We were delighted to host AfroTech conference participants at a recent Canva Magic Hour event, at our new Austin campus. At the event, folks were shown how they can use Canva’s Magic Studio to create a captivating CV and also heard an insightful panel conversation between Canvanauts Rod Williams, Chris Little, Jocelyn Chancellor, Theo Staggers and Steph Zuniga-Maher.
The panel discussed their experience as Black talent in the tech industry and what it’s like working at Canva. We caught up with them afterwards to hear their reflections.
Panellists pose with other Canvanauts at Canva Magic Hour.
Canva: What did it mean to you to host members of the Black community at Canva Magic Hour?
Steph: Attending AfroTech and being around so many Black people in the tech industry was really inspiring. For people who don’t know what it’s like to walk into rooms where you are “the only” person like you, it was great to suddenly walk into a room where there are 30,000 people who not only look like you, but are in the same industry and care about many of the same things. Every company that attends AfroTech is publicly committed to inclusion and representation. Every person who attends is related to the tech industry in some way. Not everyone at AfroTech is Black, but everyone is an ally. I can’t say that about every room I’m in.
Chris: Taking part in the Canva Magic Hour was nothing short of inspiring. It was incredible to connect with individuals from similar backgrounds to mine, who have achieved success and are thriving in the tech world - and still want more for themselves and the other people in the room. The atmosphere and energy were palpable, even before the official event started. Attending more conferences and hosting networking events of this nature can help us become the change we aspire to see in the world, allowing us to Set Crazy Big Goals and Make them happen (one of Canva’s core values).
Panellists sharing insights at our event.
Attending more conferences and hosting networking events of this nature can help us become the change we aspire to see in the world, allowing us to Set Crazy Big Goals and Make them happen (one of Canva’s core values).
Our Canva’s Magic Hour event served as a strong reminder that we can excel in a wide variety of roles, from law to IT, while staying true to our identity, strength, intelligence, and impact. Sitting on the panel, moderating, and observing an audience that looks just like us on the panel, with so much interest in what we were sharing, was inspiring. They wanted to know about Canva and how we’re treated and supported, and being able to tell them how we feel and the things we’re working on together was a proud and gratifying moment. I am proud to say I work here and that Canva supports us and wants to see and make a change, not only within the company, but in our community and the world. We still have a lot to learn and I believe that we will continue to do the hard work together, and see more changes within our company and community.
Event attendees enjoying some Canva hospitality.
I am proud to say I work here and that Canva supports us and wants to see and make a change, not only within the company, but in our community and the world. We still have a lot to learn and I believe that we will continue to do the hard work together, and see more changes within our company and community.
Canva: Steph, what does representation in the tech industry mean to you?
Steph: Representation in tech means something different to everyone. To me, it means getting to a place where at every table, there is a wide variety of perspectives and lived experiences represented. Having one Black person at the table isn’t enough because Black people aren’t monolithic - we have different perspectives. Similarly, one woman at the table isn’t representative of all women. We need to get to the point where we’re not “adding diversity” into a group but building a team with representation and diversity in mind from the start.
Having one Black person at the table isn’t enough because Black people aren’t monolithic - we have different perspectives.
Canva: And how do you believe the tech industry can continue to foster a culture of inclusivity and empowerment for underrepresented groups?
Steph: The tech industry - and all industries- need to continue to look at representation and inclusivity at all levels of the industry. It’s hard to feel empowered in your role and in your company if you can’t see leaders in the company who look like you. And we can’t stop at representation alone. It’s also important to work towards ensuring that underrepresented groups don’t just have roles within our company, but a seat at the table when it comes to influencing goals and decision making.
Canva Magic Hour attendees chatting.
Canva: Jocelyn, what have you found to be unique about working at Canva?
Jocelyn: One of the many unique things about working at Canva is that our culture is feedback driven. I’ve been at several companies in the past where we completed employee engagement surveys and little-to no action would come from them. At Canva, we see results from our survey responses almost immediately. Our People Team and team leads act quickly to find solutions that will work best at a company and team level. We also use feedback to enhance our product. We’re constantly taking feedback from our community, especially through their social posts, and making product improvements based on this feedback. It’s a “you asked, we delivered,” mentality, and I think our community really sees the value in this.
One of the many unique things about working at Canva is that our culture is feedback driven. I’ve been at several companies in the past where we completed employee engagement surveys and little-to no action would come from them. At Canva, we see results from our survey responses almost immediately.
Canva: One of the things we hear from Canvanauts that they value about working at Canva is the chance to solve compelling challenges. Theo, can you tell us about one of the most challenging projects you’ve tackled at Canva?
Theo: The most challenging project I’ve tackled at Canva was managing the sales cycle of a 600 seat deal (for non-sales people, that’s a deal with a large number of potential users, which adds a lot of complexity). The project took 7 months and involved the collaboration of multiple Canvanaut teams, as well as a committee of employees on the customer’s side. Keeping effective communication amongst all of the teams involved was key to the success of this. Something that kept me going was the idea of coordination amongst a group. It was very rewarding when everyone was on the same page and flowing to the “same sheet of music”.
The most challenging project I’ve tackled at Canva was managing the sales cycle of a 600 seat deal (for non-sales people, that’s a deal with a large number of potential users which adds a lot of complexity). The project took 7 months and involved the collaboration of multiple Canvanaut teams, as well as a committee of employees on the customer’s side.
Folks connecting at Canva Magic Hour.
Canva: What advice would you give to Black professionals starting their careers or looking to transition into the tech industry?
Jocelyn: Gaining transferable skills will be your biggest asset when starting out or transitioning to the tech industry. Being able to speak to those skills and align them with the jobs you’re interested in will make you more marketable and attractive to potential employers. Keeping up with the latest news and trends in the industry, like AI, for example, will go a long way as well.
Steph: One of the most useful pieces of advice I heard this week at AfroTech was “You can’t choose your boss but you can choose your company, so choose wisely.” I thought that was great advice because it’s true. So before you accept a role in the tech industry, do your research.
