Carving My Own Path in Tech: The Power of Representation, Advocacy, and Community
From an early age, I was captivated by the wonder of technology—not just the innovation, but also the people shaping it. Yet, as I navigated my way into the industry, one stark reality stood out: the voices leading these conversations often didn’t look like mine. That wasn’t just a gap; it was a call to action. Instead of letting the lack of representation discourage me, I chose to redefine the landscape—by forging my own route, showing up, speaking out, and creating access for others.
Defining My Own Blueprint
Attending Hamilton College, I quickly realized that my passions—technology, digital media, and business—didn’t fit neatly into a preexisting program. So, I created one. Becoming the first Hamilton alum to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Technology and Digital Media wasn’t just about crafting my own curriculum; it was about proving that unconventional paths could lead to extraordinary outcomes. That decision set the tone for my career—if the door wasn’t open, I was going to build my own entrance.
CODE2040: More Than a Fellowship, A Movement
Breaking into tech as a Black professional isn’t just about skill—it’s about access, advocacy, and visibility. That’s where CODE2040 changed everything. Through the Fellows Program, I wasn’t just given an opportunity—I was welcomed into a movement. I found myself surrounded by a community of bold, brilliant diverse technologists who weren’t just surviving in the industry but transforming it. We weren’t waiting for a seat at the table; we were bringing our own chairs.
CODE2040 didn’t just teach me how to navigate the industry—it reinforced the power of self-advocacy, the necessity of mentorship, and the responsibility we have to lift others as we climb. These lessons didn’t just shape my career; they shaped my mission.
Driving Change in Tech and Beyond
After CODE2040, I carried that mission forward. As a Product Manager at IBM, I saw firsthand how crucial diverse perspectives are to building technology that truly serves everyone. I launched IBM Automation’s Competitive Insights Forum to not only boost our internal competitive intelligence and market awareness, but amplify voices that would otherwise not be heard in critical strategic decisions.
My impact didn’t stop within corporate walls. Through my consulting company, WeCreate Enterprises, I guide entrepreneurs, professionals, and creatives in navigating their industries; helping them not just succeed, but thrive on their own terms. The Power of Community and Taking Up Space One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned? No one is going to hand you a seat at the table. You have to claim it. Self-advocacy isn’t an option—it’s a necessity. Community isn’t just a support system—it’s a catalyst for change. Whether through organizations like CODE2040, Black Product Managers, Black Men Talk Tech or the networks I’ve built throughout my career, I’ve seen how transformative it is when we uplift and empower one another.
A Future We Create Together
As I continue my journey, my purpose remains clear: to build, to mentor, and to create opportunities for others. Whether through product innovation, financial empowerment, or mentorship, my goal is to make sure the next generation of diverse technologists and entrepreneurs don’t just enter the industry but also redefine it. For those forging their own paths, my advice is simple but powerful: take up space, advocate relentlessly, and build community.** The journey isn’t always easy, but together, we’re shaping a tech industry—and a future—that reflects the richness of our voices and the brilliance of our ideas.** Let’s connect! You can reach me on LinkedIn —I’d love to continue the conversation and look forward to building the future together.
Looking for more ways to engage? You can also follow me on socials, schedule a discovery call, or check out my YouTube Series.
The future is what we make it- let's build it together!