Latinas in Silicon Valley Tech: A Quantitative Analysis of Disparity in the Valley of Delights
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Authors
Valencia, Venita
Issue Date
2026-01
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Latinas , Silicon Valley , tech hiring , Business, Engineering, Science, & Technological Innovation , Educational Leadership & Learning Lifelong, , Workforce Development Needs & Industry Alignment
Alternative Title
Abstract
Latines are the largest minority group in California, yet Latinas are disproportionately marginalized in the job market, including in Silicon Valley–the nation’s leader in income inequality. The problem addressed by this study was the institutionalized barriers that threaten the hiring of Latinas in Silicon Valley tech and their economic well-being. The purpose of this quantitative, intersectional study was to determine whether statistically significant disparities exist in Latina tech employment in Silicon Valley and to investigate the relationships among sex/gender, race/ethnicity, and their interaction on the odds of Latina tech employment. The social ecological model underpinned this study’s evaluation of how society influences corporate environments, exerting healthy or harmful impacts on individuals. Secondary archival data on tech and non-tech employment were collected from the Current Population Survey (CPS). Findings were calculated using IBM SPSS software in complex-sample mode, comparing Silicon Valley with nationwide results. Statistically significant disparities in tech hiring of Latinas were found across all quantitative tests and models. The findings indicate a statistically significant relationship between the intersection of sex/gender and race/ethnicity and tech hiring. The intersectional identity of Latinas was found to have a similar impact on inequalities in tech hiring in Silicon Valley and nationwide. Chi-square tests and logistic regression models indicate the largest disparity in tech employment is between Latinas and White men. Race/ethnicity was found to have the strongest relationship to tech employment disparities in Silicon Valley. The findings suggest systemic inequality in tech hiring, creating barriers to entry for Latinas and threatening their economic well-being. Future research should extend to the Latina tech job search experience in Silicon Valley and examine its impact on their overall well-being. Keywords: Latinas, Silicon Valley, tech, hiring, quantitative
> Note that this item is embargoed (cannot be accessed) until March 1, 2027
Description
Note that this item is embargoed (cannot be accessed) until march 1, 2027