The ability to understand, respect, and effectively interact with people from different cultures. It involves knowledge of cultural differences, awareness of one’s own biases, and the skills to navigate diverse cultural contexts sensitively.

Cultural competency, when superficial, can reinforce power hierarchies. But, when practiced through a justice-oriented lens, it ensures that Black, Indigenous, and disabled communities lead the design and implementation of technology that honors and protects cultural practices, creating safer and more equitable spaces.