When I first arrived in Seattle in 2021, I quickly learned that the slow return to a new normal following the COVID-19 pandemic was supplemented by a longstanding phenomenon: the Seattle freeze. Working for a social impact tech startup at the time, I sought a sense of belonging in this dynamic city known for leading technology innovations and supporting social justice movements. Since becoming Director of SeaCiti in 2023, we’ve focused on supporting and advancing activities that embody the unique positive values Seattle represents. Two truths have guided much of our efforts in the first year: Seattle thrives on its sense of community, and underrepresented tech workers yearn for connections and a sense of belonging in our dynamic city.

In 2023, The Mayor’s One Seattle Civic Partnership launched the inaugural Black Tech Night, a pivotal initiative to foster a welcoming environment for Black tech professionals in Seattle. Attending this event was transformative, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in the tech industry. According to CompTIA’s 2024 State of the Tech Workforce report, Black/African American workers hold approximately 3% of technology occupations in the Greater Seattle region. These statistics reflect the sentiments of Black tech workers who often feel under-resourced and underrepresented in the area.

SeaCiti is honored to carry out the important work created by the City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development and together through our partners the Tech Night series is dedicated to ensuring that underrepresented communities in tech thrive and stay in our region’s tech ecosystem. Below are some highlights from the Tech Night series:

Black Tech Night

The first Black Tech Night took place on February 23, 2023, and was a huge success. Held at A Space Inside, the venue was packed with Black techies, non-Black POCs and allies of the Seattle tech community. Attendees celebrated, networked, engaged Black-owned businesses and enjoyed soul food, small bites, and custom cocktails. This February, Black Tech Night celebrated its one year anniversary with a Black History Month panel on Multigenerational Black Experiences in Tech at the Vera Project, with approximately 200 attendees.

La Noche Tech

With the Latinx community representing approximately 5% of tech occupations in the Greater Seattle region, SeaCiti launched La Noche Tech on May 30th. Over 70

Latinx tech workers and allies attended the event held at River Seattle with the evening dedicated to building community, sharing resources, and discussing Latinx experiences in the tech industry. The event featured panelists from leading tech workforce organizations discussing challenges, opportunities, and tips for navigating the tech world in Seattle. Panelists stressed the importance of community and resources for connecting with underrepresented workers. The event also highlighted local Latinx small businesses and ways for organizations to stay connected to Latinx work in the community.

Pride Tech Night

On June 25th, we hosted our 2nd annual pride-themed Tech Night, bringing together LGBTQIA+ community members in tech for networking, discussions on allyship, and celebrating Pride Month. This event featured panelists involved in advocacy and allyship with LGBTQIA+ tech workers, discussing inclusion, community building, and intersectional allyship in Seattle. Attendees discussed the importance and challenges of intersectional allyship in the tech workplace and shared ways to find community through ERGs and community organizations.

Looking ahead, we’re optimistic about Seattle and Washington’s ongoing transformation. As our region and tech industry evolve, we have a unique opportunity to embody inclusion and belonging as our competitive advantage. SeaCiti remains committed to championing this evolution by uniting diverse communities and stakeholders to shape a tech sector that reflects and serves Seattle’s vibrant spirit. Join us as we help build an inclusive tech community in Seattle, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and belong!

SeaCiti is a program of the Washington Technology Industry Association and the Tech Night series is made possible through partnerships with the public and private sectors. We want to extend our gratitude to our tech industry sponsors Microsoft, Zillow, Quadrant, Lyft, Homestreet Bank, Apprenti, and Davis Wright Tremaine, our public sector partner, the Seattle Office of Economic Development, and the many sponsors and community partners involved with this series since it began in 2023.

If you’re interested in supporting this and other SeaCiti programs, please email us at info@seaciti.org to learn more!