Black Girls Code: These 3 Women Are Killin’ The Tech Game
As we live through the 21st century at rocket speeds, new developments in technology, software, artificial intelligence, and web and mobile applications have skyrocketed! Little do some people know, WOC are at the forefront!
Studies show that women of color are among the most educated demographic in the world, and we are clearly putting our intelligence and our innovativeness to great use! Although the tech industry still has a ways to go in terms of diversity, there are foundations, programmers, and app developers that highlight the fact that there is no doubt some black girl magic leading the way.
The following women are making moves in tech and paving the way for others to follow:
Jamila Parham, The Tech Unicorn™️
Her Role & Purpose in Tech:
"From my first tech role to now being a Tech Leader for software development, information security, and smart city technology, I noticed there was rarely anyone that looked like me. The concept of a WOC in Tech yielded mixed reactions, from surprise to disbelief. This led me to create The Tech Unicorn™. WOC in Tech are indeed unicorns, we are excelling in an industry that is not set up for our success but we succeed anyway. I utilize my voice to advocate on behalf of under-represented and under-valued communities in order to address the lack of diversity in STEM."
"We are excelling in an industry that is not set up for our success but we succeed anyway."
"The Tech Unicorn™ is a platform created to empower those who feel as if they are hidden figures and 'unicorns' in STEM and beyond. The mission of of The Tech Unicorn ™ brand is to uplift and provide opportunities to women, minorities, and people of color by educating, breaking down barriers, and providing access to resources through mentorship, personal and professional development workshops, and events."
How Technology is Transforming the Narrative for Women of Color:
"I believe the 'power of narrative' has been delivered to our fingertips. Thanks to social media, representation is everything. Women of color face so many hurdles to achieve excellence. The odds are against us but we hold the power to overcome every single one! This is proven everyday. Adversity becomes your success story, it's magical! Technology and Digital Media has given us our say in how we are represented in the media and beyond. We get to amplify our successes where it is often overlooked."
The Obstacles & Biases That WOC Overcome in the Tech World:
"In society, the color of your skin can instantly put you in a box that automatically 'defines' your potential; now make that box even smaller being a woman of color. I've witnessed and experienced [it in this industry]. Your expertise, ability to lead, and [being the] best 'fit' for this role conveniently come into question when navigating opportunities in the tech space. There is an interesting case study called Howard vs. Heidi. One half of the class was given the study with Heidi, the other half of the class was given the same case with her name changed to Howard. Howard was perceived as a decisive and strong leader, Heidi was viewed as selfish and not likeable. These are the hurdles that we face; they can become real tangible roadblocks to our dreams and aspirations. I've learned that others' perception of you is ultimately not your problem but it can be when you give it power."
"Others' perception of you is ultimately not your problem but it can be when you give it power."
Her Greatest Accomplishments:
"One of the greatest milestone on my journey thus far has been finding my purpose. This happened when two of the things I loved became one; my passion for my community and technology. Today, I'm leading the largest Smart City Technology Program in the entire world, right here in Chicago. This milestone is so special because every decision and opportunity in my career has led me to this point.
"Secondly, I consider it a special milestone and honor to be a voice for my community and serve as a role model on a mission to change the face of technology, and I am grateful to have created something that shifts the negative perception of those raised in the inner city of Chicago and instead provide a positive platform that extends a helping hand and a warm embrace to fuel the dreams of our youth. No one is looking for a hand out; we're all just looking for an opportunity. If anyone is interested in technology and unsure if it's a possibility for them, now they know it is."
Advice for the Next Generation of Young Girls & Women in Tech:
"I would say your dreams and goals are non negotiable despite what society says. You have to bet on yourself because no one else will unless you do. Seek guidance from those that have come before you, offer a helping hand to others that follow in your footsteps, and uplift your peers. We never do this alone. If you ever walk into a room and feel alone, remember you have a whole community behind you cheering you on."
CJ & Mecca, Urban Anna Mae
CJ and Mecca Harris are a dynamic mother/daughter duo who have created their own app.
Their Role & Purpose in Tech:
"We are the co-founders of Urban Anna Mae, a digital media company that combines Japanese anime with urban characteristics to create a host of digital media products and fashion accessories, all steeped in hip-hop culture. Our first product launch is Urban Anna Mae, a diverse emoji app that features seven multicultural characters all with their own unique styles and catchphrases.Our goal is to create a social movement designed to encourage, engage and inspire. We want to make the world a smaller place through culture, creativity, and conversation."
How Technology is Transforming the Narrative for Women of Color:
"Technology is not transforming the way Black women are flourishing in the tech arena. Black women are transforming tech with our Black Girl Magic. The advent of targeted STEM programs designed to include women of color ensure that we don't get left behind while the rest of the world moves forward. We are hitching our wagons to progress and it won't be long before we're the frontrunners in the industry. Why is this important? Because representation matters."
"Black women are transforming tech with our Black Girl Magic."
The Obstacles & Biases That WOC Overcome in the Tech World:
"When we first started out, we were talking to developers online, most of them overseas, and ALL of them men. They would often misgender CJ and use 'he/him' pronouns when chatting with us. They hadn't even entertained the idea that CJ might be a woman. Commanding respect in this male-dominated arena continues to be challenging but we press on, despite the misconceptions."
