Leadership Development Program for Gender Equity

The School of Information Leadership Development Program (LDP) for Gender Equity aims to increase advancement of women and non-binary students in technology leadership roles through a career development program that affirms and reflects intersectional experiences and builds connections with technology companies.

This program is open to I School graduate students interested in advancing to tech leadership roles and exploring the experiences of women and non-binary professionals in technology.

The LDP program includes a mentorship program, workshop series, employer connections, self-assessments, peer coaching, and service learning. The focus is on holistic and transformational training and conversations, accounting for shared and differing experiences. Participants will be guided through developing a personal vision and leadership style, navigating barriers and biases facing women in technology (e.g., stereotype threat, imposter syndrome, implicit bias), and practicing leadership skills, including creating inclusive spaces and serving as an ally for others. The program will include service-learning, giving participants an opportunity to give back to others interested in careers in technology.

For more information, see the 2023–2024 LDP Program Impact Report

Want to Learn More?

Want to learn more? Attend the LDP Information Session on August 7, 2024 or drop in for the LDP office hours on August 22.

Leadership Development Program Information Session
Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT

Leadership Development Program: Drop-In Office Hours
Thursday, August 22, 2024, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT

Interested in Participating?

The application deadline is Sunday, August 25 at 11:59 pm PDT.

Extended deadline: Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 11:59 pm PDT.

Apply now

You must be a current MIDS, MICS, or second-year MIMS student to be considered. The target program size is around 40 I School students.

The LDP program is open to students from all gender identities, but students must have an interest in exploring the experiences of women and non-binary individuals in technology careers.

The phrase “glass ceiling” was defined thirty years ago as an artificial barrier preventing qualified individuals from advancing to senior-level positions. Today, the glass ceiling persists for women and non-binary people in STEM leadership. Intersectional factors of race and class can lead to a concrete ceiling, creating an impenetrable barrier.

Women face a broken rung towards leadership roles in technology, and are promoted at a slower rate than men¹, with women of color especially underrepresented in tech leadership. A recent analysis of the 177 largest Silicon Valley technology firms found that women made up only 0.4% of executive roles compared to 14.6% of white women². Public statistics on trans and non-binary individuals in tech are virtually nonexistent, with one report stating that 75% of trans employees feel they must hide their trans status at work³.

There is a gender equity problem in tech careers, and the I School LDP is one part of the solution. Together, we can work towards a future where all workers are supported.

Questions?

Email any questions about the Leadership Development Program for Gender Equity to ldp@ischool.berkeley.edu.

¹ McKinsey & Company. (2021). Women in the Workplace 2021. https://mck.co/3N7Pfb9

² Tomaskovic-Devey, D., & Han, J.-H. (2018). Is Silicon Valley Tech Diversity Possible Now? Center for Employment Equity, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. https://bit.ly/3xdueGR

³ Lynn, S. (2021, March 31). Transgender in tech: More visibility but obstacles remain. ABC News. Retrieved May 31, 2022, from https://abcn.ws/38Be8gt