Tech Leaders
Tech Leaders is a program designed to inspire, equip, and support underrepresented leaders at technology companies so they can maximize their leadership strengths, overcome systemic obstacles, and build relationships with experienced mentors dedicated to their growth and success.
Partnered with
About the Program
Tech Leaders was developed in partnership with the 1871 Affinity Council as part of our ongoing efforts to promote technological advancement in Chicago, particularly for Black and Latinx leaders seeking to accelerate their careers. We are devoted to empowering diverse professionals in the workplace, propelling emerging leaders into roles of influence, and creating greater equity across the tech and business sectors.
Qualifications
Ideal participants are Black and Latin professionals currently in technical or market-facing roles. While roles and titles may vary, the common thread is leadership readiness, whether through leading a team, managing cross-functional projects, or driving strategic initiatives.
Typical candidates have 3–10 years of experience in the workforce, and are preferably in mid-level roles with upward mobility potential. All participants must be in a technical or market-facing role.
Technical Facing Roles:
- Software engineering and development
- Data engineering and data science
- UX/UI
- Etc.
Market Facing Roles:
- Marketing & communications
- Sales
- Customer Success
- Etc.
Black and Latin individuals currently working in a leading technical facing role, looking to improve leadership, personal, and professional development skills
Companies or Universities looking for educational programming to elevate their Black & Latinx staff leaders
Mentors looking to share their expertise & experiences with cohort members
Alumni stories
Equipping top tech leaders
Scaling professionals at some of the brightest companies in the industry choose 1871 to help them build a better network and accomplish their career goals.
Program Details
Workshops
Participants will attend four interactive workshops that focus on enhancing professional development, personal insight, and leadership capabilities.
Facilitated forum
Through peer-led forums, participants build a lasting support network that extends beyond their companies. These sessions offer space to apply workshop insights to real-world leadership challenges and include guest speakers from the tech industry.
Mentoring
Each participant is matched with a Super Mentor — an experienced leader who provides support, coaching, and accountability throughout the program. Participants are expected to meet with their mentor 3–4 times.
Program Schedule
9.26.25 I Tech Leaders Fall 2025 Cohort Orientation
10.3.25 I Connect Day #1
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Workshop – “What Kind of Leader Do You Want to Be? It’s Your Choice”
1:00 – 3:00 PM – Forum and guest speaker
10.24.25 I Connect Day #2
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Workshop – “Rise & Roar: Harnessing Confidence to Crush Your Career”
1:00 – 3:00 PM – Forum and guest speaker
11.14.25 | Connect Day #3
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Workshop – “The Art and Science of Feedback: Give and Take”
1:00 – 3:00 PM – Forum and guest speaker
12.5.25 I Connect Day #4
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Workshop – “Your Leadership Brand in Action”
1:00 – 3:00 PM – Forum and guest speaker
12.10.25 | Tech Leaders Fall 2025 Cohort Graduation
*Mentor 1:1 – Will be scheduled by the cohort member and their Super Mentor. We encourage meeting with your Super Mentor at least four times.
Start your application
Join our summer 2024 cohort of Tech Leaders today! Application dead is 7.23.24.