Black Girls Code has partnered with RiseUp with ServiceNow to launch a three-year initiative redefining career paths within New York City’s workforce. The collaboration was highlighted in a panel discussion featuring Cristina Jones, CEO of Black Girls Code, and Selina Suarez, Global Head of NextGen at ServiceNow. RiseUp with ServiceNow represents a global talent movement to train one million individuals on the ServiceNow Platform. The primary focus is to uncover untapped talent in NYC, paving the way for professional and career development opportunities. Building the next generation of tech leaders Black Girls Code is partnering with ServiceNow to help
Wray & Nephew, the renowned Jamaican rum brand, has partnered with Foundervine to launch the third iteration of their ‘Wray Forward’ program. Research by Wray & Nephew found that 68% of Black entrepreneurs in the UK experience a lack of business tools and resources. Additionally, 76% think that having early access to the right tools could have accelerated their success. A fifth of Black entrepreneuers also needed help with fundraising. These findings underlined the need for support in the Black entrepreneurial community. The ‘Wray Forward’ Initiative The ‘Wray Forward’ initiative connects Black entrepreneurs
Historically Black College and University, Virginia State (VSU), has been selected to host the esteemed 2024 FIRST Chesapeake District FIRST Robotics Competition Championship (FRC). The event, scheduled from April 4-6 at the VSU Multi-Purpose Center, is estimated to attract up to 4,000 attendees, including high school teams across the Chesapeake District. It will additionally mark the first occasion an HBCU has hosted this prestigious competition. FIRST Robotics Competition Championship FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global non-profit organization focusing on leadership in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This year, it
A 14-year-old passionate about technology, Sophie has developed an innovative AI chatbot focused on mental health. Mental Health meets AI Unlike the usual narratives surrounding AI, such as privacy invasion and fake news, Sophie’s AI chatbot offers hope to users. Her mother, Samantha, in a TikTok video, revealed how Sophie’s creation counters negative self-talk and mental health issues with positive affirmations and exercises in self-awareness and boundary setting. This chatbot’s introduction goes, “Humans often struggle on focusing on the present … and comparing each other to other people who we think are better, when really we should focus
Black Girls Code and GoldieBlox have teamed up to launch Code Along Jr., a free video-based coding academy. Code Along Jr. Academy Hosted by the young actress Kalani Jewel, the program is specially tailored for girls aged 7-10, marking a step in nurturing the next generation of Black women leaders in the tech industry. The program addresses the need to engage girls in STEM before societal stereotypes can dampen their enthusiasm. A study by Junior Achievement revealed that only 9% of girls ages 13-17 are interested in STEM careers. “Kalani, as a vibrant and energetic 12-year-old, is
Data from 22Â leading institutions has found that enrollments of underrepresented minorities in MBA programs have declined or stagnated since 2020. A Drop In Enrollment Of Underrepresented Minorities Following George Floyd’s death in 2020, which ignited a push for racial justice, top U.S. business schools pledged to increase diversity. However, the University of Michigan, Virginia, and Berkeley have seen significant drops in minority student numbers. For instance, Virginia and Berkeley’s 2025 classes included just 6% underrepresented students, and Michigan had 7%. These figures heavily contrast with their previous commitments to diversity. Despite some schools’ slight improvements, the overall
Three students at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) have been named 2023 Astronaut Scholars, marking a historic moment for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). A Historical Moment For HBCUs The Astronaut Scholarship was founded in 1984 by the surviving members of the Mercury 7 crew members. It stands as one of the nation’s most prominent scholarships for students pursuing STEM degrees. N.C. A&T is the first HBCU to have more than one Astronaut Scholarship recipient in a year, a significant milestone in promoting diversity in STEM fields. The scholarships,
Twitch streamer and YouTuber Kai Cenat has recently committed to building a school in Lagos, Nigeria. Cenat Visits Nigeria Cenat recently visited the Makoko Children Development Foundation School and Orphanage in Lagos, where he saw the dire conditions of the students and staff. Documented on his YouTube channel, the visit highlighted the school’s sinking building, limited space, and the struggle to provide a learning environment for its 385 students. The 23-year-old principal’s plea for help to rebuild and expand the school resonated deeply with Cenat. “First of all, I want to say it’s
We have always been told that making connections and networking are essential to growing, learning, and improving in our industries. Conferences for people of color provide a safe space for professionals to build their brand and increase visibility while relating to others who understand their experiences. In 2024, this field continues to open its doors wider to professionals of color, offering a series of tech conferences designed to connect, celebrate, and elevate their contributions and presence. Let’s explore what’s on the calendar this year. May Latinas in Tech Summit – San
Leading Nigerian tech company SkillPaddy has collaborated with ethical business bank Unity Bank Plc to train 1,000 female software engineers through their new “Count Her In Tech’ program. The partnership seeks to boost women’s participation in the tech industry where they comprise only 33% of the global workforce. The Count Her In Program The “Count Her In Tech’ program aligns with the 2024 International Women’s Day theme, #InspireInclusion, which celebrates women who advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. “As a bank committed to fostering economic empowerment and gender equality, we are proud
