1871 Opens Apps for Tech Leaders Fall 2023 Cohort with Black & Latin Social Identity Tracks! 

CHICAGO, July 24, 2023 – 1871 launches a new Tech Leaders experience that’s exclusively dedicated to Black & Latin leaders in technology, starting September 2023.  Applications to join the fall cohort will be accepted through August 25th, 2023 and admission is open to the public.

1871’s Tech Leaders fall 2023 cohort runs for 4 months from 9.15.23 – 12.14.23 and is 100% virtual. While Tech Leaders is designed to train and mentor those in leadership roles within the technology industry, this upcoming cohort is particularly designed for tech leaders with a Black or Latin social identity. 

The Tech Leaders program redefines mentorship, offering personalized guidance and unwavering support to individuals from various backgrounds. Engaging group coaching sessions, leadership development workshops, and dynamic peer-driven forums create an environment where every cohort member’s personal and professional growth is celebrated and nurtured, propelling them towards achieving their leadership development aspirations while fostering strong camaraderie within the cohort.

The “BLKtech” or “LTNtech” affinity tracks of the program are named in line with the social identity distinction of 1871’s other offerings for the designated group. The focus of this cohort is an expression of the main tenets of 1871’s core mission and values, which is to help tech businesses at the business and individual level with accessibility.

1871’s partner Ethos, a culture consulting meets diversity, equity, and inclusion firm, will be facilitating the curriculum of the program. The full cohort will meet for core curriculum sessions, but then break out to distinct groups, BLKtech and LTNtech. More about the experience is below. 

An information session will be held on 8.2.23, from 10:00 – 11:00 AM for attendants to learn more about this hands-on and inclusive experience, and ask any questions they may have.  

“Embracing diversity and inclusivity, our leaders’ program is now extended to encompass a broader range of social and gender identities, empowering often underrepresented Black and Latin individuals with the essential courage and foundation for career acceleration and leadership development,” said Alysha-Aubrey, Sr. Director of Affinities. “Our proven success with the WMNtech Leaders program demonstrates the power of diverse voices in shaping future success that we are excited to bring to our BLKtech & LTNtech community.”

About Tech Leaders Fall 2023 – BLKtech & LTNtech Tracks

• Runs: 9.15.23 – 12.14.23
• Format: 100% virtual
• App deadline: 8.25.23
• Eligibility includes Black or Latin social identity & 3-10 years of experience working in a technical-facing role. 

This unique experience brings together Black and Latin leaders working in technical roles, nominated Black and Latin employees from various tech companies and universities, and dedicated volunteer mentors who will work in unison to accelerate the personal and professional development and skills of these individuals.

The initiative is designed for mid-career, Black and Latin professionals in the tech industry who exhibit exceptional promise in their current roles and would benefit from the support from this experience. This initiative is open to all gender identities.

Key program information

If accepted, participants should be prepared for an orientation and dedicated time towards the full experience starting from 9.15.23  to 12.14.23. The experience is comprised of the following:

• Connect Days – 1 Friday / Month – Core curriculum broken down into Workshops & Forums 
• 1:1 with Super Mentor – Custom  – Goal oriented work with matched mentor
• Group coaching – 1 day/Month – Peer-to-Peer Mentorship

The forums and group coaching sessions are divided into two tracks, namely the Black Technical Track and the Latin Technical Track. These tracks are specifically tailored to equip each underrepresented group with the essential tools, resources, and guidance needed to achieve their primary goals and desired outcomes from the program. 

Additionally, participants are matched with a dedicated, volunteer Super Mentor. Throughout the program, participants and their assigned mentors will have several meetings for valuable one-on-one time, facilitating discussions on leadership, personal growth, and professional development skills. These sessions serve as an opportunity for participants to gain insights and knowledge from the mentor’s wealth of experience and expertise. 

Applications are open for participation in the fall 2023 cohort of Tech Leaders. The deadline to apply is 8.25.23. More information about the program and applications to become a participant or mentor can be found here.  

About 1871

1871 is Chicago’s innovation hub and the #1 ranked private business incubator in the world. It exists to inspire, equip, and support early-stage, growth-stage, late-stage, and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~400 technology startups, ~200 growth stage companies, and ~1,500 members, and is supported by an entire ecosystem focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. The member experience includes virtual and in-person access to workshops, events, mentorship, and more. The nonprofit organization has 350 mentors available to its members, alongside access to more than 200 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds, and others. Since its inception in 2012, more than 850 alumni companies are currently still active, have created over 14,500 jobs, and have raised more than $3.5 billion in follow-on capital