#coderofcolor

[brytay1982]

Our final #coderofcolor #codersofcolor is none other than me BT. I've been coding since Myspace. Honestly, I can go further back than that. I used to learn how to code via good ole QBasic, & the infamous BLACKPLANET!!!! A lot of people may have no clue what program that is. I attended high school @ Thomas Jeffereson, & graduated at a good placing within my class. When I graduated, I went to community college for a few years, & then went to ECPI (where the coding & tech truly happened). I earned my Associates in Web Development, where I got my coding skills established. From there, I earned my Bachelor’s in Network Engineering (Management Information Systems). I was starting to establish a career in IT (so I thought), & I was abruptly let go. Life gives us second & sometimes 3rd chances. I recently worked for a hospital, where I was given the inspiration to go back to school to learn cyber security. The first class I took that time was JavaScript. I was able to pick up my fair share of information. Once I got my degree, I was ready to move into my field, but had no clue how it would turn out. Enter the GERE program, where I picked up a wealth of knowledge in software development. I recently received a digital copy of my certificate, where I learned programs such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node, React, & SQL to name a few. I am planning to go back & learn more regarding Java (no relation to JavaScript), & Python. I share this message with you all to remind you that anything that you’re trying to go after is available. You just may have to work twice as hard to get whatever it is you’re going for. I hope this story inspires you to go after your dreams or goals. I also hope that you know that if you are looking to jump into coding, now is as good of a time as any to hop on the coding train. I hope you all have enjoyed. Take it easy. https://www.instagram.com/p/CahvY6tLVml/?utm_medium=tumblr

[brytay1982]

Our #codersofcolor #coderofcolor group focus is about the group @centerforblackinnovation Center for Black Innovation is an organization that, over the past six years, has brought together innovative young Black minds to learn, exchange ideas, and address common issues in workshops and discussions. The organization focuses on four key areas: Capital & Socioeconomic Mobility, Ecosystems & Coalitions, Education & Mobility, and Social Justice & Innovation Policy to build talent- and asset-rich spaces in Black communities. https://www.instagram.com/p/CafIvijL4cj/?utm_medium=tumblr

[brytay1982]

Economic growth through innovation. That's what it's all about in the end. As a #coderofcolor #codersofcolor and just receiving a digital copy of my diploma (see previous post), the goal is to get to the money, and stay alongside the money. The group @digitalundivided makes this a clear achievement for minorities. Definitely check them out. digitalundivided is a social enterprise that seeks to encourage women of color to own their economic security through innovation-focused entrepreneurship. Based in Atlanta and founded in 2013, the organization has since helped Black and Latina founders raise more than $25 million in outside funding. digitalundivided also launched ProjectDiane, a biennial demographic study on the state of Black female founders. Data from this study informed the organization’s decision to launch its BIG Incubator program, which provides a direct pathway for women of color to enter the tech world. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaZjhLSL26E/?utm_medium=tumblr

[brytay1982]

Today's group for #codersofcolor #coderofcolor is a dream corps group called #yeswecode and their target of trying to reach the underrepresented in finding their place in tech. The greatest part is that once you're in, you have the power to change and be anything that you're willing to put your mind to. #YesWeCode is a nationwide Dream Corps initiative aimed at helping 100,000 young men and women from underrepresented backgrounds find success in the tech industry. The organization was co-founded by CNN political commentator Van Jones and is led by Vien Truong. It runs a variety of programs to teach kids and teens the skills they need to succeed in tech. Those programs include hackathons; the #YesWeCode scholarship fund, which works to remove the financial barriers to a tech education; and a job training program called The Coding Corps. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaW_Gl0Li-V/?utm_medium=tumblr

[brytay1982]

Our group that we're gonna talk about related to #codersofcolor #coderofcolor is what it's truly all about...the @devcolororg and what that looks like. /Dev/color is considered as one of most powerful group of black software engineers, technologists, and executives in the world. Definitely a group that I'll be plugging in with regarding the coding and software developer world. /dev/color is a nonprofit networking organization that empowers Black software engineers to become industry leaders. The organization’s A* Program is an on- and offline community of like-minded Black software developers who grow their careers by learning from and supporting their peers. Whatever Black coders want to achieve—whether it’s finding a new job, learning a new skill, or starting a company—the /dev/color/ community can help them get there. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaSEKzOreLv/?utm_medium=tumblr

[brytay1982]

