Reflection Point’s Post

It’s hard to build wealth when your life is cut short. I attempted to write a post sharing of the many amazing learnings, relationships, and inspiration received from the #BlackTechWeek conference. However, I can’t seem to do this given the news of #SonyaMassey. Could one of her family members or children have been the next tech innovator, co-founder, or COO? I guess we’ll never know. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 5 years of supporting minorities in overcoming financial trauma & teaching about epigenetics (the science of genetic trauma), I’ve learned this: 🛑 TRAUMA HALTS THE CREATIVITY PROCESS 🛑 More trauma = less creativity = less opportunity to innovate meaningfully within industry…including technology. I pray that, one day, we live in a society that inhales dignity for all and exhales equity in access. Please keep the family of Sonya Massey in your prayers. Please keep Black women, especially those living alone, in your prayers. Please keep our police departments and their de-escalation trainings in your prayers. While ForOurLastNames does the work to remove financial trauma from one’s wealth journey, I pray our U.S. systems do the work to remove unnecessary traumatic experiences from one’s democratic experience. Thank you Brian Brackeen, Candice Matthews Brackeen, Charlton Cunningham, the entire Black Tech Week team, ecosystem partners like Ashli Sims, Sydni Sayles, & Desiree Frieson of Build in Tulsa, and everyone doing the work behind the scenes for curating an amazing conference. Events like these keep hope alive, even in the face of adversity. Thank you for your ministry work in the marketplace. “Historical awareness is an ongoing condition for human betterment.” - Paulo Freire Imagining a more humane world occurs when we critically engage in topics like these, rather than allow ourselves to be silenced, desensitized, or dissociated. Let’s keep the imaginative work going through critical thought & bold innovation 🙏🏽 #JusticeAndLibertyForAll #SayHerName #BuildingInPublic #EquityTech

🌍 What Does Diversity in the Workplace Truly Mean? 🌍 Diversity goes beyond checking boxes or meeting quotas—it's about embracing differences, fostering inclusivity, and building a culture where everyone feels valued. In my own journey, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of adapting to new environments, battling misconceptions, and navigating my identity as a queer woman. But through it all, I’ve learned the true power of diversity: it drives innovation, enriches perspectives, and makes companies stronger, more empathetic, and better connected to their communities. In my latest blog, I dive into the importance of prioritizing employees and community over profit, exploring how tech companies can shape a more inclusive future. I share my personal experiences and reflect on how we, as a society, can work together to create spaces that celebrate diversity and empower everyone to thrive. Take a moment to read my thoughts and let me know what diversity means to you! 💬👇

I haven't shared this publicly before. In fact, it's sort of a brutal story. But Trina Van Pelt did something for me that I will ALWAYS appreciate. Back when I was raising our Series A, things looked pretty dark. Community was WAY out of fashion. Everyone thought Facebook groups had won. Why would anyone go anywhere else? Except for a VERY small number of people, the idea that the world would need another platform for running all of the amazing business models you can build on top of bringing people together (courses, memberships, events, and more) was laughable. My team and I had customers who loved us and tremendous conviction in our cause. But it turns out that's not enough when you're burning cash. We were running very close to the metal. I wasn't sleeping. But there was hope. I had had about one zillion meetings with Intel Capital championed by Mauro D. and John (JZ) Zdrodowski (amazing humans, both of them). We were getting a term sheet. Yay! And also? Phew. But there was a problem. An executive we hadn't met with had decided that they shouldn't invest. In fact, it became his mission NOT to invest in us. And if they did? He wanted to screw us and my other investors for sport. [I feel obligated at this point in the story to say that this person is no longer at Intel, Intel Capital invested, and they have been an amazing partner to Mighty.] So, I had to do a meeting with this guy to try and get things back on track. Unsurprisingly, it was not going well. But something happened halfway through the meeting that changed everything. In walks this woman I had never met before. She sat down silently with confidence. Her presence changed the room. It wasn't that he stopped asking tough questions. He didn't. But this woman looked at me in a way that said, "you've got this." She stepped in strategically. She reframed a few things. But otherwise just kept making eye contact with me silently. Without saying anything, I knew she knew he was an a-hole. AND that she knew I could handle it. That small act made a world of difference. I didn't know it then, but Trina has gone on to become one of my most trusted advisors and, even better, an investor with PHENOMENAL returns. The fact that this story is nearly a decade old but burned in my consciousness hopefully tells you two things: 1. Don't fundraise unless you absolutely have to. This is easier now than before. 2. Find ways to be your own version of Trina Van Pelt.

