Microsoft’s Post

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

Well, now, it's that time of year. It's give them exposure to people who look like them time It's pour AI knowledge in to them time. It's watch them excel and soar time. It's hacktime. IBM + Black Girls Code Call for Code Hackathon It's #futuretechbosses time. #ibmvolunteers #techforgood #watsonx #skillsbuild #blackgirlscode

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! ✊🏾💻

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

Despite digital skills gaps that exist in the industry we are still seeing continuation of below par attitudes and opportunities for competent Black Technologists. A brain drain is now ensuing. How can we aim to be a world leading tech ecosystem if we can't get something as fundamental as this right? We MUST & CAN do better. https://lnkd.in/efMmcSZe

🌍 Celebrating Diversity in Tech: A Spotlight on Black Innovators in Software Development 💻 In an industry that thrives on innovation and creativity, it’s crucial that we recognize and celebrate the incredible contributions of Black professionals in software development. From coding new applications to shaping the future of technology, Black developers have always been at the forefront of driving change, solving complex problems, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Yet, despite their immense talent and impact, Black voices in tech have often been underrepresented. As we move towards a more inclusive future, it’s essential to spotlight the stories and achievements of Black developers who are making a difference. 🔹 Mentorship & Representation: Representation matters. By mentoring the next generation of tech leaders, we help break down barriers and ensure that more Black individuals have the support they need to thrive in software development. 🔹 Innovation & Impact: Black developers continue to create cutting-edge software solutions that shape industries—from finance and healthcare to entertainment and beyond. Their work impacts millions of lives, making technology more accessible and user-friendly for all. 🔹 Community & Collaboration: The tech community is stronger when we bring diverse perspectives to the table. Building networks of support, sharing knowledge, and collaborating with individuals from all walks of life helps fuel progress and innovation. As we move forward, let’s continue to lift up the voices and achievements of Black developers, ensuring that the future of software development is as inclusive, innovative, and impactful as possible. 🌟 #BlackInTech #DiversityInTech #SoftwareDevelopment #TechInnovation #InclusionMatters #BlackExcellence

Batman vs. Blackman: The Battle for Representation in Software Development As conversations surrounding diversity and inclusion in the tech industry continue to gain traction, the underrepresentation of Black software developers remains a pressing issue. This article delves into the disparities faced by Black software developers and explores the urgent need for transformative action to dismantle barriers and create a more equitable landscape. Understanding the Landscape The tech industry has long been plagued by a lack of diversity, with Black people consistently underrepresented in the workforce. According to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Black people make up only 9% of the software development workforce in the United States. This underrepresentation persists despite the growing number of Black people pursuing degrees in computer science. In fact, the number of Black graduates with bachelor's degrees in computer science has increased by over 30% in the past decade. However, systemic barriers and biases prevent many of these graduates from entering and succeeding in the software development field. Barriers to Entry Black software developers face a number of unique barriers that hinder their entry into the industry. These include: - Lack of access to mentorship and networking opportunities - Bias in hiring and promotion practices - Stereotypes and misconceptions about Black people's abilities in STEM fields - Exclusionary work environments These barriers create a cycle of underrepresentation that perpetuates itself over time. Without role models, mentors, and supportive work environments, Black software developers are less likely to pursue and succeed in this field. The Impact of Underrepresentation The underrepresentation of Black software developers has a significant impact on both the industry and society as a whole. It limits the diversity of thought and innovation, leading to software solutions that may not fully meet the needs of Black communities. Additionally, the lack of Black representation in software development reinforces harmful stereotypes and perpetuates the idea that STEM fields are not for Black people. This sends a negative message to young Black people who may be interested in pursuing careers in tech. The Path Forward To address the underrepresentation of Black software developers, transformative action is needed from both the industry and academia. This action must focus on: - Creating more mentorship and networking opportunities for Black software developers - Eliminating bias in hiring and promotion practices - Challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about Black people's abilities in STEM fields - Creating inclusive work environments that welcome and support Black software developers By taking these steps, we can create a more equitable and inclusive tech industry where Black software developers can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives...

It is very hard to describe what Black Tech Saturdays is doing because there is no precedent. There is no model to compare it to and say hey this is like… It’s so new and so refreshing that you really just have to go and you will understand why every week the amount of attendees increases substantially. There were almost 1000 people in attendance for the Womens Founder Takeover!!! Every single floor was activated at Newlab at Michigan Central thee entire building was alive. Alexa Turnage and Johnnie Turnage have founded a start up that is impacting the tech and start up scene immensely. They have created a direct pipeline for innovation, implementation, and scalability in the City of Detroit and Wayne County Michigan that can impact the entire Country. I get asked what has made BTS so succesful so fast. Even Wayne State University is researching this phenomenom with the help of Nakim Edmond. My answer is this… The only rule that is associated with Success is Consistency. And Black Tech Saturdays and everyone involved are extremely CONSISTENT.

https://lnkd.in/eE6Agq5A This Conference took place at the College of Cape Breton on May 17, 1977. The theme was to address the Systemic barriers Blacks faced in attaining post-secondary education. It was determined that Systemic Racism and intentional stream-lining Black student from General educational programs precluded them from applying or attending post-secondary educational institutions. institutions.https://https://lnkd.in/eE6Agq5A

Have you felt like you had to code switched to fit in? Be it at work or school/university? 👨🏾🎓 👩🏾🎓 Hear from this young man who felt he had to code switch at his first year of University. Being a young Black man from London he felt he had to change his personality in order to “fit in” with the community of York. 👨🏾🎓 It's essential to recognise that the pressure to code-switch can have both positive and negative effects. While it may help our community navigate social situations and access opportunities, it can also create a sense of inauthenticity and contribute to feelings of alienation or cultural disconnect. Efforts to create inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and embrace the Black community for who they are, without requiring them to conform to a particular mold, are crucial in addressing the underlying factors that lead to code-switching. Encouraging authenticity, valuing diverse perspectives, and fostering a sense of belonging can help mitigate the need for our community to code-switch in order to feel accepted. What are your thoughts? #tiktok via @denztalks #codeswitching #codeswitchpodcast #blackstudents #students #authenticity #authenticself #identity #codeswitch