Their Greatest Accomplishment(s):
"Reaching 20k downloads with our grassroots initiative was a pretty big deal for us!"
Advice for the Next Generation of Young Girls & Women in Tech:
"Go for it! We knew nothing about building an app when we entered into this arena. Diligence and perseverance took us across the finish line. If two non-techies could pull this off, anybody can."
Fontaine Felisha Foxworth is a writer and creative entrepreneur from Brooklyn New York. She is currently on the West Coast working on creating a TV Pilot called "Finding Fontaine", that details the nomadic journey of her life so far. Keep up with her shenanigans @famoustaine on IG.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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The Nara Smith Hate Has Everything To Do With You — Nothing To Do With Her
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that TikTok would become such a big part of my life. I mean, I talked big shit, real big shit when it initially blew up. But I've come to love it! It's like Pinterest but in video format and somehow way better than YouTube (if you're ADHD) – a one-stop shop for inspiring everything from home decor to dinner recipes. And that's exactly what Nara Smith is! Foodie inspiration at its finest. Yet, she's caught so much backlash, and I can't figure out why.
Let the trolls tell it, and it has everything to do with her being Mormon. There's so much concern about her being part of a religion that, allegedly, dislikes Black people. Newsflash! Nara is a big girl who can make her own decisions. So, I find it weird that the internet cares more about a harmful community (while also causing harm via trolling) that would most certainly be most harmful to 22-year-old Nara, who interacts with the religion regularly.
@naraazizasmith he asked for it the next day again so this might become a staple 🫶🏽 #easyrecipes #homemade #pizza #bbqchicken #fypシ #marriage #homecooking
Particularly because she's only guilty of posting cooking videos – she doesn't speak on her religion. So, if it is Mormon propaganda, it's very subtle because a million and one women are cooking for TikTok, myself included. If a woman cooking for TikTok is the problem, why have we never had an issue with cooking shows with female leads? I watched a woman double fry White Castle burgers for her husband on TikTok, and no one batted an eyelash! Not one of these other cooking women is being harassed in the manner that Nara is.
And, because I don't think you all harass actual Christian influencers in this manner, I simply cannot believe that is what all the beef is about.
Furthermore, and to my knowledge, she has a modeling career. She has our own money. And, part of that money is the check that TikTok cuts for engagement. With that information, at best, we can assume Nara is an aesthetic but that aesthetic is not aligned with #tradwife life. Forget the aforementioned points -- the pregnant belly alone hanging out of crop tops makes the #tradwife “point” moot. (A quarter of trad wife life is the visual aesthetic–it’s cosplaying a 1950s white wife through and through – so be fucking for real.) It seems that there's been this narrative created simply because people do not like her.
@naraazizasmith do we like the time stamps?🫶🏽 #easyrecipes #whatieatinaday #fulldayofeating #pregnant #pregnancycravings #fypシ #homecooking
Let's call a spade a spade. What we're witnessing is racism, colorism, envy – crabs in a barrel bullshit.
Nara smith wasn’t broke or jobless when she met him, she definitely still isn’t broke and jobless now. She’s literally a runway model that still has modeling gigs, a social media career and a rich father. They think she’s a stay at home mum because she’s making food videos😭 https://t.co/ePOvTWWrTQ
— Sunrise⁸ 🎀🏴☠️ (@__sunriseii) March 14, 2024
Nara is married to Lucky Blue Smith, a fashion model who gained a lot of popularity in the early 2010s due to a massive social media presence, especially on Tumblr. Many are threatened by the idea that this Black woman is leading a life of leisure in the company of a white man, especially with some level of fame. This goes for white and Black women who dislike her. In a 2021 interview, FKA Twigs highlighted a sentiment amid the backlash she received from her time dating Robert Pattinson, that I imagine to be similar – the fantasy his fans had of seeing him with "someone white and blonde."
As for the hate from other Black women, there appears to be some cognitive dissonance. Black women who claim to want a soft life but have not achieved it for one reason or another. Because if you've tried to prepare anything that Nara cooks, it's not much more time-consuming than any other type of weekly meal prep.
"Why is this woman cooking in a gown? Why is she being extra making the bread from scratch?"
It's simply because she can. Because isn't that what feminism is about? The right to fucking choose!
@naraazizasmith drooling watching this😮💨 #baking #husbandwife #pregnancycravings #easyrecipes #coupletok #fypシ #homecooking #cookies
But, at the end of the day, there's a lot of groupthink around Nara. I think it's all misplaced, and ironically, I think it further proves how easily the general public can be converted into cult members. Perhaps, that explains their concerns with Mormon propoganda – understanding how vulnerable they view themselves (this is sarcasm).
Not once have I watched Nara's content and had a strong urge to convert to Mormonism. But, instead, I watch and feel inspired to make as much at home as possible based on my bandwidth. She makes it look easy, and as someone who has spent the past month indulging myself and my baby in fresh bread and cinnamon rolls, inspired by her content – it's satisfying to know I'm able to subsidize the preservative and cost of certain treats.
While making bread in beautiful gowns is not realistic, I do think if you let her inspire you, you can find that some of the other aspects of her lifestyle are within reach.
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Featured image via Nara Smith/ Instagram