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™️
Jamila Parham, affectionately known as 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
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."
Some women have their whole wedding planned out, from the bridal gown and venue to the bridal party and playlist. However, KJ was not one of those people. “I didn’t foresee a wedding in my future,” she reveals. “I was just gonna be the boss chick, rich auntie. I didn’t force love in my life until recently. I never had an idea of what a dream wedding would look like, it was easier for me to elope.”
KJ Smith
Photo by Stanley Babb/ Stanlo Photography
And to many people’s surprise, that was their original plan – until Skyh brought up a valid concern. He was raised by his grandmother and thought she should be at the wedding, and naturally, that led to KJ wanting her grandmother to be there as well – then her mom – and later her sister – and, you’ve gotta invite the besties too, right? From there, the guest list continued to blossom. Much like the updo and pop of color bold red lip, she wore on her special day, which was initially on her Pinterest board as a soft glam look with her hair hanging on her shoulders, KJ is okay with changing her plan if it brings her and her loved ones happiness.
So let’s get into the wedding, which took place in Malibu, CA. The first thing you should know about the celebrity couple is that they’re non-traditional. They know, and they don’t care. So, in true unconventional fashion, they shared the morning of the wedding together.
“I woke up with Skyh, we walked our dog, had black coffee, and said good morning to the people who stayed at the venue with us,” she says.
Now, it was time for hair and makeup. While she was getting glammed up, she had Black-owned McBride Sisters wine and champagne (which ties into The Black Experience theme) on deck with her mom and friends, had her besties help rework her vows, retried on every outfit (sis is very Type-A), took photos, and ended the early-celebration with prayer and meditation. It seems very non-Bridezilla, I said.
“Yeah, I was the most unbothered bride ever. Everyone was just so supportive. As entertainers, we go on red carpets all the time. We actually have a production company,” she explains. “The get-ready process was like a day at work, but with people we love the most. Being entertainers, we didn’t feel stressed at all, but my excitement was so high.”
Things moved quickly, and before she knew it, it was time to line up to walk down the aisle.
“Yeah, I was the most unbothered bride ever. Everyone was just so supportive. As entertainers, we go on red carpets all the time. We actually have a production company. The get-ready process was like a day at work, but with people we love the most. Being entertainers, we didn’t feel stressed at all, but my excitement was so high.”
KJ Smith and her bridal party
Photo by Stanley Babb/ Stanlo Photography
Since everything started with their grandmothers, the couple wanted to ensure they honored them and planned to keep an element of their wedding traditional. Although we’ve all seen the reception videos and photos online, you may have noticed visuals from the wedding itself are harder to find.
“We planned for it to be traditional, but we’re not like that, so we tried to create those moments. We jumped the broom and had a salt ceremony (where the bride and groom individually pour salt into a glass container, symbolizing their lives becoming one.) But honestly, still, nothing was traditional about it.”
She goes on to explain that her mom caught the holy ghost coming down the aisle, her glam team was on deck, and she became so nervous with excitement that she had an anxiety attack – something she struggled with for years, she explains tearfully. Her friends had to literally cheer her down the aisle because of how overwhelmed she felt until she eventually calmed down.
“Skyh was standing there with his hand on his heart; we have our own little language, and I could feel the support,” she shares.
It was surprising to hear all these emotional moments happened before the party we saw online. That is until she once again got into the backstory.
“As a Black woman actress, for so long, it was popular to be mysterious and secretive, but that’s not who I am or what I like. Plus, we both wanted to create an experience for everyone there. We are the people who always host family and friends,” she says. “Like for me, the first order of business was getting sandals for the women so they can dance all night long. We had oxtail, D'ussé, and a coffee and sativa lounge – which is part of Skyh and I’s lifestyle and routine. We wanted to bring them into our world.”
Skyh Black (L) and KJ Smith (R)
Photo by Stanley Babb/ Stanlo Photography
She went on to discuss the dance routine she did for her husband at the reception, which has taken over the internet. Apparently, that’s another thing that didn’t go according to plan. According to KJ, she had promised a performance at their joint bachelor/ bachelorette party, but her outfit got stolen from her car. So, Skyh ended up performing for her – complete with a strip tease. Still, she never forgot her promise to dance for him.