Today's #coderofcolor #codersofcolor company of conversation is @code2040 who happens to have a very significant meaning behind their name. You'll definitely enjoy it by far. Continuing to share thoughts as they land. Code2040 is a nonprofit that places software engineering students of color into internships at major tech companies and startups. The year 2040 is symbolic because it’s the start of the decade in which Black and Latinx people are projected by the US Census Bureau to make up the majority of the U.S. population. These groups together in fact already make up 30 percent of the U.S. population, yet only 10 percent of tech executives hail from either. Code2040 means to change this. In just eight years, the organization has grown to more than 6,000 students, partners, volunteers, and allies. In 2017, 132 students were paired with companies seeking tech talent as part of the organization's summer-long internship program. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaP0HQCr5hi/?utm_medium=tumblr

[brytay1982]

Today's group who supports #codersofcolor #coderofcolor is a podcast that I've officially subscribed to as of today. Their name... @blacktechunplugged and they're bringing quite a bit to the forefront of tech. Please check them out. Black Tech Unplugged is a podcast created to empower and inspire Black people in tech. It was created by Deena McKay, who was herself inspired to spread the word of Black achievements in technology after experiencing first-hand—much like Kimberly Bryant—the isolation that came with being a Black woman in tech. In each episode of the podcast, McKay interviews a leading Black technologist about their accomplishments and current projects, how they got where they are today, and what aspiring professionals can do to follow in their footsteps. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaM7QBjrGiy/?utm_medium=tumblr

[brytay1982]

Today, I've got @black.tech.nation as the #codersofcolor #coderofcolor group. They were founded by kelauni cook and also have many chapters nationwide Black Tech Nation is the only organization committed to building a Black tech ecosystem in Pittsburgh. The chapter is open to any person of color involved—directly or indirectly—in STEM, from founders to tech professionals and parents of STEM students. Black Tech Nation defines its strategy as “Gather. Connect. Affect.” Under that guiding principle, the organization runs local meetups, partners with tech companies to introduce new policies, and teaches Black students in Pittsburgh how to code. It is run by Founder and CEO Kelauni Cook. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaKLV5HLf8p/?utm_medium=tumblr

[brytay1982]

Fridays group for #codersofcolor #coderofcolor is called blacks in technology @blacksintechnology they're one of many groups who support the coding world. As you'll see in the write up, they have chapters in many cities. Blacks In Technology is a global network open to any Black person who works in tech. It is the largest community and media organization dedicated to increasing the representation of people of color in the tech world. The organization is making good on this mission by creating events, activities, and media to serve as resources for and provide guidance to members. The Blacks In Technology community is split up into geographic chapters with independent meetings and activities. There are currently 13 local chapters: Atlanta, Boston, Central Florida, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Twin Cities, Washington D.C., and New York City. If there isn’t a chapter near you, you can also join as an At Large member https://www.instagram.com/p/CaHgpiwL5fL/?utm_medium=tumblr

[brytay1982]

Today's group of conversation is @blackgirlscode started by Kimberly Bryant... another #coderofcolor #codersofcolor I hope everyone enjoys!!! Black Girls Code is a nonprofit that seeks to introduce a new generation of young Black girls to technology in general and programming specifically. The organization was founded by Kimberly Bryant, who was inspired to start and then lead the program by her own feelings of isolation as a Black woman in programming. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaCm1IdlH_m/?utm_medium=tumblr

[brytay1982]

So I'm gonna be honest, there are probably plenty more #codersofcolor #coderofcolor that I could talk about, but I'm either not finding their bios or I'm just not sure where they are. Instead, I'll be sharing companies and businesses that support coders of color. First up, we have the group all Star code All Star Code is an organization that teaches computer science skills to young Black men and aims to create “economic opportunity by developing a new generation of boys and young men of color with an entrepreneurial mindset who have the tools they need to succeed in a technological world.” The organization was founded in 2013 by Christina Lewis, who was inspired by her experiences as a business journalist to create an organization that increases the representation of Black people in tech. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ_6QJZr6x0/?utm_medium=tumblr

[brytay1982]

Today's #coderofcolor #codersofcolor is Marc Hannah. In 1982, Dr. Marc Hannah and several other computer scientists founded Silicon Graphics, Inc. (SGI), a highly influential computer graphics firm that specialized in software and hardware for creating cutting-edge 3D illustrations and effects, especially for films such as Jurassic Park and Terminator 2. The advancement of lower-cost graphics solutions led to the end of SGI in 2009, although Hannah left the firm in 1997. Hannah has since been involved in several high-tech businesses (including SongPro, a firm that created an MP3 player for the Game Boy Advance in 2002) and is still highly respected in the industry. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ-MGAYPEFs/?utm_medium=tumblr

[brytay1982]

