Yolanda W. Rabun’s Post

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

3 pieces of wisdom Safiya Noble, Ph.D. dropped during Black Girls Code's first installation of THE FUTURE event series everyone should hear. ⬇️ 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." 🖤 Join us at our next event and become a force for change: wearebgc.org/future 

A few weeks ago, I attended the Black Tech Fest, and here’s what I learned: 1. Tech is for everyone, so don’t count yourself out. 2. Breaking into tech isn’t as difficult as it seems if you have clear goals. 3. Tech isn’t just for coders - there are many paths to explore. Here's a recap of my first 100 days in the industry. 🎥 Jeicy Kivuyo #BlackTech #TechForAll #NonTechInTech #WomenInTech #100DaysInTech #TechJourney #BlackInTech #TechCareer #DiversityInTech #First100Days #TechFest #TechCommunity #TechInspiration

Meet the Black Tech Innovators Making a Difference Imagine scrolling through your feed and coming across a story that makes you think, "Wow, how did I not know this?" That's the feeling you get when you learn about Black tech innovators. 🌍💡 Take Kimberly Bryant, for example. She noticed that young Black girls weren't getting enough opportunities to learn coding, so she started Black Girls CODE. Now, thousands of girls are learning to code and shaping the future. 💻👩🏾💻 Then there's Tristan Walker. Ever had a smooth shave without razor bumps? You can thank Tristan for that. He created Bevel, a grooming brand made especially for Black men. He saw a problem and turned it into a solution that changed the game! ✨✂️ And we can't forget Timnit Gebru. She's an expert in AI and is fighting to make sure AI works fairly for everyone, not just a few. While most of us are picking our next Netflix show, she's out there making sure technology is fair. 🧠🎥 These stories show us that innovation isn't just about technology; it's about people, passion, and purpose. So, next time you're wondering who's making a difference in tech, remember these names. And who knows? You might feel inspired to make your own mark in the tech world. 🌊🚀 Feeling inspired? Let's connect and share more stories like these. Drop a comment or DM me—I’m here to chat! 👂🔥 #TechInnovation #BlackExcellence#BUiLTREIT #InclusiveTech

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

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! ✊🏾💻

Thrilled to share that as a co-lead of MasterClass’ Black ERG, Melanin, we've worked on a MasterClass partnership with Black Tech Pipeline, in order to support our organizations' DEI and Recruiting teams' goals of fostering diversity. I'm passionate about Black tech equity. I love sharing my experience as a non-engineer professional, dispelling the misconception that the tech industry is designated only for individuals who can code or who have engineering degrees. Orgs like Black Tech Pipeline help break down barriers in tech, linking Black professionals to companies committed to inclusion. This equitable focus is so relevant and mission-minded as our world becomes entrenched in tech and AI. Black Tech Pipeline increases opportunities for Black talent, opening doors to competitive salaries. We can also make the case for increasing Black talent in tech because studies show that diverse companies perform better, driving innovation, profitability and improved decision-making. So whether you're a Black technologist, engineer, marketer, entrepreneur, innovator, publicist, graphic designer, or sales professional like me, there is a path for you in tech! And it can start at MasterClass! Check out the positions listed here: https://lnkd.in/eu9JegKc #Blackintech #MasterClass #DEI #techequity

Doing my best to break into this field

🔥 Hey Black and Quant Fam! 🔥 Big things are coming! 🚀 My very first Black and Quant interview features the brilliant Dorcas Manuela Ouraga, a Black female Data Scientist at Amazon! 💪🏾✨ She’s breaking barriers in tech and ready to share her inspiring journey, insights, and advice for anyone looking to make their mark. This is a conversation you won't want to miss! 💡 Get ready — this is going to be powerful! 💥 #BlackAndQuant #WomenInTech #DataScience #RepresentationMatters

📚 Book Recommendation: “A Black Journey in Tech” 🚀 We just finished reading “A Black Journey in Tech,” and it’s a revelation! In the book, Dwight Jones shares his unvarnished journey in the tech industry, offering a beacon of inspiration for black tech professionals. His story is a testament to what’s possible with divine favor, resilience, and adaptability. 🌟 This book is a clarion call for black individuals considering a tech career and a valuable resource for anyone committed to bridging the digital divide. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a seasoned pro, this book is a must-read for understanding the depth and diversity of black excellence in technology. https://lnkd.in/eRPfqxGX Favorite Takeaways: 📗 Chapter 5: A celebration of black innovation in tech. 📗 Chapter 8: Dwight’s distilled wisdom from decades in tech. Let’s amplify the stories that inspire growth and inclusivity in tech! 🚀 #BlackExcellence #TechDiversity #InspirationalReads #CareerDevelopment #Innovation #bookrecommendation #technology #blackintech #digitaldivide #techindustry