We are proud to announce that Cohan Leon Daley, founder of Equity in Tech Group, has been awarded Equitable Founder of the Year 2024 (London) by the Global CEO Excellence Awards. This honour underscores his leadership and dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion across the tech sector, which faces critical challenges in representation for marginalised groups.

Cohan’s Journey of Advocacy

Cohan’s commitment to equity did not begin with the founding of Equity in Tech Group. He has a long history of active leadership in initiatives designed to empower underrepresented communities in tech. His experiences as a member of a marginalised group have given him a personal understanding of the systemic barriers that others face, inspiring him to lead programmes that aim to provide a fair and equitable future for all. This commitment spans across all marginalised groups—whether by race, gender, disability, or sexual orientation—ensuring that his efforts are as inclusive as possible.

The Diversity Crisis in the Tech Industry

The technology sector continues to show stark disparities in representation:

• Women: Women represent only 26% of the tech workforce globally, with even fewer in technical roles (15%) or leadership positions (5%). Women of colour are further underrepresented, making up just 3% of all women in tech.
• Racial and Ethnic Minorities: In the UK, ethnic minorities, including Black, Asian, and mixed-race individuals, make up 15% of the population, yet they represent a much smaller fraction in tech roles. For example, only 2.6% of tech professionals in the UK are Black. The figures are similarly concerning in the U.S., where Black and Hispanic professionals make up only 9% and 8% of the tech workforce, respectively, despite being 13% and 18% of the U.S. population.
• LGBTQ+ Individuals: LGBTQ+ representation is another area of concern, with many employees facing barriers to advancement. A recent survey found that 30% of LGBTQ+ employees in tech reported experiencing workplace discrimination, while 50% believe their identity has negatively affected their career progression.
• People with Disabilities: Despite being 19% of the working-age population in the UK, people with disabilities make up only a 10% share of those employed in tech. Individuals with disabilities face significant challenges in accessing opportunities and navigating workplaces that are often not designed with their needs in mind.

These data points paint a clear picture: the tech industry, despite its rapid growth and innovation, remains a sector where many voices are still underrepresented or unheard.

The Role of Allyship

Cohan and Equity in Tech Group understand that allyship plays a crucial role in tackling these disparities. Allies, whether individuals or organisations, can help create an inclusive tech environment by leveraging their influence to address systemic inequities. Cohan has seen first-hand how impactful allyship can be, and he strongly believes in the following key areas where allies can contribute:

• Mentorship and Sponsorship: Allies can help to elevate diverse talent through guidance and opportunities that may otherwise be inaccessible. This ensures that individuals from underrepresented backgrounds can build the networks and experience needed to advance in their careers.
• Advocacy for Inclusive Hiring Practices: Allies can advocate for inclusive recruitment and promotion processes, ensuring that bias is removed from hiring decisions and that all candidates are given equal consideration based on their merits, not their background.
• Creating Safe Workspaces: Inclusive work cultures start at the leadership level. Allies can foster safe environments by promoting policies that combat discrimination and creating support systems for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Changing the Status Quo: The Equity in Tech Group Mission

Equity in Tech Group’s mission is to change the status quo—to build an industry where the contributions of all are recognised, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or ability. The organisation’s programmes, designed to empower underrepresented communities, focus on leadership development, mentorship, and fostering partnerships with organisations that share this commitment to equity.

One of the group's major initiatives is to equip individuals from underrepresented backgrounds with the tools and skills needed to succeed in senior positions. These efforts are particularly focused on addressing the lack of diversity in leadership roles. By promoting diversity at the top, Equity in Tech Group believes that we can drive meaningful cultural change across the industry.

The group also engages with companies to create inclusive workplace cultures, moving beyond diversity quotas to build environments where all employees feel supported, valued, and able to thrive.

How You Can Get Involved

Equity in Tech Group is making strides, but we cannot achieve these goals alone. We invite you to join us—whether as an ally, an advocate, or a partner—to help bring about the systemic changes needed to close the diversity gap in tech.

Here are some ways you can contribute:

• Mentorship: Offer your time and expertise to guide underrepresented individuals in tech. Help them build the skills, networks, and confidence needed to advance their careers. Your mentorship can provide critical support in their journey to leadership.
• Advocacy: Advocate within your organisation for more inclusive hiring practices and policies. Champion diversity and create a workplace where talent from all backgrounds can thrive.
• Sponsorship: Join us as a financial sponsor to make our programmes accessible to underrepresented groups by covering participants' costs. Your sponsorship will eliminate financial barriers and provide participants with a comprehensive, end-to-end career development programme. Details for the 2025 Sponsorship Programme are coming soon. To join the waiting list, email change@equityintechgroup.com.
• Partnership: Partner with Equity in Tech Group to expand the reach of our programmes and help scale initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion.

Together, we can create an industry where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, and where diverse perspectives drive innovation and growth.

Join Us in Changing the Status Quo

At Equity in Tech Group, we believe that diversity is not just a goal—it is a necessity for a thriving, innovative industry. We invite all companies, individuals, and allies to reach out and join us in this transformative journey. Together, we can build a future where everyone—regardless of race, gender, disability, or identity—can contribute, lead, and succeed.

Together, we can change the status quo.

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