Penji Partnership Coordinator, Shannon, talks with Regina Gwynn about her journey as a tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Black Women Talk Tech. They dive deep into the barriers women of color face in the tech industry, how Black Women Talk Tech is breaking down those barriers with education, mentorship, and funding, and why building inclusive spaces in tech leads to innovation and generational wealth. Regina also shares key insights about scaling an organization, the importance of retention over just “getting in,” and the exciting global expansion of her nonprofit’s work.
Here are three things you’ll learn in this episode:
1. Why accessibility in tech education matters and how jargon often creates unnecessary barriers.
Regina explains how technical jargon and industry “gatekeeping” often make technology feel intimidating or out of reach for people just starting out. By breaking down concepts into everyday language and making education approachable, more women of color and underrepresented groups can see themselves as capable of thriving in tech.
2. The challenges of staying and growing in tech roles, not just landing them.
Getting into the industry is only the first step. Regina highlights how many women of color face systemic challenges around mentorship, advancement opportunities, and workplace culture, which can lead to high turnover. The real impact comes from retention and career growth—helping women not just enter, but succeed and stay in tech long term.
3. How showcasing successful women entrepreneurs changes misconceptions and inspires the next generation.
Representation matters. Regina shares how amplifying the stories of thriving Black women entrepreneurs dispels harmful stereotypes, shows what’s possible, and inspires the next wave of innovators. Seeing women who look like them running companies and leading in tech helps younger generations envision—and pursue—the same path.