They say there is strength in numbers, and that when we stand together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.

That is the spirit of WTIA’s Anti-Racism in Tech Pact, which seeks to end systemic racism in the tech industry by 2025. 

By signing the pact, more than 50 of the state’s leading tech companies and educational institutions have committed to transform industry recruiting and hiring practices, eradicate racial bias in the workplace, and make sure organizational structures mirror the demographics of the locations in which they operate — including the board of directors, management and all employees. For example, in King County today, that would mean approximately 6% Black and 9% Latinx, and nationally, 18% Black and 14% Latinx. 

Prominent technology companies and educational institutions such as Verizon, Lyft, Remitly, ExtraHop, University of Washington, Washington Department of Commerce, AT&T, and Fenwick & West are helping to support the initiative.  

“We have a clear vision for dismantling racism in the technology industry, but we must first gain the trust of BIPOC communities,” said Michael Schutzler, CEO, WTIA. “This pact takes a first step to gaining that trust by committing signatories to sharing resources and firm goals around the diversity of their teams over a five-year period.”

To help the coalition carry out its mission, WTIA is creating a dedicated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Office and hiring a Chief Diversity Officer to provide support and guidance for Pact members. The DEI Office will provide Pact members access to: 

• pools of diverse talent 
• a network of high-quality DEI trainers, consultants and subject matter experts
• advice for senior leadership to help eradicate racism and increase diversity across their workforces
• advocacy for under-represented populations

All organizations across the United States are welcome to join the Anti-racism in Tech Pact. View the full list of signatories, sign the Pact, and download the Pact Roadmap.

Standing strong together, we can help eradicate racism in the tech industry for good. Please join us.