TikTok can be pretty useful outside cat videos, dance tutorials, and comedy sketches. You can learn a language, a new recipe, and even how to play an instrument. It can also be a great way to source academic knowledge, which is being demonstrated with HillmanTok University. Who started HillmanTok University? What started as video intended for the 30 students enrolled in Dr Leah Barlow’s African American studies class this semester, has turned into a viral movement, where Black professors, lecturers, and subject matter experts create and share educational videos. In
A San Francisco startup, Waterlily, is using AI to simplify long-term care planning and costs. Founded in 2021 by Lily Vittayarukskul, the company was born out of personal hardship—her aunt’s terminal colon cancer diagnosis left the family struggling with overwhelming medical costs. “It wiped us out financially,” Vittayarukskul, a former NASA data scientist, told TechCrunch. At the time, she was studying aerospace engineering, but the emotional and financial toll of her aunt’s illness led her to pivot to genetic and data science, ultimately inspiring Waterlily’s mission. How does Waterlily help individuals
Sisters Network® Inc. (SNI), the only national African American breast cancer survivorship organization, is set to relaunch its Teens4Pink® program with a new mobile app, according to a press release. The app aims to inform and empower teenage girls between the ages of 12 and 17 about how they can change the way families approach and think about breast cancer. Karen E. Jackson, 31, is a four-time breast cancer survivor and founded Sisters Network Inc. in 1994. Jackson says, “The relaunch of Teens4Pink marks an exciting step forward in engaging the
NASA is shutting down its DEI initiatives following Trump’s executive order that terminated any diversity and inclusion actions in the federal government. How has NASA responded to Trump’s order? NASA’s temporary head, Janet Petro, sent an email to employees saying, “These programs divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination.” Acting Director of the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Charles Ezell sent out a memo to every head or acting head of every government department and agency telling them to remove DEIA-related language from all
The UK startup Domna has secured a £70 million ($87 million) majority investment from private equity firm Leon Capital, according to Tech Funding News. The company is one of the leading home energy efficiency and retrofit services, and it has now received one of the biggest first-time raises for a female founder team in Europe. The team plans to improve home energy efficiency and support sustainability initiatives. Their outlook on home energy efficiency examines the UK’s retrofit challenge by combining advanced software with practical expertise. Now that Domna has the
According to a Tuesday court filing, Mastercard has agreed to pay $26 million to settle a proposed class action lawsuit which alleged it underpaid female, Black, and Hispanic employees, as per The New York Times. Four Masterard employees who previously worked at the company believed it had hired women and workers of color into lower-paying roles. Their suspicions grew as employees received fewer raises and promotions than white men doing similar work. Additionally, the lawsuit charges Mastercard with violating federal laws banning pay discrimination and workplace sex and race bias.
After 20 years, Mellody Hobson will leave her board role at Starbucks. Hobson’s career at Starbucks began after she was recruited to serve on the Board by Howard Schultz in 2005; she became vice chair, chair, and independent director. “On behalf of everybody at Starbucks — and every partner who has gone before — thank you, Melody, for your leadership, your tremendous care, your passionate support, and for being a loyal shareholder,” Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian Niccol said in a statement to partners. Hobson at Starbucks Hobson spent
Lidiane Jones will step down from her role as CEO of Bumble Inc. and Founder and Executive Chair; Whitney Wolfe Herd will step in Jones’ place. Herd will transition to Chief Executive Officer, effective mid-March 2025. Jones said she is leaving her role due to personal reasons, according to a press release. “Bumble has made tremendous progress over the past year in building a platform for renewed, sustainable growth, and I will be forever proud of the work we’ve done for this beloved global brand,” Jones said. Whitney Wolfe Herd
Dr Angela Tabiri is the first African to win The Big Internet Math Off competition and wants other African girls to follow in her footsteps. Tabiri, also known as the ‘Maths queen’ in Ghana, “finds joy in solving puzzles and mathematical questions,” she told the BBC. The Big Internet Math Off A blog titled The Aperiodical created The Big Internet Math Off in 2018. They invite Sixteen mathematicians to compete for the title of “the world’s most interesting mathematician.” A public vote decides the winner, “Take a look at both pitches
Serena Ventures—Williams’ VC firm participated in a $10 million seed funding for Teal Health – a women’s health startup founded by Kara Egan (CEO) and Dr. Avnesh Thakor. The company, founded in 2020, was formed to create an at-home-self collect cervical cancer screening kit, which is under FDA review for the time being. During Thakor’s medical experience, he witnessed inadequate change in cervical cancer screenings and formed a self-collect prototype. “Teal Wand™ will provide women with an alternative to the traditional screening method with stirrups and a speculum, making it easier for
