Celebrating Black Women Tech Founders This Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month 2024 shines a spotlight on ‘Champions of Change,’ celebrating women who advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). 

This month-long observance in March honors the role of women in American history and acknowledges their ongoing efforts to create a more equitable world. 

This year’s theme particularly resonates with the tech industry, where women, especially Black women, are significantly underrepresented, undermined, and excluded. 

In this context, we have spotlighted some Black women in tech whose startups are breaking barriers, building bridges, and making the world a more equitable place.

Laura Weidman Powers – Code2040

Laura Weidman Powers co-founded Code2040 to directly tackle the underrepresentation of Black and Latine communities in tech. 

The organization’s approach offers education, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities, building a more inclusive future in technology.

Stephanie Lampkin – Blendoor

Stephanie Lampkin leveraged her tech expertise to develop Blendoor, an app combatting unconscious bias in hiring.

This platform levels the playing field by focusing on skills and merit rather than gender or racial profiles, promoting a more diverse and inclusive tech workforce.

Kaya Thomas – We Read Too

Kaya Thomas developed We Read Too to address the lack of diversity in literature. 

This mobile app showcases books written by authors of color and featuring characters of color, providing young readers with relatable stories and promoting diversity in literature from an early age.

Kimberly Bryant – Black Girls Code

Recognizing the gap in representation, Kimberly Bryant founded Black Girls Code, an organization enabling young African-American girls to become creators in technology.

Read: International Women’s Day - Can Tech Drive Equality For Women Of Color? 

Arlan Hamilton – Backstage Capital

Venture capitalist Arlan Hamilton established Backstage Capital, a fund focusing on startups led by underrepresented founders. 

Her work is pivotal in changing the venture capital landscape, traditionally dominated by a non-diverse demographic, leveling the playing field for women of color in tech.