What is Black Tech Saturdays in Detroit? Johnnie Turnage: Detroit Could Be America’s Premier Black Tech Ecosystem, But… My name is Johnnie Turnage. Less than a year ago, I founded Black Tech Saturdays with my wife Alexa, and the results have been out of this world! We grew from five people in a coffee shop to over 6,000 Detroiters, Michiganders, and visitors from all over the world. We’ve supported founders as they worked to gain traction, revenue, and capital faster than ever. We’ve also supported over a hundred people in their quest to get jobs, and we’ve witnessed more of our community find pathways into the tech industry, as entrepreneurs, as talent, and as true contributors. It’s rare to see your efforts create so much impact in such a short time, especially when there are huge gaps in resources, but where there is true community, there is an opportunity to make a big impact. Detroit is the city of innovation. It’s the original Silicon Valley; there is no place more innovative, creative, and resilient than Detroit. We make a way out of no way, and because of that very spirit, we have watched our tech ecosystem come alive in ways that has never been experienced by Black tech founders and professionals. Because of the traction, momentum, and excitement around Black Tech Saturdays, we were invited to the world’s largest tech conference, South by Southwest (SXSW). SXSW began in Austin, Texas, as a small group and has grown to be a two-week event often seeing north of 350,000 attendees. #tech #ecosystem #detiptv #newyorkiptv https://lnkd.in/g59xTzTK

DE&I has become a dirty word in the last few months so Fathia T. and Mayase J. decided to have a conversation with Luli Adeyemo that will have you rethinking difference and its power. Luli has been championing change even before she knew she was doing it in her teens as the first black female BMX world champion. Gems from this interview include: 💡It is everyone's responsibility to bring about change 💡We all need a chance to benefit from Tech because its impact is limitless but limited by a lack of representation. 💡Measuring DE&I will move it from a conversation and the first thing that gets de-prioritised when the market softens to Actionable impact and value Listen to the full episode - https://lnkd.in/gVrRfVwH Luli is also the Director of #TechDiversity Awards which will be held on 23 May at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Melbourne. Tech Diversity is a social enterprise committed to amplifying Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE+I) and achieving a culture of belonging, through conversation, collaboration and action for people who work in technology. 🎟️Grab your tickets from https://lnkd.in/eHfdxTDu Tech Diversity is inviting all organisations from any sector with a tech workforce to express your interest in being part of the Tech Reflects study https://lnkd.in/g9h4vgyR. The research will provide the data necessary to identify diversity gaps and create impactful programs. #newpodcastepisode #DE&I #Techdiversity #BITAusTechTalks

I've just entered a buzzing ecosystem of Black Executive Men Community. It's not even been 48 hours, and already I'm floored by the unity, sophistication, wit, and dignity here. It's not just a 'community'. It's a powerhouse bringing together black men across diverse fields, fostering unity, growth, and success. Imagine a space where personal growth and professional progress don't just coexist, they mingle, and enhance each other. That's the magic of Black Executive Men. Here's a peek into the heart of this dynamic ecosystem: - 1:1 Networking: More than just expanding your connections, it's about opening new doorways of possibility. - Regional Chat Groups: Engage with peers who resonate with your professional dreams and personal fervors. - Regular Social Gatherings: Venture beyond screens. Cement deeper connections at our city-based socials. - Monthly Virtual Meet-Ups: Designed to fit into your busy lives, these meetups pave the way for flexible bonding. Feel like you're chasing success alone? It doesn't have to be that way. Join us. Let's ascend this corporate mountain together, elevating ourselves and our collective community. I've just finished producing this video using the state-of-the-art tools in Generative #AI Luma AI and Runway Gen3 Alpha, alongside our vibrant Founder and CEO, Jewel Love. I'm thrilled about what the future holds for us. It's truly an honor to stand among these incredible men! #BEM #Networking #Community #Branding #Entrepreneurship #Tech #Video #4thOfJuly Digital Storytellers Ink - Reality By Design

Accelerate Your Career With Our Latest Action Masterclass! Embarking on a tech career as a Black woman is more than a job—it’s a revolution. We’re here to shake up the status quo and bring our invaluable diversity to the cutting edge of innovation. As companies hustle to meet diversity targets, the spotlight is ours to claim. Let’s redefine what it means to be a Black Woman in tech. 💻✨ Yes, stepping into tech might feel like a giant leap, but guess what? You’re not stepping in alone. We’ve got your back with mentorship, support, and all the resources you need to thrive. Whether you’re into coding, data science, product management, or something else, there’s a space just for you. Don't miss this chance—join our latest Action Masterclass with the phenomenal Faith Ida, GRCP, MBCS Ida, a nominee from The Voices In The Shadow and begin your journey into tech! Register here - https://lnkd.in/dPB8eCGQ #BlackWomenInTech #TechDiversity #Innovate #Empowerment #TechCareerTransition

