November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich traditions, cultures, and contributions of Native American communities across the United States. In tech, Native Americans are making groundbreaking strides, breaking barriers, and inspiring future generations. Here we shine a spotlight on five trailblazers who are redefining success. Aaron Yazzie: Developing Tools for Mars Exploration As a mechanical engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Aaron Yazzie, a Diné (Navajo) Nation member, designs critical systems for space missions. His work on the Mars Perseverance Rover, particularly the drill bits
Recently, REVOLT, a prominent Black-owned multimedia company, announced the launch of Black Shift. Developed by its creative agency, Six Zeros, Black Shift is an AI-powered research platform designed to help brands better understand and engage with Gen Z, particularly within the Black community. This initiative dives into the aspirations, values, and behaviors shaping one of the most culturally influential generations. A Data-Driven Approach to Understanding Gen Z Black Shift combines over 500 hours of interviews with insights from 700 Gen Z participants across the US. Using personalized AI tools, the
Joanna Smith-Griffin, founder of the education-focused AI startup AllHere Education, has been charged with fraud and identity theft after allegedly misrepresenting her company’s financial health and customer base. Smith-Griffin, 33, reportedly secured nearly $10 million in investments by inflating revenue figures and claiming non-existent contracts with major school districts, including New York City Public Schools. Misrepresentation and Personal Gain Launched in 2016, AllHere Education aimed to combat absenteeism in schools using an AI chatbot named “Ed.” By 2021, Smith-Griffin asserted that her technology was adopted by eight major districts. However,
Google has unveiled the latest cohort startups selected for its Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa program. The six Black-led South African startups were announced at an event coinciding with this year’s Africa Tech Festival, which was held in Cape Town, South Africa. Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa The three-month hybrid accelerator program supports Seed to Series A technology startups led by at least one Black founder. This opportunity includes ZAR1 million ($50,000) in non-dilutive funding, up to ZAR3.6 million ($200,000) in Google Cloud credits, and access to mentorship and industry networks. By
As Transgender Awareness Week shines a spotlight on the challenges and achievements of the transgender community, the tech industry offers inspiring stories of resilience and innovation. This week, we’re celebrating trans people of color in tech who are breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and shaping a more inclusive future in one of the world’s most dynamic sectors. From empowering marginalized communities to championing diversity in STEM, these leaders are making waves in the industry and beyond. Here’s a closer look at some of the trailblazers leading the charge for equity and
Two entertainment powerhouses, SpringHill Company and Fulwell 73, have announced a merger, combining their expertise in film, television, documentaries, live events, and branded content. This union aims to position the newly formed company as a formidable player in the global entertainment industry. A Merger of Equals SpringHill, co-founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, is known for producing projects such as the HBO series The Shop, Netflix’s Hustle, and the upcoming docuseries On the Rise: JuJu Watkins. Fulwell 73 was established nearly two decades ago by Ben Winston, Leo Pearlman,
FightCamp, the at-home boxing and kickboxing fitness company backed by Mike Tyson and Usher, has revealed its new kick tracking technology. FightCamp’s Kick Tracking Tech Known for its real-time punch tracking, the platform now allows users to measure the speed, quantity, and intensity of their kicks, adding a new dimension to full-body workouts. “When you can track your progress, whether through punches or kicks, it pushes you to set and break personal records,” said CEO Khalil Zahar, who founded FightCamp to improve his own training. “Fitness becomes a challenge you
As discontent with Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) continues to grow, rival platforms like Bluesky, Threads, Mastodon, and Spill are seeing a surge in users. Bluesky, a decentralized social platform founded by ex-Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, is experiencing an unprecedented surge in sign-ups—roughly one million new users daily, according to the BBC. Among the latest prominent figures to exit X are actress Gabrielle Union and former CNN host Don Lemon, joining other celebrities and public figures migrating to Bluesky. Why Are People Leaving X? The high-profile exits reflect a broader
The push for full-time office work is gaining momentum at major companies, but experts warn it may come at a significant cost to workplace diversity. Harvard Business School professor Prithwiraj Choudhury told Washington Post that these policies risk making workforces “more white and more male,” reducing organizational diversity and innovation. A Shift Back to the Office Companies like Amazon, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan Chase have mandated employees to return to the office five days a week. Amazon, for example, enforced this policy in September 2024 after initially introducing a hybrid
Ada Ventures, a prominent early-stage venture capital firm, has launched AdaGPT, an AI tool designed to assist startup founders in perfecting their pitch decks. The free and anonymous platform promises to provide instant feedback on pitches, helping entrepreneurs address potential gaps and align their materials with investor expectations before formal submissions. Addressing the Challenges of Pitch Feedback The traditional startup pitching process often leaves founders waiting for extended periods, only to receive feedback that may highlight fundamental errors. AdaGPT seeks to eliminate this inefficiency by offering immediate, actionable insights. Founders
