Sage, The BOSS Network, and Swoop have unveiled a new training and mentorship program to support Black women entrepreneurs in Atlanta. Sage is a small and medium-sized business accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology leader. The BOSS Network, founded by Dr. Cameka Smith, is an online community of professional and entrepreneurial women who support each other through conversations or online and event-based networking. Swoop is a global fintech company specializing in funding solutions for businesses, and together, the three have created the Pathways to Success program. Challenges Black Women Founders Face The program was
Spelman College has made history on its 100th birthday as the recipient of a $100 million donation: the largest-ever single gift to a historically Black college. The college is based in Atlanta and is a historically Black liberal arts college for women. The donation came from businesswoman and philanthropist Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston – the chairman of the wealth management company Greenleaf Trust. Stryker has been a Spelman College Trustee since 1997 and a member of Harvard Medical School’s board of fellows member. She is also the granddaughter
Chatbot Engineer Academy has announced the launch of a new initiative to revolutionize the tech job market for low-income individuals. Audrey Bell-Kearney, the dynamic founder and President of the Gwinnett Women’s Chamber of Commerce and a visionary leader in AI, founded the academy with a focus on no-code AI chatbots. A no-code AI chatbot is a tool you can create without learning a programming language first. UpSkill To UpLift Initative Chatbot Engineer Academy has now launched the “UpSkill to UpLift Initiative.” UpSkill To UpLift Initiative is a groundbreaking program that
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is currently funding several programs to address racism in environmental and civil engineering to make the field more diverse. According to the Daily Caller, the NSF also aims to train engineers representing Black and Latinx communities. The grants are part of a broader effort by the NSF to push racial equity in STEM. In 2021, nearly a quarter (24%) of the US workforce was employed in STEM. However, Hispanic workers represented 15%, and Black workers only represented 9%. NSF’s funds aim to change that as they are
Karat’s Brillant Black Minds has welcomed new partners to its program, joining investors such as Serena Williams, levelling the playing field for Black software engineers. Brillant Black Minds Brilliant Black Minds was co-founded in 2021 and launched as a solution for Black engineers lacking access and resources to excel in the tech industry. The Brillant Black Minds program aims to bridge this gap through mentorship, networking opportunities, and more. The program recently received investment from tennis champion Serena Williams to help aspiring Black engineers enter the tech industry and change the narrative. “We’re focused on
In today’s tumultuous tech world, internships and co-op programs are essential for Black and Brown students eager to make their mark. We’ve handpicked some of the internships and co-ops you should apply for on POCIT! But first, some FAQs: Why do an internship or co-op? Internships and co-ops are more than just resume-fillers. They’re about hands-on learning in a professional environment. You can team up with full-time professionals who mentor you on actual projects. Enjoy office resources, attend talks and social events, and dive into work that excites you. Link up
Businessman Ted Lucas went from creating millionaires in the music business to creating the Technolij Innovation Center at one of Florida’s Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU). Meet Ted Lucas Lucas founded the independent music label Slip-N-Slide Records. He told AFROTECH he knew how to seek talent and people before they saw it in themselves. “I wanted to be the one behind getting the deals and getting the deals done. So, I found my niche, how I work, and what works best for me to be in the music business,” he said.
DigitalHealth.London has launched their Leap program dedicated to championing inclusivity and supporting founders from diverse backgrounds in digital health. Digital Health uses information and communications technologies in medicine and other health progressions to manage illnesses and health risks. According to a report from The Treasury Committee in 2021, less than 2% of all venture capital funding went to Black and ethnic minority-led businesses. The DigitalHealth.London aims to sustain and expand an active digital health market in London by helping to overcome challenges that hold innovators back. Therefore, the program is open to founders from
Many of us have kickstarted 2024 with goals for the new year. These goals range from learning more about our finances and getting fit to prioritizing our wellbeing or simply reading more. We have compiled a list of some Black-owned apps that may help you on your way! Prioritize Your Wellbeing – Exhale Black founder Katara McCarty launched her app, Exhale, in 2020 after struggling to find an app suited to Black women’s wellbeing. Exhale is the first emotional wellbeing app for Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIWOC). The app coaches users through
Groupon will establish a $350,000 fund to support Black students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Groupon is an American global e-commerce marketplace that connects subscribers with local merchants by offering activities, travel, goods, and services in 13 countries. The fund is part of an agreement with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) following an investigation surrounding Groupon’s hiring practices in 2016. The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Groupon faced a complaint lodged by Adrian Stratton, who alleged Groupon did not hire him for a vice president position because he
