Black Tech Unplugged

On episode 086 of Black Tech Unplugged, Deena chats with Justin E. Samuels, the visionary entrepreneur behind Render Atlanta Conference and a senior engineer at Intuit Mailchimp. We delve into the upcoming RenderATL event, discussing conference tracks, special guests, and even sharing a discount code for listeners. Justin also shares insights on his journey in tech, balancing work, entrepreneurship, and family, highlighting his commitment to diversity and innovation in the industry. Connect with Justin: • Website | Renderatl.com (Discount Code: 'BTU') • Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thugdebugger • Twitter | https://twitter.com/thugdebugger

Welcome to episode 85 of the pod! This episode features Gabrielle or maybe you know her as NoWaySheCodes, a tech-savvy girlie with a passion for coding and content creation. She has a degree in Computer Science and a knack for breaking down complex tech concepts. Gabbie has navigated her way through the ever-evolving landscape of technology. On this episode we discuss: * Why having a community in tech is reaally REALLY important and how Gabbie is creating space for women in tech * We discuss tech role transitions because the woman went from technical evangelist to software engineer to her current role as a product manager for the NBA * We discussed how to navigate bad managers and not let the mediocre management stop your bag or your career * Lastly she shares the best advice that she’s received so far due time being in tech Watch the full video interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7Q6ABtWXbPs Full show notes for this episode can be found here: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2024/04/15/ep-085-importance-of-tech-community-unplugged-with-gabrielle-crevecouer/ Connect with Gabbie: • Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nowayshecodes • Twitter | https://twitter.com/nowayshecodes

I'm excited to announce the new season of Black Tech Unplugged is now live! On this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Lisa G, a seasoned technologist with over 20 years of experience in the industry. We delved into her thriving career in tech, her journey from software engineering to product management, and her insights on the current tech landscape. Some of the key takeaways from our conversation: - Lisa shares her journey in the tech industry, from software engineer to product manager - Learn how she thrived in tech for over 20 years and her tips for staying ahead of the trends - Discover how You Are Tech can help you navigate the tech ecosystem and thrive in the industry. Listen to the full episode on Black Tech Unplugged and hear Lisa's authentic story in tech!

On this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, host Deena McKay sits down with the remarkable Kelli Jones, co-founder and general partner for Sixty8 Capital. They discuss Kelly's journey in tech, her work as a VC, and the importance of emotional intelligence in the industry. Plus, Deena shares some valuable resources for improving emotional intelligence. This is the last episode of the season, so catch up on all the previous episodes before the new season starts in 2024. Happy listening! Watch the full video interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4AeclPdrmhk?si=n5IKRoKBeNddh1Fn Full show notes (with links and resources): https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/11/16/ep-083-kelli-jones-unplugged/ Connect with Kelli: • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellinikole • Twitter | https://twitter.com/kellinikole • Be Nimble Co website | https://www.benimbleco.com • Sixty8 Capital website | https://www.sixty8.capital/

On this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, host Deena McKay interviews Trenton Dunn, the program manager for Think Chicago at World Business Chicago. This live podcast episode was recorded at GET Exploration, an event that showcased Chicago-based tech professionals and companies. Trenton discusses his role in attracting and retaining STEM talent through events like Think Chicago Lollapalooza. He also shares insights on Chicago's tech industry. Don't miss this unique and informative conversation! Connect with Trent & ThinkChicago: • Trent's LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/trentonrd/ • Think Chicago Website | www.thinkchicago.net • ThinkChicago Instagram |https://www.instagram.com/think_chicago • ThinkChicago Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thinkchicago/ • Think Chicago Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/thinkchicago Full show notes here: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/10/31/ep-082-trenton-dunn-unplugged

On this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, host Deena McKay interviews Vernon Richards, a UK powerhouse in the tech industry. Vernon shares his journey from testing video games to becoming a senior expert quality engineer at a health tech company. He discusses the importance of quality and testing in building better products and delivering effective services. Vernon also provides valuable advice and resources for testers or those interested in pursuing a career in testing. Tune in to gain insights from Vernon's 20-plus year career in tech. Full show notes at: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/10/21/ep-081-vernon-richards-unplugged/ Connect with Vernon: • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/vernonrichards/ • Twitter | https://twitter.com/TesterFromLeic • Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/testerfromleic.bsky.social

In this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, host Deena McKay, chats with Ariel Lopez. Ariel is the Founder and CEO of Knac, a hiring platform that reduces bias in the application process and a known tech mover in Atlanta. On this episode we discuss Atlanta's booming tech ecosystem, the city's connection to capital, and Ariel's previous career as a career coach and tech recruiter. Also, Ariel offers valuable advice on navigating a tech career during challenging times. Tune in to hear Ariel's insights on the future of work and making the job search more human. Full show notes at: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/10/02/ep-080-ariel-lopez-unplugged/ Connect with Ariel: • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-lopez/ • Twitter | https://twitter.com/ArielLopez__ • Instagram | https://www. instagram.com/ariellopez__xo • Personal website | www.arieldlopez.com • Knac | www.knac.io

