My journey has been an unconventional one. I started in the financial industry and became a chief compliance officer, but always had an interest in technology which caused my transition into cybersecurity and published my first book, CatPhish Recipes: Your Cybersecurity Guide to Securing Your Home and Business.
My interest in tech morphed into a passion for economic equality and creating opportunities for women in emerging tech. As an enthusiast, I’ve witnessed the challenges that women face in the industry. Knowing that diversity is important, I’ve taken on the passion to create a better future for the next generation of women.
Growing up I paid close attention to Silicon Valley, the major players, the what, the who and the how. One thing was always consistent: the lack of women leaders, not to mention the scarce reality that people that look like me were not given a chance to be part of that echo chamber. Something like that would make others look away but having often been the first or the only black woman in these spaces, I took it as a challenge to try to disrupt and break whatever underlining barrier was put into place.
That’s why when I was introduced to blockchain in 2015, my first interest was to find out how many people in my circle even knew about this technology. Around that time I did not encounter many diverse women. But three years later more women jumped into this space and I felt it was the right time to create a safe space and launch Black Women Blockchain Council. We have gone on to provide educational pathways and other opportunities and have annually hosted the International Women of Blockchain conference with the goal of celebrating and centering women in emerging tech.
Along my journey, I’ve partnered with Code.org to educate the younger generation about blockchain and have received recognition in Cointelegraph’s “10 Women Who Used Crypto to Make a Difference in 2021”, Wirex’s “Rising Women in Crypto Power List for 2021.” and most recently the Top 20 women crypto leaders in 2023 by Whizlabs.
My passion will always be to create a space for diversity and advocating for more women to jump into all emerging tech, whether it is blockchain, metaverse or AI. We need as many people at the table as possible. This is the only way we can create a true future for all.
Through my work and passion I’ve been privileged to meet so many women who are not only creating space, but who are pioneers, innovators and champions of these emerging technologies. Women create the community for tech to move forward.
I’m honored to be part of the editorial board of Women of The Future and moving to recognize and empower more women in tech.
