In collaboration with Elo, a Brazilian company in the payments sector, Livework embarked on a mission to empower and increase the representation of Black women in technology. Our goal was not only to equip these women with the skills and knowledge to develop digital applications but also to create a stronger, more inclusive ecosystem for their professional growth.

We began with an exploratory research phase, identifying Black women interested in technology and understanding their challenges, motivations, and learning needs. This helped shape a workshop experience tailored to their realities.

Through a detailed mapping strategy, we connected with 32 social media groups, narrowing our focus from general tech communities to Black women in tech. We reached out to 71 women, and after conducting interviews and assessments, we selected 26 participants from 11 different Brazilian states to join the program.

Two key focus areas were defined for this project: IT, which included Information Systems, Digital Games, and Computer Engineering; and Design, covering areas such as User Experience (UX), Interface Design, and Product Design.

To better understand the participants’ backgrounds and expectations, we conducted a qualitative research study, exploring the following questions:

• What field are they from?
• What is their experience level?
• What knowledge and interests do they have in the proposed topics?
• What other topics would they like to explore?
• What is their availability for participation (business hours, evenings, weekends, pre-determined schedules, etc.)?
• The selection criteria we used included:

Interest in working with digital applications – to ensure engagement in the training and motivation to continue the project.

Limited access to equipment and the internet – to maximize impact for those who needed it most, considering the additional support required for this profile.

More advanced knowledge in IT fields – as they were more likely to develop applications by the end of the program.

Less experience in design – since we saw a greater opportunity for learning and skill development in this area during the workshop.

However, after discussing with experts in both fields (IT and Design), our team decided to move forward with a heterogeneous group combining both profiles. Instead of separating the two tracks, we prioritized diversity and a mix of experiences, enriching the learning process through different perspectives and shared knowledge.

The four-session program followed the same design-driven methodology Livework applies in its real-world projects. Each session was designed to empower participants through a structured learning experience:

Step 1 – Understanding the Challenge
Participants explored a real-world problem through desk research, interviews, and journey mapping, creating Personas, User Journeys, and Affinity Diagrams to identify key insights.

Step 2 – Ideation & Solution Development
Using insights from the research phase, participants engaged in creative brainstorming, prioritizing ideas, and selecting solutions that could effectively address the challenge.

Step 3 – Prototyping & Pitching
Participants developed prototypes of their solutions, structuring their concepts into a cohesive pitch. The final session included presentations to a panel of experts, who provided valuable feedback and guidance.

When we accepted the opportunity to participate in this initiative, we knew we needed to co-create the workshop alongside the participants to ensure that the dynamics truly reflected their perspectives and experiences. Our goal was to avoid designing a structure that overlooked their worldviews and cultural references.

In practice, this commitment was reflected in simple yet essential actions, such as:

Assembling a team that represented the diversity and inclusivity required by the project.
Carefully selecting images and music created by Black women or that resonated with them.
Ensuring diversity in icons and visual elements to reflect the richness and plurality of this community.
Throughout the project, we realized that technical and theoretical learning alone was not enough. It was equally important to create space for dialogue and exchange, allowing discussions to go beyond professional topics and touch on personal experiences as well.

A significant highlight was the interactions beyond the structured sessions, particularly the open discussions and networking moments. These exchanges addressed a harsh reality faced by many participants: the isolation of Black women in professional spaces, making these newly formed connections even more meaningful.

At the end of the program, we conducted a feedback round, where participants shared the key benefits they gained from the initiative:

• Creating opportunities for connection
• Encouraging experience-sharing
• Cultivating a sense of community
• Supporting the development of Black women and empowering their leadership

This project went beyond skills training—it became a platform for representation, belonging, and empowerment.

When we were invited by Elo to participate in this initiative, we were excited about the possibility of promoting a practical action that could really generate a significant impact on people and the world, very connected to our pillar for building sustainable futures.

Throughout the project, our team was in a listening position, aware of the importance of promoting a space that allowed participants to take ownership of their role. Thus, we allow ourselves to learn, develop and transform with them throughout the process.

Enabling the meeting, encouraging the exchange of experiences, sowing a sense of community, contributing to the development of these women and encouraging protagonism were some of the benefits perceived by the participants and helped the teams at both Elo and Livework to corroborate the importance – and satisfaction – of designing a more equitable and inclusive future based on practical actions today.