academy does, we aim to make a real difference to the growth of our clients, and the tech sector.”
Think Intersections, Not Silos
Intersectionality isn’t a buzzword. It’s a mindset shift. It pushes us to ask better questions: Who is missing? Who’s being heard? Who still can’t access the opportunities we’re creating?
As an industry, if we want to build a tech sector that truly reflects our society and moves beyond surface-level diversity initiatives, we need to stop thinking in silos and start thinking in intersections.
Innovation won’t come from uniform teams or one-size-fits-all solutions. It comes from diverse perspectives that challenge what's been ‘normalised’ for years. Those are the voices we want in the room – and those are the voices we want to continue to amplify.
Final Thoughts
At CTA, we’re committed to leading that change and striving for a more equitable tech sector – one step at a time. Through accessible pathways, inclusive learning environments, and strong partnerships, we’re breaking down the barriers that have kept too many on the outside for too long.
The future of tech isn’t just about smarter code or faster systems. It’s about building a tech sector where everyone can truly thrive.
And the best technology is built when no one is left behind.