In 2023, the tech industry witnessed both advancements and persistent challenges concerning the experiences of Black and Brown individuals. Some companies are making strides in diversity and inclusion efforts, incorporating initiatives such as mentorship programs and targeted hiring practices. However, the sector has grappled with the complex intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) issues and ongoing legal battles against affirmative action. Concerns regarding biased algorithms and AI systems perpetuating discrimination have prompted discussions about the ethical use of technology in hiring and workplace practices. However, no matter how good or bad
What a year! Many of you who have been following our tech coverage closely have embarked on a journey that has been both stimulating and inspiring. Over the past year, we’ve ventured into a world of immersive technology that has seen a popular AI platform takeover of the internet and new life formed on the metaverse. It is hard to predict what 2023 has in store for the world of technology, but it is bound to be a rollercoaster – so get strapped in! To commemorate the end of this
This year has been a rollercoaster for the tech industry, from the rise in Black VCs investing in Black & brown tech founders to the unexpected tech layoffs that shook the industry. As we subtly adjust to the “new normal,” it is safe to say that this year has been a drastic year of change for everybody. No matter how good or bad your year has been, here are some of our favorite interviews with Black game changers in the tech space that have reshaped our definition of success. So
Outside of coding, who are you? I am a writer. Earlier this year, I finally gave myself permission to call myself a writer. Not because I got paid for it, not because I wrote a book, but because I decided that writing was a form of art that was essential to my life. Over the last couple weeks, I’ve been perusing job and internship descriptions related to User Experience, Web Design, Product Development, etc. etc. I copy and paste the parts of the job description that excite me, and
What made you decide to work in tech? Since as far back as I can remember, I’ve always loved gadgets. Technology and problem-solving have always piqued my interest. Back in the 80s, consumer technology wasn’t what it is today as far as being accessible and affordable and so we never had a computer in our household. To compensate, I read A LOT and also played with tech at school and even more so in college. This is where I got to build my first computer and never looked back. What was an
What made you decide to work in tech? I had no exposure to tech growing up. The only exposure I had was the tech I was consuming. I always loved tech and games, and I was a very early adopter of Facebook and MySpace. I always loved technology, but I had no idea I could be a developer; I didn’t even know what that was! Over a college winter break I came across two different videos: one was a TED talk by Kimberly Bryant of Black Girls Code, and [the
Designer & Front-End Developer mikedre.com Check out his projects: Barbershapp, The Right Spice, & The Arts Project What made you decide to work in tech? I’ve always had an interest in tech from a young age, always experimenting with gadgets and computers. I initially started with a much more Art & Design focus with the majority of projects that I was working on covering branding and illustration. I hated code at first and could never have seen myself doing anything more than copying and pasting from Google. But once I sat
Designer & Engineer tonianni.com platformsforwomen.com What made you decide to work in tech? I grew up with knowledge about the digital world through gaming. We got our first console, an Atari, when I was 4 years old. I’ve written more details about my journey here. While I always had the heart for storytelling and design, it was my father who prompted me to study what would end up being an engineering degree. I had no idea there was a specific tech industry, I just followed my passions. What was the biggest
What made you decide to work in tech? Before I even knew what I was getting into, I picked up on some knowledge during middle school that engineers make a lot of money! {laughs} I was always good at math and science, but before it was a desire it was: What do my skills tell me I should do? As I got into high school, I think I had a soft pulse on the evolution of technology, and where it would be by the time I was a young adult. I
What made you decide to work in tech? I’ve always been drawn to computers from a young age. I knew I wanted my career to be oriented towards something more analytical, so when I first saw programming I was sold immediately. What was the biggest obstacle you faced? I think one challenge I faced was self-doubt. The closest I’ve come to giving up on programming was actually my first time trying to program. Often when people encounter difficult subjects for the first time it is not uncommon to think “maybe
