Black Tech Unplugged

Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, I wanted to acknowledge the month with a tech + mental health discussion. Introducing Solome Tibebu, an investor (Launchpad Digital Health) and tech entrepreneur (Cognific) who is passionate about frontier technologies transforming digital health, equity and access, behavioral health and more. During episode 026, we discuss: * the stigma of mental health in the black community * how tech is improving mental health access, including startups that are currently doing the work * how to support a friend or family member with mental health issues Links: Black Tech Unplugged Live Event: blacktechunpluggedlive.evenbrite.com ReThink Behavioral Health Innovation Newsletter: http://rethinkbhi.com Solome's Twitter: https://twitter.com/solometibebu Full episode show notes: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2019/05/28/ep-026-solome-tibebu-unplugged/

Have you met a developer, scrum master, and network professional before? Well that is exactly who Devin Jackson is, a man of many technical hats. On this episode, Brooklyn native - Devin Jackson walks you through his moment of taking a friend's recommendation of attending a boot camp to now trying to help fellow Black techies achieve their tech dreams. Join the waitlist for Mavens I/O: Black Women in Tech conference: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mavens-io-black-women-in-tech-2019-tickets-59092841279?aff=ebdssbdestsearch Black Tech Unplugged live event tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-tech-unplugged-presents-2-year-anniversary-live-show-tickets-61403815465 Full show notes here: blacktechunplugged.com/2019/05/07/ep-025-devin-jackson-unplugged/

On episode 024 of Black Tech Unplugged I speak with the co-founders of Black Women Talk Tech. The women talk about how they met, what made them put the Black Women Talk Tech Conference together, and much more! Full show notes at: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2019/03/07/ep-024-esosa-ighodaro-lauren-washington-unplugged/

This tech rockstar took over the tech scene in 2018, but did you know she's been working hard on her business for over 10 years?! On episode 023 of Black Tech Unplugged I speak to Sevetri Wilson about her transfer into tech, how being a first generation college student taught her how to hustle early, and why trying to find funding while being a non-technical founder is for the birds. Connect with Sevetri Wilson at: instagram.com/sevetriwilson twitter.com/sevetriwilson Follow Black Tech Unplugged: instagram.com/blacktechunplugged facebook.com/blacktechunplugged twitter.com/blktechunplged Full show notes at: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2019/02/07/ep-023-sevetri-wilson-unplugged/

What do you get when you put 2 techies, 2 marketers, a doctor, and a loan coordinator in a room? I mean you won't get much, but you'll damn sure get this podcast episode. On this episode me, my aunt, and my friends discuss why conferences need to PAY speakers, we attempt to define tech, and we talk about why kitten heels might not be the move (for some). Mixing tech with shade and references to housewives I deliver to you episode 022 of Black Tech Unplugged.

Ep. 021 features Du'An Lightfoot, founder of Lab Everyday and network engineer. However, Du'An wasn't always a network engineer. He started his career working at the help desk and eventually advanced into networking through hardwork and perseverance.  Never one to take his journey for granted that's why Du'An started Lab Everyday. He wants to help people who are interested in becoming a network engineer as well as help anyone who's in tech advance their career path. Check out the full show notes here:

Who thought a young serial entrepreneur from North Carolina and a former filmmaker would be join forces to combat the issue of diversity in tech? Well that's exactly what Melinda Epler and Wayne Sutton did when they created Change Catalyst and Tech Inclusion. In episode 020, Wayne & Melinda discuss their tech journey with me. We also discuss allyship and the importance of mental health while being in tech. Full show notes are available here: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2018/10/16/ep-020-wayne-sutton-melinda-epler-unplugged/

Who thought you could take robots, pizza, and a truck and change the food tech game? Well Julia Collins, co-founder of Zume Pizza did! And now you can hear about her business and how she created it on episode 019 of Black Tech Unplugged. Besides her business, Julia and I break down her transition into tech, her love for food, and everyone's favorite question.. HOW TO GET FUNDING! This is a definite can't miss episode. Full show notes are available here: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2018/09/25/ep-019-julia-collins-unplugged/

Ep. 018 features Jeff Williams, co-founder of Be Nimble Ventures. Jeff speaks about Indy diversity event coming up, #DisruptIndy. We also discuss the tech ecosystems in Indy, Cincinnati, Dallas, & Austin. Most importantly we discuss how tech is not only changing the Indy business mindset, but making the city a place for foodies too! Full show notes here: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2018/09/11/ep-018-jeff-williams-unplugged/

I had the pleasure of attending the Chicago Anita B's diversiTECH Hiring Fair last week. So in honor of meeting so many people and speaking with the organizers I bring to you episode 017 Diversitech Hiring Fair Unplugged! I speak with the Chicago Anita B team who put the event together to give you some background on this unique event. I also speak to several women who's companies were sponsors of the event. Each C-suite woman spoke about how they got into tech and what characteristics they look for when hiring. Most importantly everyone talks about why being black in tech is important!