Launching BLK+TECH+KULTURE In the summer of 2022, I set off for a road trip down US 101, traveling from Southern Oregon to Big Sur, California. The trip was marked by stunning vistas that often made me pull over to savor the West Coast's scenic splendor practically every five minutes. This prompted a quick adjustment in my plans, as it became clear I wouldn't reach Big Sur within my original timeframe. So I learned to fully immerse myself in the present and cherish the awe-inspiring beauty surrounding me without the frequent stops. As I traveled towards Big Sur, I reflected deeply on my life’s purpose and the broader impact I wished to make beyond my routine professional engagements. This trip provided a valuable opportunity for introspection regarding my career, relationships, and fundamental goals as an individual. Over the subsequent two years, I engaged in meaningful discussions with friends and colleagues about their aspirations to shape their futures. Whether it involved choosing their business ventures, defining their work schedules, traveling for passion, or developing new health routines aligned with their values, they all shared a commitment to facilitating success for others. Their talents, convictions, and enthusiasm inspired me, and by December 2023, I was motivated to contribute more significantly to helping individuals and organizations excel and reach their fullest potential. This led to the founding of Black Impact Consulting Group (BICG) and BLK+TECH+KULTURE. BICG is dedicated to assembling a dynamic team of professionals focused on strengthening communities for our current and future generations. BLK+TECH+KULTURE aims to enhance individual potential for the greatest communal benefit. Our mission is to empower individuals, inspire organizations, and transform cultures for positive change, structured around three core pillars of practice. BLK transcends merely being a name or an indicator of race. It serves as an invitation to comprehend oneself within the context of one’s environment, necessitating self-awareness and a reflective evaluation of one's own journey and history, thus influencing one's future actions. TECH goes beyond digital tools. It affirms a mindset shift in which unlearning and relearning are embraced to fundamentally transform the approach to solve problems of practice. KULTURE involves enhancing the organization’s capacity to create deliberate and intentional impact through an ongoing cycle of improvement, leading to sustainable outcomes. As the Founder and Principal Consultant, I am committed to empowering change and inspiring impact! I am looking forward to this next adventure. There is much more to come, so stay tuned!

In my quest to spread awareness about the importance of Computer Science, Robotics, AI, and tech in urban and low-income communities, I was blessed with the opportunity to attend Black Tech Week with my cousin. This incredible event was more than just a gathering; it was a powerful testament to the potential and brilliance within our community. Experiencing Black Tech Week was transformative. It showcased the immense impact such events have on entrepreneurs, tech professionals, creatives, and anyone looking to get involved in tech. The wealth of knowledge shared by the amazing speakers who told their journeys was nothing short of inspiring. Their stories of perseverance, innovation, and success served as a beacon of hope and motivation for all attendees. The atmosphere was electric with unity and camaraderie as black people came together to share their love for tech and their experiences. However, what made it even more special was the diversity in attendance. While the event primarily focused on pooling together black professionals and enthusiasts, it was not exclusive. People of other races joined in on the fun and experiences, adding to the richness of the event. It's important to note that Black individuals make up around 7% of the tech workforce in the U.S., highlighting the need for more representation and opportunities in these fields. Black Tech Week was a beautiful celebration of our collective achievements and an inclusive space where everyone could learn, network, and grow. It reinforced the idea that tech is for everyone and that our communities have a crucial role to play in shaping the future of technology. I'm deeply grateful for this experience and I am more motivated than ever to continue spreading awareness and fostering opportunities in tech for urban and low-income communities. Together, we can break barriers and create a future where everyone has the chance to thrive in the tech world. #BlackTechWeek #TechForAll #InclusionInTech #TechAwareness #CommunityUnity #Inspiration #Entrepreneurship #AI #Robotics #UrbanTech #MoreVictories #AIForBetterLiving

Our 2023 Diversity & Inclusion in Scientific Computing (DISC) Unconference was a huge success! 36 DEI leaders from 13 countries developed 6 projects to foster inclusivity in open-source spaces! Learn more about how to use and contribute to these projects: https://hubs.la/Q02y0GTm0