As we continue to honor the contributions of African Americans this Black History Month, it is vital to consider how current shifts in DEI policies will impact the future of Black women engineers and what actions can be taken to ensure their continued success.
In recent years, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs have been critical in creating more supportive and equitable environments for underrepresented groups in the workforce. However, with the rollback of many of these initiatives, the challenges for Black women engineers are intensifying. While organizations like the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) continue to advocate for change, the effects of this shift will likely be felt more acutely by Black women, who already face unique obstacles in their careers. This blog explores the specific ways these changes may impact Black women engineers and offers actionable, creative strategies to navigate these challenges, drawing inspiration from resources available through SWE and other networks.
The Long-Term Effects of DEI Rollbacks
Black women engineers, whether in civil, mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or any other engineering field, already face unique challenges in their careers. These challenges are often compounded by both race and gender biases. The reduction or elimination of DEI initiatives could amplify these barriers and introduce new ones, creating even more obstacles to success in the workforce, such as:
- Limited career development opportunities.
- Reinforced workplace discrimination and microaggressions.
- Slower progress toward leadership roles.
- Higher risk of job displacement and turnover.
- Widening of the pay gap.
How These Challenges Might Present Themselves in the Workplace
Though the effects of DEI rollbacks won’t necessarily be immediately visible, the following are signs that these challenges might begin to present themselves:
- Increased instances of bias during performance reviews, hiring processes, or day-to-day interactions
- Decreased job satisfaction and sense of isolation, particularly for those who are part of small minority groups within their teams or companies
- A noticeable lack of diversity in upper management and leadership positions, where Black women engineers are underrepresented
- Strained employee retention, with talented professionals leaving organizations that fail to address their needs or create an inclusive environment
- A reduction in team innovation, as diverse perspectives — often a catalyst for creative problem-solving — become less represented within teams.
Actionable Steps to Reduce Emotional and Financial Impacts
While DEI rollbacks are undoubtedly a challenge, there are proactive steps Black women engineers can take to support their careers and well-being. In addition to personal strategies, there are also external programs and resources that can help reduce the emotional and financial impacts. Here are some suggestions:
Seek Out Mentorship and Sponsorship
As mentioned earlier, mentorship is invaluable, and it’s essential to seek out mentors who understand your unique challenges as a Black woman engineer. Utilize the SWE Mentor Network as a SWE member, where you will receive five new conversation credits before and during each live mentoring event. Here are the upcoming mentoring events in 2025:
- SWE Around the World | March 3 – 14
- Community College & Beyond | April 7 – 18
- General Mentoring & Networking | June 2 – 13
Our affinity group is also hosting a rolling mentorship cohort between now and May 2025 to possibly provide career guidance, insight, and support. Take the African American AG Mentorship Cohort Survey.
Prioritize Mental Wellness and Emotional Resilience
Navigating a challenging environment can take a toll on mental health, which is why it’s crucial to prioritize self-care. SWE offers a number of Advance Learning Center courses on managing stress, achieving work-life balance, and cultivating a healthy mindset. As a Black woman engineer, you may also benefit from joining affinity groups focused on wellness in marginalized communities, such as Black Women’s Health Imperative, to get tailored support.
Unconventional Tip:
Set aside time for creative self-expression. Whether it’s painting, writing, cooking, or anything that lets you disconnect from work, creative activities can help reduce stress and re-energize you. Sometimes, taking a step back and engaging in something different can improve problem-solving and give you a fresh perspective when you return to your work.
Continue to Advocate for Change
Even as DEI programs may be scaled back, advocating for more inclusive practices within your organization is critical. You can start by joining or leading employee resource groups (ERGs) within your company or becoming part of the Diversity and Inclusion Council, if one exists. Additionally, SWE’s Public Policy page provides resources and guidelines for engaging in legislative advocacy.
Invest in Personal Development
Continuing education is a great way to stay competitive, but there are also unconventional ways to grow professionally. For instance, consider shadowing leaders in your field, whether within your organization or externally, to gain first-hand experience of how leadership decisions are made. This can give you insights into the strategic side of engineering and prepare you for future management roles.
SWE also offers webinars, workshops, and conferences that provide valuable professional development resources. The SWE Annual Conference is a fantastic opportunity to network, learn from industry leaders, and stay on top of the latest trends in engineering. Whether virtual or in-person, such events are invaluable for building skills, making connections, and getting inspired.
As we reflect on the intersection of Black History Month and the ongoing challenges within the workforce, it is important to recognize the power of resilience. While the rollback of DEI initiatives is a setback, it does not signal the end of progress. By seeking out mentorship, prioritizing mental wellness, advocating for change, and investing in personal development, we can navigate these challenges and continue to thrive in our careers. The road ahead may require extra determination, but with the right support systems and proactive strategies, we will overcome these obstacles. Let this Black History Month be a reminder that the contributions of Black women engineers to the labor force are not just valued — they are essential for shaping the future.
Learn more about the African American AG on its AG website. You can subscribe to email updates by logging into your member portal and scrolling to Communication Preferences.