Episode of 16 of Black Tech Unplugged features Emile Cambry, Jr. Emile is a business professor, filmmaker, and social entrepreneur born, raised in Chicago. Mr. Cambry’s largest project to date was founding the technology and entrepreneurship incubator, BLUE1647, expanding to several different locations across the Midwest. Rounding out Mr. Cambry’s experiences include being named on Ebony Magazine’s Power 100, The Root Power 100, Chicago Crains Tech 50, a Top 100 Innovator in Chicago by the Chicago Tribune, Techweek 100, and a 40 Game Changer Under the Age of 40 awarded by Verizon Wireless, and awarded the Community Service Award by the South by Southwest Conference.  On this episode Emile & I discuss: • How he took an unemployment office and turned it into a tech incubator • His experience with working with his wife Kelley O. Cambry (hint: you can hear her story on episode 003) • How he met his co-founder, Antonio, on Twitter • Why a lack of resources can't stop a dream • Ways we can push the people who are

Episode 15 of Black Tech Unplugged features Dr. Jeremy Magruder-Waisome. Dr. Waisome is a graduate of the University of Florida's (UF) Department of Civil & Coastal Engineering where she obtained her bachelors and masters of science and doctorate of philosophy degrees. She currently serves as Postdoctoral Associate in the Computer & Information Sciences & Engineering Department at UF and Project Manager of the National Science Foundation Broadening Participation in Computing Alliance: Institute for African-American Mentoring in Computing Sciences (iAAMCS, pronounced "I Am CS"). She works in the Human Experience Research Lab with Dr. Juan E. Gilbert, where she conducts research on broadening participation in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computing. On the episode Jeremy and I discuss: • Her unexpected path into tech • How science and tech are alike yet different • Why talented Black techies can go unnoticed • The NSBC conference in New Orleans August  See full show notes here: If you en

Episode of 14 of Black Tech Unplugged features two brilliant guests, Dr. Kortney Ziegler (Director of Research & Design) and Tiffany Mikell (Managing Director)of ZamLabs. ZaMLabs, Inc is an Idea to Seed Tech Incubator for Mad Scientists & Social Engineers.  Their core area of focus is solving problems for the world's most marginalized communities. Their portfolio to-date includes Trans*H4CK, BlackStarLaunch (Sunset), AerialSpaces & Appolition. On this episode, Tiffany, Kortney, and I discuss: • The Black Techie movement • How they got into tech • The unique way they met each other & decided to be co-founders • How having no money in the bank doesn't stop the show & much more! Full show notes here: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2018/06/27/ep-014-tiffany-mikell-dr-kortney-ziegler-unplugged/ Don't forget to take the listener survey and provide me your feedback! Survey link: http://bit.ly/2KjL8vN

Episode of 13 of Black Tech Unplugged features Antonio Brasse. Antonio is the founder and CEO of BlockQuake LLC, which will be the most regulatory friendly crypto. Antonio has experience in finance, operations, investments and technology audits. He holds a BS in Accounting and a BS in Computer Science. Being the technology auditor that understands the business has been very helpful in his career. Another important fact is that this is another LIVE episode! This time Black Tech Unplugged broadcasted live from Propelify (propelify.com) on May 17th. On the episode Antonio and I discuss: • What is cryptocurrency and blockchain • How Antonio got started as an IT auditor • Why networking is very important • Lessons from trying to begin a startup And you’ll hear from a few special guests too! Full show notes can be found at https://blacktechunplugged.com/2018/05/29/ep-013-antonio-brasse-unplugged/ If you enjoy Black Tech Unplugged, leave a review & rating over on Apple Podcasts (http://ApplePodcasts.com/BlackTec

On episode 12 of Black Tech Unplugged I have the pleasure of interviewing Camille Eddy. Camille Eddy began working on advanced robotics during an internship at HP Inc’s headquarters in Palo Alto, California as a Machine Learning Intern. She continued to intern at X, formerly Google X, in their robotics initiative. And she is currently studying for a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Camille also speaks nationally on inclusion in the tech community and regularly writes on the topic. Furthermore, she enjoys volunteering for STEM advocacy organizations for young girls and students. On the episode Camille Eddy and I discuss: • Tips to get an internship • How to make your LinkedIn profile POP • Her tips for networking • Why her blog isn't the typical tech blog Full show notes at: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2018/04/25/696/ If you enjoy Black Tech Unplugged, leave a review & rating over on Apple Podcasts (itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/black…ged/id1244622242)!

