In an ideal world, the development of AI will come with no added biases. But, unfortunately, this is not the case. As many organizations look to find a solution to AI bias, reports suggest bringing more Black women into data science will help eliminate this issue – but is it true? Diversifying data science If the developers behind AI systems look, sound, and share the same life experiences, how can we expect to have a tool reflective of society? Novelist Chimamanda Adichie touched upon this when highlighting the dangers of “a single
Like many tech hubs worldwide, Germany has experienced challenges around diversity, especially within the tech space. Nakeema Stefflbauer is working to make the German tech scene more diverse and inclusive through her latest initiative, FrauenLoop. Through the program, the native New Yorker has spent the past couple of years in Berlin, helping women upscale their skills in tech. Stefflbauer opened up about her journey from New York to Berlin and the many challenges that led her to launch her initiative. The founder, who held many tech positions before her life in Berlin, is
According to reports, Black and brown people are taking up space in 1 out of 5 corporate boards for the first time. As companies push to get more diversity from top to bottom, corporate boards see more diversity, with racial and ethnic minorities holding 20% of all board seats. In an ISS Corporate Solutions Inc. study, Black directors now hold 8.3% of all board seats, a significant jump from just 4.4% four years ago. In addition, the number of board seats held by white directors fell by 9%, with white people now
The 18-Year-Old Making Computer Science Education Accessible For Students With Learning Disabilities
Mohammed Shirmohammadi – also known as “Mo” – is the 18-year-old founder of the non-profit organization Code Can Bridge. The initiative is actively working to make coding accessible to all students, regardless of socioeconomic status or abilities. Shirmohammadi – the brains behind the platform – has always been labeled a go-getter. In an interview with Forbes, the entrepreneur shared his long-term vision of leaving an everlasting dent in the universe, driven by technology. “Computer science is so impactful. We live in a world that’s basically computer-driven, and things are becoming more and
Long before Apple implemented color emojis, Katrina Parrott had devised the idea to create a diverse range of emojis for all skin tones. In 2013, Parrott had a lightbulb moment after her daughter complained she couldn’t send emojis that looked like her to her friends. Despite not knowing much about what emojis were – Parrott decided to invest her money into designing a diverse range of emojis. According to a report by BuzzFeed News, Parrott used all her savings to hire a software engineer, illustrator, and copyright specialist to launch
Kayla Austin has received a $25,000 grant from Pharrell Williams to help accelerate her gun safety start-up, My Gun’s Been Moved. Last year, the 19-year-old Howard University sophomore pitched her idea at Pharrell Williams’ Mighty Dream Forum and Black Ambition in Virginia. Her passion was awarded a $25,000 cash prize to help bring her business to new heights. Austin came up with the idea to launch a gun safety initiative at 12 years old after attending a youth program. “So, I found out that majority of shootings involving children and teens happen with a
A TV series about the rise of Black and Latine startup founders? A definite must-see. Founding in Color, a documentary series by Comcast Universal, has returned to our screens for its second season. The docuseries follows the journeys of 11 Black and Latine startup founders as they navigate the many complexities that come with launching a business as a minority founder. Throughout the series, each entrepreneur shares exclusive insights into the hurdles they have faced as underrepresented founders. The three-part series created by Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs and REVOLT’s creative agency
To commemorate Black History Month, we have been spotlighting the pioneers in tech who have paved the way for up-and-coming Black technologists. For our latest edition, we have decided to spotlight the tech industry people making moves today. From making coding easily accessible for all to inventing the programming language behind platforms like Adobe – these are the pioneers you need to know today. Saron Yitbarek Saron Yitbarek is working to make coding accessible for all. So the entrepreneur and founder of CodeNewbie decided to create a way for everyone to code, no
Leading home building company, Taylor Morrison, has introduced a first-of-its-kind fellowship program to create impactful change across the public sector. In case it may come as a surprise, many board rooms remain irreflective of society today. According to reports, only 6.2% of directors are Black, compared to 13.4% of the country. The lack of diversity in the critical decision-making rooms is one of the direct reasons why many voices in the workplace go unheard. Taylor Morrison’s new initiative is looking to change that. Effective last week, the company’s fellowship program will offer board training
Employee resource groups (ERGs) are a powerful force behind many organizations. According to a report, 90% of Fortune 500 companies have implemented ERGs into their workforce to help support their wider DEI strategy. As a result, these groups – which employees often lead – have become essential to helping businesses stay on top of their DEI commitments. Black History Month can be a reflective time for organizations to look inwardly and examine their DEI strategy for the year ahead. To support HR teams and leaders seeking to learn more about
