[Archived] Venezuelans Representation in Tech

[sadasant]

In this issue, we'll talk about how to define and measure Venezuelan's representation in the Tech industry.

Based on what we define here, we could start a project on how to help Venezuelans become better professionals, or how to be more impactful together in this industry.

Some questions out of the top of my head:

• What is "representation" in the Tech industry?
• How can we measure the "representation" of Venezuelans in the Tech industry?

[sadasant]

Repeating some of the messages I received on Twitter (from this thread):

@stefanmaric 10:20 AM · May 1, 2019:

Depending at where you look at, we are actually over-represented. In Spain it is usual for software development companies/departmentments to have a good chunk of Venezuelans, a much bigger chunk than venezuelans compromise in the general population.

@sadasant 10:23 AM · May 1, 2019:

I believe that happens in other countries too, like Chile. But I wouldn’t have the exact numbers. I want to help our people abroad, but the ones already out (that I know of) seem to be doing fairly well.

@stefanmaric 10:30 AM · May 1, 2019:

I think that's the general perception; even low-skilled Venezuelans happen do well. Maybe as migrants our standard for "doing well" is low.

But I would definitely say we are not under-represented at all. There are more Venezuelans in tech than in the general population, %-wise.

@stefanmaric 10:33 AM · May 1, 2019:

At least for now. The first few migration waves were mostly well educated youngsters, many in the tech field, and many other jumped from their career to tech because it was less practical abroad (think of law and accounting).

@pankas87 2:56 PM · May 1, 2019:

As migrants our standard is low, like you said, and when measuring representation we should not only measure number of employees inside the industry but power and influencing capacity. How many middle and top management, and C level positions are occupied by venezuelans

@pankas87 2:57 PM · May 1, 2019:

How much influence do venezuelans and other latin people have in hiring practices and corporate culture, representatipn is much more than just numbers.

The Fricky! 3:07 PM · May 1, 2019:

If you allow me, I believe that you first need to clarify what you mean with "representation", partly because not all industries understand representation the same way, also because C levels and management aren't -at least in the tech industry- the goal of many venezuelans

The Fricky! 3:07 PM · May 1, 2019:

Just yesterday I was thinking about how much the idea of "representation" is attached to American culture and the race/gender division, that's not the case in every country/industry, even if it resonates there, so to better talk about representation I think context is important

[sadasant]

@josemontesdeoca commented that we might coordinate this effort to solve the challenge posted here: https://github.com/code-for-venezuela/2019-april-codeathon/tree/master/challenges/MIT-REA

[sadasant]

Closing this on favor of: https://github.com/berserktech/ideas/projects/1