ELA 2026 Workshop Look Back on Building Community Connections That Empower Young Black Women in Tech

The journey to create a strong community for young Black women in technology is full of inspiring stories and meaningful connections. At the ELA 2025 Workshop, we gathered to reflect on how building these connections has helped empower young women to step confidently into STEM fields.

With the ELA 2025 Workshops, what stands out most is the participants sense of belonging to it. For many young Black women interested in tech, finding a community where they feel seen and supported can be challenging. The workshops created a space where participants could share their experiences, learn from each other, and build lasting relationships.

The workshop focused on more than just skills. It emphasized the importance of mentorship, encouragement, and access to resources. These elements are crucial for breaking down barriers that often keep young women from pursuing careers in STEM.

Here is a look back at the highlights of our past year's events.

ELA March Series (STEM)

• Date: March 15, 2025

• Location: Room 230, Barbara Weitz Community Center, 6400 S University, Omaha

The ELA March Series (STEM) is a community platform that connects young women with peers and professionals. It hosts virtual events, discussion groups, and workshops. This network creates a space for sharing knowledge and building friendships that last beyond the classroom. This workshop was focused on participants to Build their STEM Career Adventure.

April Green Tech Innovators

• Date: April 19, 2025

• Location: Room 231, Barbara Weitz Community Center

Another valuable workshop is the April Green Tech Innovators focused on to Discover the Future of Renewable Energy. The session was designed to be accessible and engaging, with a focus on real-world projects. This hands-on approach helped learners build confidence and practical skills.

Looking ahead, our goal is to keep expanding these community connections. Here are some of the ways we continue to support young underserved women in tech:

• Create more mentorship opportunities. Pairing young women with mentors who understand their experiences is key.

  
  

• Offer accessible learning platforms. Online and in-person classes that fit different learning styles help build skills.

  
  

• Host regular community events. Workshops, meetups, and networking events keep connections strong.

  
  

• Promote visibility and representation. Highlighting success stories encourages others to pursue their dreams.

  
  

Emerging Ladies Academy is committed to these goals. By providing programs like the March Series STEM and April Green Tech Innovators , we aim to reduce barriers and open doors for more young women.

Together, we can create a future where every young underserved woman has the chance to shine in technology and leadership.