So, she hired her friend as a choreographer, learned the routine, made friends and family watch it endless times, and attended Beyoncé’s Renaissance show a few days before for a confidence boost. It ended up being a show to remember. But that wasn’t all the night offered. Lil Mo performed, and the guests received special goody bags featuring their favorite Black-owned products like journals, hair care, and more.
“We made sure everyone was taken care of all night. That kind of stuff makes us happy. I wanted everyone there to experience the joy and love I have for myself, my partner, and for them. I wanted them to feel full and whole, and they had the time of their lives,” she says.
But naturally, the internet is going to internet, and while there were countless people praising the event and applauding the newlyweds, some thought it was too over the top. I was curious to know her thoughts on some of the criticism.
“It’s cool. We did what we wanted to do. I’ve decided to share my world with people. Just how I went on social media platforms and found inspiration, I want people to do the same,” she explains. “I don’t think it's fair to my supporters not to give that out. There’s so much I wanna share with brides, specifically Black brides. I love that people are adding it to their Pinterest boards."
"I wanted everyone there to experience the joy and love I have for myself, my partner, and for them. I wanted them to feel full and whole, and they had the time of their lives."
KJ Smith
Photo by Stanley Babb/ Stanlo Photography
“I’m happy with it because we did what we wanted to do. They can do what they wanna do. Don’t be cruel, though, because you will get blocked,” she said, laughing.
The more I spoke with her, the more her sense of freedom shined through. People are always going to have their opinions, but at the end of the day, it’s you who has to live your life, and it seems like the couple realizes that and embraces that power. She also stressed the importance of not living for others and the lessons life has taught her.
“I’ve been to countless weddings, and I’ve been in countless weddings. I’m a generally older bride. So when women in my demographic get married, and you and your husband are busy working people like us, you deserve to have the one you want to have,” she shares.
“This is what we wanted to do. Our loved ones love and support us. We did so much to honor them, but we also wanted to start our own tradition, legacy, and creation. I'm not going to be pulled back into ideas of the past when I’m trying to create a future with my partner. “
If you’d like to see more of the couple, you probably won’t have to wait long. Although no content is planned yet, she admits to being an oversharer. “Me being open and transparent about my experiences lets people know it’s okay to have flaws; it makes you human, and for many years, I didn’t believe that was okay. I had pressure to be perfect, and I’d crumble every time,” she explains to xoNecole.
Now, she owns her flaws and uses them as a superpower to connect with her community and feel and express her love.
“Some people give us [Skyh and KJ] a hard time because they say we just seem too perfect. I’m like, why is that a bad thing? I love the people I love. From my man to my mama, to my friends - unabashedly. We move through time and space how we want to move. If we did it another way, we’d let ourselves and our union down.”
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Stanley Babb/ Stanlo Photography
“The number one concern we routinely hear is acne coupled with postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, followed closely by hair loss,” Franklin said.
Franklin, along with her medical advisors, Dr. Chesahna Kindred, MD, MBA FAAD, and Dr. Keira Barr, MD, works to address challenges many women of color face “while centering the experience of Black women.” Below, the K’ept Health team gives us a step-by-step process of achieving glass skin.
PixelCatchers/ Getty Images
Hydration
According to the K’ept Health team, one of the key things that they tell any client they begin working with is hydrate. “When our team of practitioners works with a client, we first stress the importance of prioritizing healthy skin to achieve glass skin. To achieve glass skin, your skin must have proper hydration and moisture.”
Simplicity
Next, they highlight the importance of finding products that work for your skin type and tone, using sun protection, and using no more than one active product in the morning and one active product at night. “People often overwhelm themselves by using too many products at the same time, resulting in unexpected and unwanted skin reactions,” they explained. “Keep your routine simple and focus on ingredients that promote healthy skin and the glass skin look. The most popular skincare ingredients for achieving glass skin are azelaic acid, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), beta hydroxy acid (BHA), niacinamide, retinoids, squalene, and vitamin A.”
Customization
Lastly, the K’ept Health team recommends seeing a licensed esthetician who can help customize a routine that is best for your skin, health, and lifestyle. “It can take several weeks or months to see a noticeable change in your skin, especially for those who have acne-prone skin, hyperpigmentation, and oily skin,” they explained. “In these cases, your skin may need professional treatments in addition to an at-home skincare regimen. Achieving glass skin requires regimented discipline, but can be achieved with the right regimen and professional guidance."
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Delmaine Donson/ Getty Images
