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Breaking Barriers: From Junior to Senior Software Engineer | Empowering Black Tech Professionals Join me as I share my journey from being a perpetual junior to breaking the glass ceiling in tech. Learn why titles do matter and how I overcame imposter syndrome. Let's empower more Black professionals to reach new heights in the industry! #BreakingBarriers #SeniorSoftwareEngineer #TechIndustryDiversity #EmpoweringBlackProfessionals #OvercomingImposterSyndrome #BlackTechLeadership #TechCareerSuccess #CareerGrowth #TechIndustryRepresentation #BlackExcellence

Despite digital skills gaps that exist in the industry we are still seeing continuation of below par attitudes and opportunities for competent Black Technologists. A brain drain is now ensuing. How can we aim to be a world leading tech ecosystem if we can't get something as fundamental as this right? We MUST & CAN do better. https://lnkd.in/efMmcSZe

Happy Juneteenth from KēSTA I.T.! 🎉 Today, we commemorate a crucial milestone in American history: the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, the news of freedom finally reached the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. As we celebrate this day of freedom and resilience, let's also remember the strides we're making in the tech industry toward inclusivity and diversity. Our goal? A workforce where everyone, regardless of background, can code their way to success! It’s a day to honor the strength, perseverance, and contributions of Black Americans, especially in the tech world where innovation knows no bounds. From early computer scientists like Dorothy Vaughan to modern-day innovators like Kimberly Bryant, founder of Black Girls CODE, the tech industry is brimming with talent. Here at KēSTA I.T., we're committed to bridging the gap and ensuring opportunities for all. So, whether you're a seasoned programmer or just starting to debug your first line of code, remember: there's a place for you in tech, and we're here to help you find it. Join us in celebrating Juneteenth by sharing your favorite tech stories. Let's continue to innovate, inspire, and include. 🚀 Happy Juneteenth, and keep coding on! ✊🏾💻

Well, now, it's that time of year. It's give them exposure to people who look like them time It's pour AI knowledge in to them time. It's watch them excel and soar time. It's hacktime. IBM + Black Girls Code Call for Code Hackathon It's #futuretechbosses time. #ibmvolunteers #techforgood #watsonx #skillsbuild #blackgirlscode

When I started out in tech 14 years ago, I didn’t see anyone who looked like me......... 😪 No role relatable models, and definitely moments of feeling out of place. But I knew one thing—I had a mind for it. I didn't struggle with abstract concepts. Server administration, databases, automation, OOP —I soaked it all up. I was taught Java for three weeks, and it just clicked. But I often wonder: what if someone hadn’t put me up to the challenge? Would I have ever known? Fast forward to today, and I’m delighted to see things changing. There are more role models, more visible faces who inspire and lead. And then we have the BTA Awards, which go one step further—identifying and recognising incredible talent within the Black tech community. These awards shine a light on the heroes of today who serve as role models for the next generation. Even better, this year I get to be a judge among other fantastic people I know including Charlene Hunter MBE, Chenelle Ansah, david mcqueen, Dr Rashada Harry, George Imafidon MBE, Mayokun - Mac Alonge, Pamela Aculey and Yvonne Bajela. I’m looking forward to diving into the applications and learning about the skills, achievements, and impact that people from Black heritage are bringing to tech. If you’re Black, in tech, or know someone making strides in this space, let’s shout about it. Because when our community comes together to celebrate and recognise each other, amazing things happen. (Application link in the comments!) And hopefully, someone like me starting out today will feel a bit more included, a bit more inspired, and see a bright path ahead of them. #BTAAwards #BlackTechExcellence #RepresentationMatters #InclusionInTech #TechCommunity

