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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If you’re like many other people who are prioritizing wellness these days, then attending a wellness retreat might be something to consider. Wellness retreats are a cool way to get the relaxation you’ve been missing in a space with like-minded people who share a common goal. I descended upon my first wellness retreat, the Mind, Body, + Sol Retreat, a couple of weeks ago at the Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Zoëtry Agua is part of the Inclusive Collection for the World of Hyatt. It is nestled on a secluded part of Uvero Alto beach, which has crystal blue waters. The resort itself is picturesque, with its thatched roofs and lazy rivers that make you feel like you’re in a cute little village.
Mindy, Body, + Sol Retreat was hosted by Koya Webb, holistic health and wellness coach and yoga instructor, and it also featured other wellness practitioners who combined provided the ultimate gift of relaxation and getting back to oneself.
The first night was a Welcome Dinner that featured a five-course meal and an opportunity to meet our companions for the next three days. The food was impeccable and the only downside was that I wasn’t able to finish it all. The next day, however, was the official start of the classes, and I was ready to dive in.
Aura and Chakra Reading
Aura and chakra reading
Photo courtesy
My first class was an aura and chakra reading led by Laura McCann and James Levinson, an Asheville, NC couple. I’ve had chakra readings before, but never like this. There was a computer, a camera, and a scanner, which I placed my hand on for the reading. After two minutes, I received a 15-page report explaining my aura and chakra reading.
It breaks down what the colors of your aura are and what your chakras say. My main colors were green and yellow, which were defined by a variety of things. The top of my aura was green, meaning I have a social mental state and I’m a natural healer. My aura on my left side was yellow meaning my energy flowing is optimistic and light and so on.
After James discussed the findings with me, I then met with Laura, who gave me aromatherapy oils from their ADORAtherapy line that represented each chakra. She further explained the results of my chakra reading and shared how each oil can assist. Chakras are the energy centers in our body, and there is a total of seven: root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown. All of my chakras were high except for my heart chakra, which I have since been working on. I may follow up about that in another article.
Sound Bath
Sound bath class
Photo courtesy
Next was the sound bath class. It was located in the spa, which was indoor/ outdoor and the perfect setting for this kind of experience. Andrew Francis and Carrie Bailey of Zenden Meditation were the co-pilots in transporting attendees into a place of tranquility. I laid down, closed my eyes, and allowed the sounds around me to bring me into a relaxing state. From the singing bowls to the wind chimes, I was in heaven. I even fell asleep and got some of the best rest I’ve had in a while. It was a beautiful experience. However, remember when I noted it was an indoor/ outdoor venue? I forgot to put on bug spray and woke up pretty itchy. But it didn’t stop me from enjoying the moment.
Tea Party
Art of Tea Ritual Tea Party
Photo courtesy
The last event of the day was the Art of Tea Ritual located in the resort’s tea garden. It was everything you could want in a tea party. Delectable treats such as cookies, cakes, and white chocolate-covered strawberries, which are my fave. And, of course, tea. While I got to sip tea, I also got to make my own tea blend. There were many different teas to choose from, like hibiscus to your regular black tea. I decided to mix rose and mint and I called it RoseMint. I didn’t get to try my tea blend until I got home, and I’ll be honest, it’s probably the best tea I ever had. The tea herbs taste so fresh, and I love how fragrant it smells.
Breathwork
Breathwork Class
Photo Courtesy
The next morning was all about breathwork. If you exercise regularly, then you probably know the importance of breathing. But there’s more to it besides remembering to breathe during your workout. Margaret Townsend is a breathwork facilitator who helps people achieve wellness by consciously changing their breathing patterns. In her class, I learned to change my breathing pattern for energy as well as for relaxation. While I know that breathing is a relaxation tool, I was blown away to learn that it can also energize you. Because it was a different breathing pattern, I was also able to stay present and keep a steady pace.
Yoga
Koya Webb's yoga class
Photo courtesy
The final class of the retreat was evening yoga with Koya Webb, who, as I mentioned earlier, was the host. Her class was held beside the beautiful Uvero Alto beach, which made for a stunning backdrop and the perfect way to end the retreat. It was important for me to get back into my body after not doing yoga for a few weeks, so I was really focused on nailing the moves. However, Koya kept the energy light and fun, evening cracking a few jokes throughout, which made it easy for me to relax and enjoy the moment. She ended the class with a dance break and hugs from our classmates.
The Mind, Body, + Sol Retreat reminded me how important it is to take time to love on myself. Each class was an opportunity to be present and get reacquainted with oneself in the most loving way. Being surrounded by individuals who encouraged my journey was what I needed, and I am so honored to have had this experience.
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