On episode 11 of Black Tech Unplugged I chat with the phenomenal Dawn Dickson. Known as a serial entrepreneur by most, her journey in tech is something unique. As a woman who’s always stayed ahead of the curve you’ll truly enjoy listening to Dawn’s journey through the tech industry thus far. In this episode we discuss: • How Dawn went from the newsroom to the tech industry • About Dawn's first tech company • How to adapt when you are ahead of your time • How to stay learning no matter what • The art of networking and connecting with others And much more! If you are enjoying Black Tech Unplugged, leave a review & rating over on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/black-tech-unplugged/id1244622242)! See full show notes here: blacktechunplugged.com/2018/03/27/episode-11-dawn-dickson-unplugged/

On episode 10 of Black Tech Unplugged I chat with Felecia Hatcher-Pearson & Derick Pearson, husband/wife duo and creators of Black Tech Week (blacktechweek.com). Not only do we talk tech in this episode, but we also talk about how real life and tech truly correlate. Also, Derick & Felecia have created numerous businesses so of course we had to talk lessons and tips so future tech entrepreneurs can have an upper hand in the game! In this episode we discuss: • How Felecia & Derick got into the tech game • The evolution of the Miami Tech scene • Why there's more to teaching people tech skills then just tech • The difference between front-end and back-end And much more! If you are enjoying Black Tech Unplugged, head over to Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/black-tech-unplugged/id1244622242) and leave a rating and review! See full show notes for more details: blacktechunplugged.com/2018/03/13/ep-10-felecia-hatcher-pearson-derick-pearson-unplugged/

On this very special episode of Black Tech Unplugged I chat with Ebony Lee, Senior Vice President of Strategic Development at Comcast Cable. Ebony provides business strategy, planning, and portfolio management for Comcast’s growth initiatives and strategic partnerships. In her role, Ebony works with internal and external partners to identify and evaluate new business ventures that can diversify and grow the business. Ebony joined Comcast in 2008 and was a founding team member of Comcast’s next generation X1 platform. She also handled business affairs for the innovation technology joint venture between Comcast and Verizon Wireless. Ebony holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BS in Commerce from the University of Virginia. You're probably wondering why this episode is very special. Well it was Black Tech Unplugged's FIRST live episode *insert happy dance*. Shout out to Black Tech Week for the opportunity! See full show notes here: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2018/02/13/ep-09-ebony-lee-unplugged/

On this episode of Black Tech Unplugged I chat with Fred Mwangaguhunga, founder of the infamous website mediatakeout. Yes that's right the owner of THAT gossip site we've all read a time or two. You're probably wondering why is the founder of mediatakeout on a tech podcast... Well there's more to Fred than you would ever know, but you're gonna learn today! With a JD/MBA in Law from Colombia University, accompanied by an intuitive knack for business, Fred Mwangaguhunga made his opening imprint in the work force by holding a paramount position as an attorney in the fast paced world of Wall Street. Today he is a New Media Digital Entrepreneur and has been touted as a “rising star,” by The New York Times.  Listen as Fred takes us through his entrepreneurial journey and delivers breathtaking advice about how to be successful. Also, you'll find out why I consider him part of tech. This episode is brought to you by Black Tech Week. Black Tech Week is the leading conference for Black Tech Professionals taking place

On this brand new episode of Black Tech Unplugged I had the pleasure of interviewing the women of Black Tech Women (BTW). If you haven't heard of the organization you are in for a treat! Black Tech Women began when founder, Anndrea Moore, saw a gap when it comes to diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Everyone wants to be inclusive, but they forgot a certain group of people... BLACK WOMEN. After going back and forth with the idea Anndrea made the leap and started Black Tech Women, which now supports 1400 women nationwide. Listen to the story of how BTW was started, what value BTW brings to Black women in tech, and learn how mentorship is important to all these ladies. Also shout out to this episodes sponsor Queens Brunch (http://queensbrunch.com/). Their next event the #GlowUp is a can't miss in Chicago and you definitely need to check it out (http://queensbrunch.com/theglowup/). Grab your ticket with special promo code 'blacktechunplugged'. See full show notes: http://blacktechunplugged.com/2017