Being that, although isn't watching the super bowl and it's on NBC, I'll introduce you to Tony Effik as our #codersofcolor #coderofcolor Tony Effik is Senior Vice President, Client Strategy, NBCUniversal, where he is focuses on developing cross-portfolio strategy for NBCUniversal clients using the vast assets under the company’s umbrella. Prior to joining NBCUniversal, Tony was Senior Vice President, Managing Director at R/GA, a firm focused on creating products, services, and communications for some of the world’s leading brands. At R/GA he was global lead of media and connections, helping bridge the worlds of media and creative. Before R/GA, Tony worked in strategic planning roles at other leading agency networks including JWT, M&C Saatchi, Wunderman, and Publicis. Tony is on the faculty at Columbia University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science as Adjunct Assistant Professor, where he teaches a graduate course in digital business models. He has also contributed at an industry level to setting standards and best practice in both the US and UK, where he has both chaired and sat on Internet Advertising Bureau committees. Tony is married with three children and has a degree in psychology, and is a postgraduate member of the UK’s Chartered Institute of Marketing. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ73IA0LOq3/?utm_medium=tumblr

[brytay1982]

I'm really gonna enjoy talking about today's #coderofcolor #codersofcolor due to his involvement with video games. His name: Ed Smith. The skill: video game development. The story I'm about to share truly presents the term "overcoming adversity", because that was his balance without him knowing it. At the age of 14, Ed’s father told him to “Get your chauffeur’s license so you can learn how to drive a truck, because that’s all you’re ever going to do.” but Ed was undeterred by the low expectations his father and the people in the housing projects had set for him and saw it as a challenge so he worked hard at school and later landed a position at Brooklyn-based Marbelite, one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of traffic signals. The job gave Smith his first taste of digital electronics technology and within two years, Smith was interviewing at APF, a company that imported and manufactured calculators, video game consoles, and other electronics. One of Ed’s very first projects was co-designing a hybrid video game console and personal computer — The MP1000, an early cartridge-based video game system, and its plug-in computer expansion module, the Imagination Machine. A little while later, Ed had a demeaning experience in the department store, Sears. Smith pointed out that he designed the video game system on the shelf. “I said to the sales guys, ‘I’m one of the guys…’ and he goes, ‘Yeah, right,’” Smith said. “Like, ‘Black guy telling me he designed this thing. Right.” Smith continued to look for as many ways as possible to bring more Black Americans into the computing field. “For the most part, blacks have tended to shy away from high-technology fields,” Smith said in a 1982 issue of Black Enterprise. “The computer field, which includes videogames, is the industry of the future. Those who stay out of it will be totally lost in the marketplace in years to come.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ1kslHLVyW/?utm_medium=tumblr

[brytay1982]

Today’s #techofcolor won’t be part of our usual #codersofcolor #coderofcolor, because he has done plenty of firsts. A few months ago, a friend of mine @mbardacke provided me information to an event that I got to hear this gentleman. He gave LOTS of information. He was previously the chairman & CEO of Symantec (only African-American to hold such a title), and now he’s the CEO of virtual instruments with @microsoft, & is the only African American to “have a seat at the board/table” as we’d like to call it. I introduce you to John W. Thompson (no relation to the late, great John Thompson of basketball) John W. Thompson joined the Microsoft board in February 2012, and is the lead independent director. Thompson brings over 40 years of experience in the technology industry. Most recently, he served as chief executive officer and director of Virtual Instruments. Before this, he was the chairman and chief executive officer of Symantec for 10 years, during which time he helped transform the company into a leader in security, storage and systems management solutions. Thompson also held several leadership positions during his 28 years at IBM in the areas of sales, marketing and software development, and he also served as general manager of IBM Americas. In 2018, he became a partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners. Thompson serves on the board of directors for Illumina. He is an active investor and advisor in early-stage technology companies in the Silicon Valley. Thompson holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Florida A&M University, and a master’s degree in management science from MIT’s Sloan School of Management. In 2008, he received an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business, and in 2014 he received an honorary doctorate degree from Florida A&M University. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZy66-2LlJW/?utm_medium=tumblr

[brytay1982]

An early morning #coderofcolor #codersofcolor is Saron Yitbarek. She's a podcaster (3 shows), a speaker, has her own newsletter, and most importantly a coder of color. I introduce you to Saron Yitbarek Saron Yitbarek built an inclusive, supportive developer community, CodeNewbie, from scratch. Acquired by the DEV Community last year, CodeNewbie offers a wide range of resources, including a Twitter chat, an annual conference, podcasts, and more. Today Saron is building Disco, making technology more accessible through audio courses on subjects like machine learning, cryptocurrency, and ethics in AI. “As a tech educator, I’m completely in awe of all that Saron has accomplished (and continues to accomplish),” shares Codecademy curriculum developer Mariel. “She offers so much to so many people, breaking down concepts as easily as she breaks down barriers for newcomers.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CZtSAJtOvvU/?utm_medium=tumblr