At Dataiku, we believe that diversity and inclusion in the workplace are essential for building AI systems that benefit everyone.
Why is this important? When AI is trained on data without considering biases that exist in the data or considering the needs and experiences of underrepresented groups, then algorithms and AI systems can end up hurting people instead of helping them. Diversity and inclusion, or the wealth of experiences and perspectives, have been proven to create higher-performing teams and enable Dataiku to develop software that makes AI accessible in a fair and diverse manner, benefiting both people and the planet.
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are vital in supporting positive change by promoting inclusivity and amplifying diverse voices. As we celebrate Pride Month, we deeply appreciate the contributions made by the Queer ERG across four main pillars: Care & Listening, Education, Innovation, and Collaboration. Their efforts are instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion, particularly in the realm of software development.
Care & Listen: Empathy and Active Listening
Understanding the importance of empathy and active listening, the Queer ERG at Dataiku fosters diverse voices in company-wide conversations by helping create a safe space where LGBTQ+ employees and allies can freely express their unique needs and perspectives. Through monthly meetings, the Queer ERG provides a platform for LGBTQ+ employees and allies to address personal and professional challenges, advocate for necessary changes in Dataiku policies or practices (such as incorporating specific language about LGBTQ+ discrimination into our corporate anti-harassment policy), and establish connections.
Additionally, the Queer ERG organizes company-wide events throughout the year, inviting external voices from the Queer community and providing opportunities for Queer Dataikers to share their experiences.
In the context of software development, the spirit of safety and inclusivity is translated into considering diverse user needs. By actively seeking feedback from underrepresented groups, conducting user research, and prioritizing accessibility, software developers can ensure that their products cater to the unique needs and preferences of a broad range of users, including the LGBTQ+ community. This inclusive approach fosters the creation of more impactful and user-centric software solutions.
Educate & Help: Promoting Awareness and Understanding
The Queer ERG at Dataiku plays an active role in promoting awareness and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, going beyond creating a safe space. They engage employees through enjoyable activities such as Virtual LGBTQ+ History & Culture Trivia, share resources on public Slack channels about Queer issues and history, and collaborate with office managers to provide LGBTQ+ books and posters showcasing Queer trailblazers across all offices. This proactive approach not only enhances knowledge among employees but also fosters an environment of inclusivity and acceptance.
Pride magazine rack at the Dataiku Paris office
2023 Pride kickoff drag bingo
By exposing employees to the issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community, the Queer ERG ensures that everyone involved in the development, building, creating, selling, and usage of our software has a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and unique needs of this community. This knowledge enables them to align their software development and AI practices with the evolving needs of the LGBTQ+ community, resulting in software that reflects the diverse perspectives and experiences of its users
Innovate: Harnessing Diversity for Creative Problem-Solving
With diverse software development teams, problems can be approached from multiple angles, resulting in innovative software solutions that cater to a broader range of users and build sustainable value. This year, the Queer ERG focused Pride Month activities on “The Diversity of Pride,” recognizing the inherent diversity within the LGBTQ+ community and acknowledging the varying expressions of queerness, experiences of discrimination, and privileges due to intersectionality. Through education workshops, a fireside chat focused on intersectionality, and movie nights highlighting Queer People of Color, we aim to draw attention to the unique experiences and challenges of the Queer community.
Furthermore, the Queer ERG upholds Dataiku’s inclusive company culture and policies, which encourage an open work culture that allows individuals to express their ideas without fear of judgment or bias. This fosters a creative environment where all employees, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can contribute their unique insights to the software development process. By harnessing the power of diversity, software developers can create solutions that meet the needs of a diverse user base.
Collaboration With Other ERGs: Building Cross-Functional Partnerships
The power of ERGs resides in their ability to foster collaboration with other groups within the organization. Connecting with various ERGs enables software developers to leverage the richness of diverse perspectives, thereby enriching their work. In the upcoming year, our aim is to improve collaboration among Dataiku’s six ERGs. This facilitates the integration of insights from diverse communities, ensuring that the software reflects respect for and appreciation of LGBTQ+ diversity as well as other underrepresented groups.
For example, the Queer ERG can collaborate with Dataiku’s ERGs focused on racial and ethnic diversity, including Blackbox, AspirASIAN, and Convergence. This joint effort can promote software solutions that address the intersectionality of different identities. Such collaboration leads to more comprehensive and inclusive software development, ensuring that the needs and unique perspectives of all users are considered.
Responsible and Transparent AI: Advocating for Ethical Practices
In an era of increasing reliance on AI technologies, it is crucial to advocate for ethical practices. Currently, AI acts as a mirror of humans’ own poor predictive capabilities and biases. When diverse voices are included in the designing of AI algorithms and systems, then inherently biased algorithms are developed with concerning implications for the people they will impact.
The Queer ERG at Dataiku recognizes the need to eliminate bias and discrimination in AI algorithms and systems. By working to protect the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals, the ERG advocates for software development that aligns with responsible practices. Deploying AI technologies ethically and transparently is vital in building trust and promoting equality within the software industry. In collaboration with Dataiku’s Governance and Responsible AI (RAI) teams, ERGs at Dataiku can inform RAI training and education to take into account diverse perspectives and advocate for changes in the product to ensure that biases aren’t being perpetuated in the AI projects developed using Dataiku.
Conclusion
ERGs, including the Queer ERG at Dataiku, are pivotal in driving diversity, inclusion, and innovation in software development. These groups contribute by creating a safe and supportive environment, promoting awareness and understanding, harnessing diversity for creative problem-solving, instigating inclusive policy changes, fostering cross-functional partnerships, and advocating for responsible and transparent AI. In doing so, ERGs empower software developers to develop inclusive, broad, and forward-thinking solutions.
Through recognition and acceptance of the valuable contributions of ERGs, we can shape a future where diversity, inclusion, and responsible practices are at the forefront of software development. This Pride Month, let us celebrate the voices that ERGs bring to the table and, together, build a more inclusive and innovative software industry.