A Black History Month Tribute
Today we’d like to celebrate the stories of five brilliant black women in tech who have been guests on the Stayin’ Alive in Tech podcast. We have welcomed scientists, developers, founders, and authors; a designer and venture capitalist, a data analyst, a CEO, a woman who was one of the first black female programmers at IBM, and a woman on the forefront of an emerging industry, biomedical informatics.
One theme that all of these episodes have in common is a spirit of tenacity and a desire to encourage others, especially girls and young women, to embrace challenges, pursue the education or the career that interests them, and to not feel discouraged when they run into systemic or local problems. Even if they’re the only female or the only black person in the room, to know that there are entire networks out there to support you.
These women are not only advancing their fields, they are no-nonsense problem-solvers with stories to tell that inspire us all.
HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE MOMENTS with Jacqueline Harper, Sian Morson, Dr. Tiffani Bright, Paula Buchanan, and Dr. Roshawnna Novellus.
JACQUELINE HARPER
One of the first black female programmers at IBM
Jacqueline Harper has the kind of story that is rarely told and exactly what we’re trying to bring to light with this podcast. A black female programmer in the 1970s, she was asked to go home from her IBM job when she became pregnant with her first child. She then pushed herself to learn programming while also raising her family.
Her episode is a fan favorite and a must-listen.
SIAN MORSON
Start-up Founder, Author, Producer, and Investor
One of our Season 2 guests was Sian Morson, a woman who is an example of pursuing what you’re most passionate about. She’s written books, developed a beauty app, won awards for her contributions to tech, she is the CEO of Kollective Mobile, a mobile development agency, and is a limited partner and mentor for Backstage Capital, a dynamic seed-stage fund that focuses on underrepresented founders.
In this episode, she shares wonderful advice for founders, in particular underrepresented founders who are seeking funding.
DR. TIFFANI BRIGHT
Biomedical Informatician
Dr. Tiffani Bright, Ph.D., is the Biomedical Informatician Evaluation Team Lead at IBM Watson Health. Biomedical Informatics sits at the point where computational sciences, health/life sciences, and social sciences overlap. Dr. Bright is currently working to advance the science of AI and its application to major public health issues
She is also an ardent STEM advocate and uses her platform to advance diversity and inclusion in STEM education.
PAULA BUCHANAN
Writer, Researcher, Data Analytics and Visualization Consultant
Paula Buchanan, researcher and self-proclaimed data nerd, shares her passion for education, data, and lifelong learning. Paula’s goal is to make healthcare data accessible to the public so people are better equipped to make informed decisions.
Paula and Melinda explore how conquering the fear of failure and striving to learn more can be a driving force for women and people of color, and indeed anyone in the tech world.
DR. ROSHAWNNA NOVELLUS
Founder and CEO of EnrichHER
Dr. Roshawnna Novellus is the founder and CEO of EnrichHER, a platform that allows investors to lend directly to any woman-led business across the country. EnrichHER is built off of Roshawnna’s desire to equip women with the financing, confidence, and community support they need as business-owners. Hear how Roshawnna fights the biases that surround women and, as earlier guest Jacqueline Harper would be proud to see, does something about it.
