Beyond the Binary: Celebrating #BlackWomenInTech and Their Transformative Impact
In today’s era, often dominated by a lack of diversity, black women have made substantial contributions to the tech industry. In honor of Black History Month, let's spotlight some of these amazing women who have made significant contributions to black history and serve as inspirations for women around the globe.
Dr. Mae Jemison: Pioneering Space Scientist
Image Courtesy: NASA
Dr. Mae Jemison, an accomplished engineer and physician, made history as the first African American woman to travel in space as a former NASA Astronaut. As one of the only African American students in her class, Jemison experienced racial discrimination in school. After graduating from Stanford University, Mae attended Cornell Medical School and graduated from Cornell with a Doctorate in Medicine. In 1987, Jemison decided to apply to the astronaut program at NASA, was selected for NASA Astronaut Group 12, and became the first African American to travel in space. Beyond her groundbreaking space journey, she has strongly advocated diversity in STEM fields, encouraging young black women to pursue careers in technology.
Kimberly Bryant: Founder of Black Girls Code
Image Courtesy: Every Girl Deserves to be Fabulous, Inc.
Kimberly Bryant, an electrical engineer, founded Black Girls Code, a non-profit organization dedicated to introducing women of color to the world of computer programming. Kimberly was born and raised in Memphis by a single mother. She attended Vanderbilt University on a scholarship and planned to become a civil engineer there. She later earned a degree in electrical engineering. Kimberly dreamed of providing a platform, especially for women of color, to train them in computer programming. To fulfill this dream, she laid the foundation of the Black Girls Code in 2011. Her tireless efforts have empowered thousands of young black girls to explore the vast opportunities in tech.
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett: Vaccine Research Innovator
Image Courtesy: NEVADA Today
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a viral immunologist, played a crucial role in the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. She graduated from the University of Maryland–Baltimore with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a secondary major in Sociology. Later, she obtained her Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of North Carolina in 2014. Kizzmekia used her expertise in the development of novel coronavirus vaccines. The vaccine design incorporated in the COVID-19 vaccine was by Kizzmekia and her team, and it was then deployed to industry partner Moderna. Her groundbreaking work in the global pandemic showcases the intersection of medicine and technology, highlighting the crucial role that women of color play in advancing healthcare technologies.
Lisa Gelobter: Tech Entrepreneur and Diversity Advocate
Image Courtesy: The Education Trust
Lisa Gelobter, a tech entrepreneur and diversity advocate, has left an indelible mark on the industry and black history. Lisa graduated from Brown University in 1991 with a degree in computer science. In 2015, Lisa joined the US Digital Service, where she played an essential role in redesigning the Government Health Care website; later, she joined the Chief Digital Service Officer for the United State, where she worked on modernizing and improving the accessibility of digital services. In 2016, Lisa laid the foundation of tEQuitable, a company that addresses the issues of bias, harassment, and workplace discrimination. Lisa is among the 34 Black women ever to raise $1 million in venture capital, as she raised more than $2 million for the start-up company. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion has influenced positive changes within the tech sector.
Annie Jean-Baptiste: Head of Product Inclusion at Google
Image Courtesy: Island Girls Rock!
Annie Jean is the Director of Product Inclusion and Equity at Google. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in International Relations & Political Science. She is a modern-day tech executive who provides for the demands and needs of the consumers of the 21st century. Annie is also the author of Building for Everyone, one of the first books on building Inclusive products. Annie focuses on bringing a human-centered approach and including diversity to help grow businesses, and she aims to make Google products and web work, especially for marginalized communities.
These remarkable women of color in tech have set an example of resilience, innovation, and leadership. As we celebrate Black History Month, let's continue amplifying the voices of #BlackWomenInTech and acknowledge their immense impact on shaping the future of technology. Their stories inspire us to strive for a more inclusive and diverse tech industry.