The Tech Unicorn
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“The unicorn has become a powerful symbol of my journey, showing that being rare can be both challenging and incredibly rewarding.” - Alexis D. White
Returning to college after having my daughter as a young mother was nerve-wracking. I double-checked my class schedule, ensuring I had the right date, time, and professor. As I neared the end of my Associate of Arts degree in Information Technology with a focus on Networking, my classes became smaller and more familiar. Most students had taken classes together, while I had mainly studied online. This class, however, required me to be on campus.
Upon entering, a group of men was chatting. One of them remarked, “You must be in the wrong class.” I ignored him, but he pressed on, “Are you sure you’re in the right class?” His rude tone was exhausting after caring for a newborn. I replied, “I checked before coming.” He then said, “That’s surprising!” When I asked why, he responded, “Because you’re like a unicorn in this industry.” I was confused—did he think I didn’t belong?
The next day, I shared this with my mentor at my internship, who explained that being called a “unicorn” meant I was rare in IT. He reassured me it wasn’t an insult, as young women in tech are uncommon. I admitted it made me feel like an outsider and questioned my career choice. He advised that such instances would happen often and reminded me that I deserved to be there.
Later, my mentor surprised me with two framed unicorn puzzles his daughter had made, perfect for my cubicle. When my internship ended, I asked if he wanted them back, but he insisted they were mine. They now remind me of his support.
I shared this story with my father, who still sends me unicorn emojis and gifs nearly eight years later. His constant encouragement has been a source of strength. During tough weeks as an IT specialist, he surprised me with a unicorn figurine from a local store and even gifted me a unicorn watch one Christmas, symbolizing his belief in me.
Over time, “unicorn” transformed from a feeling of exclusion into a badge of honor, representing my unique journey in a male-dominated industry. It symbolizes resilience and support throughout my IT career. I proudly embrace the title of “unicorn,” reflecting the rewards of breaking barriers.
This experience taught me that being a trailblazer is challenging yet rewarding. Each time I see a unicorn, I’m reminded of the courage it takes to be different and the rewards of perseverance. I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams with determination.
The representation of women in the IT field remains significantly low, highlighting the need for greater gender diversity in the tech industry. As of 2023, women hold only 28% of computing and mathematical jobs in the United States1. Within major tech companies like Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft, women make up about 34.4% of the workforce1. However, women are still underrepresented in leadership roles, with only 14% of tech leaders being female2. This disparity underscores the ongoing challenges and the critical need for initiatives that promote gender diversity and inclusion in the tech sector3.