🌍 Celebrating Diversity in Tech: A Spotlight on Black Innovators in Software Development 💻 In an industry that thrives on innovation and creativity, it’s crucial that we recognize and celebrate the incredible contributions of Black professionals in software development. From coding new applications to shaping the future of technology, Black developers have always been at the forefront of driving change, solving complex problems, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Yet, despite their immense talent and impact, Black voices in tech have often been underrepresented. As we move towards a more inclusive future, it’s essential to spotlight the stories and achievements of Black developers who are making a difference. 🔹 Mentorship & Representation: Representation matters. By mentoring the next generation of tech leaders, we help break down barriers and ensure that more Black individuals have the support they need to thrive in software development. 🔹 Innovation & Impact: Black developers continue to create cutting-edge software solutions that shape industries—from finance and healthcare to entertainment and beyond. Their work impacts millions of lives, making technology more accessible and user-friendly for all. 🔹 Community & Collaboration: The tech community is stronger when we bring diverse perspectives to the table. Building networks of support, sharing knowledge, and collaborating with individuals from all walks of life helps fuel progress and innovation. As we move forward, let’s continue to lift up the voices and achievements of Black developers, ensuring that the future of software development is as inclusive, innovative, and impactful as possible. 🌟 #BlackInTech #DiversityInTech #SoftwareDevelopment #TechInnovation #InclusionMatters #BlackExcellence

It is very hard to describe what Black Tech Saturdays is doing because there is no precedent. There is no model to compare it to and say hey this is like… It’s so new and so refreshing that you really just have to go and you will understand why every week the amount of attendees increases substantially. There were almost 1000 people in attendance for the Womens Founder Takeover!!! Every single floor was activated at Newlab at Michigan Central thee entire building was alive. Alexa Turnage and Johnnie Turnage have founded a start up that is impacting the tech and start up scene immensely. They have created a direct pipeline for innovation, implementation, and scalability in the City of Detroit and Wayne County Michigan that can impact the entire Country. I get asked what has made BTS so succesful so fast. Even Wayne State University is researching this phenomenom with the help of Nakim Edmond. My answer is this… The only rule that is associated with Success is Consistency. And Black Tech Saturdays and everyone involved are extremely CONSISTENT.

3 pieces of wisdom Safiya Noble, Ph.D. dropped during the first installation of the Black Girls Code event series THE FUTURE produced by ANTHEMIC. 1. “We know from research going back three decades that a more diverse workforce gives us better products and services.” 2. “One of the things I say to my computer science students all the time is, ‘You have no business programming and coding for society if you know nothing about society.’” 3. “In this new AI-generated kind of workplace, there will be a premium on expertise and people who can discern what’s happening. We need people with deep expertise in a lot of subjects.” Are you a parent, partner, supporter, or volunteer? Join Black Girls Code at their next event and become a force for change. Visit https://www.wearebgc.org/ for more info.

https://lnkd.in/eE6Agq5A This Conference took place at the College of Cape Breton on May 17, 1977. The theme was to address the Systemic barriers Blacks faced in attaining post-secondary education. It was determined that Systemic Racism and intentional stream-lining Black student from General educational programs precluded them from applying or attending post-secondary educational institutions. institutions.https://https://lnkd.in/eE6Agq5A

Black Leaders in Tech Day Today Workato is joining the world in celebrating Black Leaders Awareness Day by recognizing the amazing work of Black leaders in tech. "We are in awe of the hard work and dedication of Black leaders in tech," said a Workato on LinkedIn. "Their stories are an inspiration for the next-gen." Black Excellence in Tech Workato spotlights three Black leaders in tech: • Charlene Hunter, CEO and Founder of Coding Black Females: Charlene has spent her career making Black women visible in tech. Through community building and advocacy Coding Black Females helps Black women get into tech. • Shanea Leven, CEO and Founder of CodeSee: With her extensive computer science background and experience at companies like Docker, eBay and Google, Leven created CodeSee, a tool that simplifies software development. • John W. Thompson, Former CEO of Symantec and Chairman of Microsoft: Thompson’s career path from IBM to CEO of Symantec and Chairman of Microsoft is the epitome of tech success. His investment in the next gen continues to shape the industry. Workato is supporting Coding Black Females on Black Leaders Awareness Day. This will help Black women and girls get coding and close the gender gap in tech. By recognizing Black leaders and supporting Coding Black Females Workato is showing its commitment to a more diverse tech industry. #BlackLeadersAwarenessDay #DiversityInTech #Innovation #workato #ipaas #automation #dataintegration