What is diversity, equity & inclusion?

To Tech+, diversity means that people from all backgrounds are represented everywhere: in the University of Waterloo tech community, at the Tech+ events and in the Tech+ programs, and on the Tech+ organizing team. For us, equity means that underrepresented and underestimated communities have the support and resources they need to have the same opportunities and treatment as everyone else. Inclusion means that everyone feels like they belong, are cared for, and are valued.

You can learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion, and why it's important at What is diversity, equity & inclusion and why is it important

Tech+ today

Currently, the Tech+ team is not as diverse as we would like to be. Here is how our current team members identify themselves:

• ~65% are gender minorities ~63% identify as women, ~28% identify as men
• ~83% identify as East or South Asian, ~7% identify as Middle Eastern, ~7% identify as White, and ~7% identify as Southeast Asian*
• ~77.5% identify as heterosexual, ~22.5% identify as LGBTQ+
• 47.5% in the Faculty of Engineering, 35.0% in the Faculty of Math, 2.5% in the Faculty of Science, 2.5% in the Faculty of Environment, 10.0% in the Faculty of Arts and 2.5% in the Faculty of Health
• We did not previously collect data on disabilities

*note: racial/ethnic data does not add up to 100% due to identity across different groups

Research

Aside from hiring for next term, the Research team for the Spring 2021 term is currently conducting research to talk and listen to individuals from specific underrepresented groups in the Tech+ team and the larger University of Waterloo tech community (e.g. Black, Indigenous, Hispanic/Latinx, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities). We're looking to better understand their needs & wants as they enter and explore the tech community at UW and beyond, and how we can best shape our resources to cater to these individuals and their communities

Culture

We know that we cannot retain a diverse team without making sure that we have a culture that is inclusive.