ALICE’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Book Club Reads “Algorithms of Oppression,” by Safiya Noble

ALICE’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion committee hosts educational events for employees throughout the year. Book clubs have been a part of ALICE’s culture since the company’s very beginnings. In line with our company values of continuously improve and be curious, our book club gives employees the space to learn together. We have had various book clubs hosted throughout the years, including company book clubs focused on product and business strategy, manager book clubs, “for-fun” book clubs, and mostly recently, our Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion book club. 

We know our continued education is of vital importance to the growth and success of our company. With all departments invited to participate, our book club gives everyone the opportunity to learn, bounce ideas off of each other, and brainstorm ways in which we could apply this new information to our work environment and lives.    

The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee recently hosted a discussion of the book, Algorithms of Oppression by Safiya Noble. The book explores how negative biases against women, specifically women of color, are embedded in search engine algorithms and results, and the effects these algorithms have on those marginalized groups. Over the course of a few weeks, the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee hosted discussions to help the team further understand Noble's message and how to apply the lessons learned in the book to how we interact with Google and other search engines, as well as how we recognize our own biases. 

ALICE’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee also brings in frequent guest speakers for educational opportunities . Most recently ALICE has enjoyed a discussion with Briona Jenkins, an advocate for the BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and women’s communities. Team members were also invited to participate in a cooking demo and discussion with Chef Lorraine Kenlock in honor of Black History Month. 

ALICE is a global company, with team members in over 20 states and 14 countries. This is just one of many reasons why diversity, equity, and inclusion is a core aspect of our company. The mission of the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee is to foster an environment that attracts the best talent, values diversity of life experiences and perspectives, and encourages innovation in pursuit of this mission.