In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, inclusion and accessibility are more important than ever. This article highlights Delaney Norvor’s inspiring journey as a Black, disabled woman in tech, showing how technology, leadership, and advocacy can break barriers. Her personal story demonstrates the transformative power of diversity, assistive technology, and mentorship in creating a more equitable future for all.
I am the Director of Product Management at the National Apartment Association (NAAHQ), a professional mentor, and an advocate for underrepresented professionals in the tech industry.
At 28, I am also a noted entrepreneur, having founded and launched three tech startups. With an MSc in International Health Management from the UK’s Imperial College Business School and a BA in Political Science & English from the University of Miami, I continue to break the glass ceiling as a proud Black female executive with a disability making waves in the tech sector.
In a rapidly advancing, tech-driven world, few innovations hold more promise than those that empower individuals with disabilities. As someone who is selectively mute due to dystonia and relies on text-to-speech technology to communicate, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative these tools can be.
For me and countless others, they are more than mere conveniences. They are lifelines. They give us a voice, enabling us to participate fully in conversations that might otherwise exclude us.
The late great physicist Stephen Hawking stands as a shining example of how such technology can transcend limitations. Beyond personal use, it symbolises the power of technology to break down barriers and foster inclusion in the workplace and society.
Empowerment through technology: the voice of possibility
Text-to-speech technology serves as my voice in a world where silence might once have meant invisibility. It enables me to lead as the Director of Product Management at the National Apartment Association in Arlington, Virginia, overseeing a team and collaborating across departments. What some might have viewed as a challenge, my disability has, in fact, become a source of strength, giving me a unique vantage point for problem-solving and innovation.
With the use of this technology, I don’t just participate—I thrive. It allows me to communicate clearly, ensuring that I am not only heard but understood. This technology doesn’t just empower me; it opens the door for countless others to step into leadership roles, to be productive, and to contribute in ways that might have been unthinkable in the past. Imagine a world where every person, regardless of ability, has access to the tools they need to succeed. That is the world I envision and work toward every day.
Breaking barriers: championing diversity and inclusion
While technology plays a crucial role in levelling the playing field, it is only one part of a larger puzzle. The barriers faced by underrepresented groups – particularly Black women and people with disabilities – are deeply ingrained in society and corporate cultures.
These obstacles manifest as unconscious biases, limited access to leadership opportunities, and exclusion from decision-making spaces. As a Black disabled woman in tech, I’ve lived through these barriers, and dismantling them is at the heart of my mission.
I am committed to fostering work environments where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated. Leading with empathy, I work to create spaces that value diverse perspectives.
My experiences in product management have taught me that when teams are made up of individuals with varying backgrounds, they become more creative and more effective. Diverse teams avoid groupthink, challenge each other, and generate breakthrough ideas.
Creating an inclusive environment goes beyond hiring a diverse workforce—it involves building a culture that supports everyone. It means addressing biases, ensuring equitable policies, and making the workplace welcoming to all. I’ve made this a cornerstone of my leadership approach, ensuring that every voice is heard, every contribution is valued, and everyone has the chance to succeed.
Mentorship impact: transforming lives through guidance
Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools for breaking down barriers and creating opportunities. I’ve had the privilege of mentoring many individuals, each of whom reminds me of why this work matters.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my career is helping others discover their potential. I’ve mentored women in tech, individuals from marginalised communities, and others who, like me, have faced challenges because of their disabilities.
One story that stands out is of a woman who was on the verge of leaving the tech industry after struggling to break in. Despite having the transferable skills, she doubted whether she truly belonged. Through our mentoring sessions, I helped her see the value she brought to the table and the importance of advocating for herself.
Today, she’s a successful product manager, leading her own team and thriving in her career. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship. It’s not just about career guidance. It’s about building confidence and resilience.
Throughout my professional journey, mentorship has played a pivotal role in my growth and success. At the age of 19, my first boss recognised my potential and provided invaluable guidance, helping me lay the foundation for my career in product management.
Later, after completing graduate school at the age of 25, I was fortunate to have mentors who were instrumental in shaping my career trajectory. Their belief in my talent and qualifications, coupled with their constructive feedback, propelled me forward. At the age of 27, I achieved my first leadership role, largely due to my willingness to be coachable and receptive to feedback.
I firmly believe that everyone can benefit from having a mentor. Mentorship provides invaluable support, guidance, and validation, enabling individuals to unlock their full potential and achieve their career aspirations.
When I embarked on my first senior-level role, I proactively sought out a mentor whom I had met at a virtual event. She has a storied career in product management and taught me about people-first leadership. She always praised me for being prepared for each call. I had a list of questions and she told me I asked the best questions ever as a mentee.
