Sponsorship can be a key factor in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the technology industry, particularly for women. Unlike mentorship, sponsorship involves a more active role for the sponsor, who provides guidance and advice, and opens doors that may otherwise be closed for the sponsored individual.
Sponsors are powerful advocates for the women they mentor and lead. They establish specific goals and expectations for each woman right from the start of the relationship. When a company fosters a culture where senior leaders actively participate as sponsors, it makes women feel valued and essential in the workplace. Women who genuinely feel valued will contribute more to their teams, drive positive company culture, and ultimately enhance the overall success of the business. A sponsor who is a vital and powerful career-advancing advocate can assist a woman in tech by:
- Offering access to opportunities and resources that may not be otherwise available.
- Guiding in navigating the industry with consideration of the specific challenges faced by marginalized individuals.
- Advocating for the sponsored individual within the company or organization and increasing their visibility.
- Connecting the sponsored individual with other key players in the industry, including other marginalized individuals who can provide support and understanding.
To make sponsorship effective, it should be a mutual agreement between the sponsor and the sponsored, and both should have clear goals and objectives. When women feel supported and advocated for, they will not only grow, but they will want to contribute to the same program that helped them succeed – this is the cycle of successful sponsorship. Companies and organizations can promote sponsorship by creating programs that connect marginalized individuals in tech with potential sponsors.
It is noteworthy that DEI is an ongoing journey, and sponsorship should be seen as one of many strategies to create a more equitable and inclusive culture.