That is also a compliment I get from interviewers as well when I interview for roles. Her guidance proved to be life-changing, especially when I unexpectedly received a promotion.
By applying her advice from the outset, I was able to navigate the new challenges and responsibilities of my elevated position effectively. Ironically, because I communicate through text-to-speech to help make conversations go faster at the office, I often draft questions ahead of time (and even sometimes respond by anticipating what questions I’m likely to get from my team). So, in many ways, having to communicate the way I do taught me to always be prepared and think ahead. My mentor validated that lesson.
Diversity as a business strategy: driving innovation and performance
Diversity is not just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic advantage. In my own role, I’ve seen firsthand how embracing diversity enhances team performance. Diverse teams bring unique perspectives, which lead to innovative solutions and better decision-making. They challenge one another to think differently, pushing boundaries and driving creativity.
When I recently restructured my team at the National Apartment Association, my focus was on building a culture that values diverse viewpoints. The result has been increased productivity, improved morale, and the development of more innovative products.
We’ve been able to streamline processes, deliver features that align with user needs, and foster stronger collaboration within the organisation. For me, diversity isn’t just about checking a box. It’s about leveraging a wide range of perspectives to drive success.
Addressing stigma: shifting perceptions of disability in corporate culture
One of the greatest challenges to creating an inclusive workplace is addressing the stigma that often surrounds disability. Too often, people with disabilities are seen through the lens of what they can’t do rather than what they can contribute.
In corporate settings, this stigma can result in individuals being viewed as needing “special accommodations,” which are sometimes perceived as burdensome. But the reality is that making workplaces accessible benefits everyone.
I have made it my mission to confront these misconceptions. Through my work, I aim to shift corporate cultures toward understanding the immense value that people with disabilities bring to the table.
By highlighting my own achievements as a tech executive, I seek to challenge outdated perceptions and demonstrate that disability is not a limitation but a different lens through which to view challenges and opportunities.
My advocacy extends beyond my personal career; I educate organisations on the importance of not just hiring people with disabilities but integrating them into every facet of the workplace.
Policy advocacy: pushing for change
While changing corporate culture is important, it must be supported by structural changes at the policy level. That’s why I dedicate a significant amount of time advocating for policies that support disability inclusion and promote equitable employment practices. It’s not enough for businesses to say they support diversity; they must enact and enforce policies to ensure that these values are upheld.
My policy advocacy work focuses on pushing for stronger anti-discrimination laws, encouraging the adoption of accessible technologies, and advocating for fair pay and opportunities for advancement for professionals with disabilities. By working with policymakers and industry leaders, I hope to influence broader systemic change that benefits all workers, regardless of ability.
Building resilience: the power of persistence
Resilience has been a defining force throughout my life. As someone who has faced both societal and personal challenges, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back, it’s about using those challenges as fuel to drive forward. My journey as a Black disabled woman in tech has been filled with obstacles, but each of them has strengthened my resolve.
This resilience shapes my leadership approach. I encourage those I lead to see obstacles not as roadblocks but as opportunities for growth. I’ve always believed that setbacks provide valuable lessons, and this belief guides the way I manage my team and mentor others. My ability to persevere through doubt and adversity has given me a deep sense of empathy—one that I carry with me into every interaction.
Empowering change: advocating for inclusive hiring practices
I see myself as a catalyst for change in the tech industry. I am committed to encouraging organisations to rethink their hiring practices, ensuring that inclusion is not just an afterthought but a core value. Companies that prioritise diversity and create inclusive environments are not only more innovative—they are better positioned for long-term success.
My advocacy efforts focus on pushing for inclusive hiring practices that go beyond just bringing diverse candidates into the fold. It’s about creating spaces where people of all backgrounds can thrive. Through mentorship, policy work, and public speaking, I hope to empower other leaders to adopt these practices and make inclusion a priority.
Future aspirations: a vision for inclusive leadership
Looking to the future, my vision for the tech industry is one where accessibility and representation are woven into every innovation. As technology continues to evolve, we must ensure these advancements are designed for everyone. This means advocating for the development of more advanced assistive technologies and pushing for greater representation of people with disabilities in leadership roles across all industries.
I am optimistic about what lies ahead, but I know that progress doesn’t happen on its own. It requires commitment, collaboration, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
My mission is to continue breaking down barriers, driving innovation through diversity, and using technology as a tool for empowerment. Together, we can create a future where no one is left behind in the pursuit of progress.
In the end, my journey is not just about being an ambitious young Black disabled woman working in the tech sector who aspires to occupy the C-suite, either as a Chief Products Officer or CEO, it’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, race, or gender, has the opportunity to thrive. And that’s a future worth fighting for.
Delaney Norvor can be reached on Instagram @delaneynorvor and via email at delaney@delaneynorvor.com.