On episode 079 of Black Tech Unplugged, I chat with Shayna Atkins, founder of AtkCo and a product development expert. AtkCo is a process improvement firm that helps customers with innovative product design, management, training, and managed services. Shayna and I discuss agile and its significance in the tech industry, her work in driving innovation and workforce development, how to be seen in the workplace, and why it's important to be known in the workplace. Like what you hear? Leave a written review of the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-tech-unplugged/id1244622242 Full show notes for this episode: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/09/12/ep-079-shayna-atkins-unplugged/ Connect with Shayna & AtkCo: • Atkco Inc Contact Page | atk.co/contactus • Atkco Inc Career Page | atk.co/careers • Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaynaatkins • Instagram | https://instagram.com/shaynaatkins

In this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, host Deena McKay welcomes Rodney Williams, founder of Solo Funds, to discuss the peer-to-peer lending platform and its mission to provide an alternative to payday loans. Rodney shares how Solo Funds connects individuals with lenders and has redefined access to capital for over 1.5 million users. Tune in to learn more about this innovative approach to community finance. Find out more about Solo Funds: https://solofunds.com/ Get the Solo Funds App via the Apple Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/solo-funds-lend-borrow/id1270164837) or Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.solofunds&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1) Full show notes for this episode: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/08/29/ep-078-rodney-williams-unplugged/ Write an Apple Podcast review for the show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-tech-unplugged/id1244622242

On this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, host Deena McKay interviews William A. Adams, an award-winning D&I innovator, engineering trailblazer, and philanthropist. With over 35 years of experience in software engineering and as one of the first Black entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley, William shares his journey and accomplishments. He discusses his role as the first technical advisor to the CTO of Microsoft and his creation of the LEAP program, which has revolutionized access to jobs and careers for underserved communities. Tune in to hear William's inspiring story and his insights on techquity. Full show notes here: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/08/15/ep-077-william-a-adams-unplugged/ _____________________________________ Vote for the SXSW Panel: https://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/134445 _____________________________________ Connect with William A. Adams: • Email: requests@william-a-adams.net • Website | http://william-a-adams.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thewilliamaadams • Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/WilliamAAdamsWAAV • Twitter | https://twitter.com/LeapToTech • Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thewilliamaadams/ • YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@waavstudio9960 ______________________________________ Follow BTU on social: • YouTube | YouTube.com/@blacktechunplugged • Twitter | twitter.com/blktechunplged • Instagram | instagram.com/blacktechunplugged • Facebook |facebook.com/blacktechunplugged • Linkedin | www.linkedin.com/blacktechunplugged • Email | blacktechunplugged@gmail.com

On a new episode of Black Tech Unplugged, Dr. Kalia Braswell joins host Deena McKay to discuss her career in the tech industry. Dr. Braswell, an accomplished technologist, educator, and researcher, shares her educational background, including her degrees in computer science, information technology, and education. Dr. KB discusses her PhD research on increasing the participation of black girls in tech. She also talks about her experiences at Apple and the importance of using technology for social change. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and write reviews for Black Tech Unplugged! —————————————————————— Connect with Khalia Braswell: • Twitter | https://www.twitter.com/khaliabraswell • Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drkhaliabraswell ______________________________________ Follow BTU on social: • YouTube | YouTube.com/unplugged • Twitter | twitter.com/blktechunplged • Instagram | instagram.com/blacktechunplugged • Facebook |facebook.com/blacktechunplugged • Linkedin | www.linkedin.com/blacktechunplugged • Email | blacktechunplugged@gmail.com

In this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, Deena McKay interviews senior developer advocate Nancy Gariché about application security. We discuss the different roles in the tech industry and how to build & impact community, even if you aren’t an influencer or have a brand. Nancy also shares insights about bridging the gap between security researchers, developers, and open source maintainers. You can find the full video version of the episode on YouTube (YouTube.com/blacktechunplugged) ——————————————————————— Connect with Nancy: • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancygariche ______________________________________ Follow BTU on social: • YouTube | YouTube.com/unplugged • Twitter | twitter.com/blktechunplged • Instagram | instagram.com/blacktechunplugged • Facebook |facebook.com/blacktechunplugged • Linkedin | www.linkedin.com/blacktechunplugged • Email | blacktechunplugged@gmail.com

In this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, I interview cybersecurity professional Henri Davis, also known as HD from the YouTube channel Techtual Chatter and host of the Techtual Talk podcast. We discuss topics such as cybersecurity, finding a job in tech, navigating a layoff, and the importance of taking a placeholder role until you get to the role that you want. Henri also shares his experience in highlighting Black people in tech and helping them pivot into new technology careers. Full show notes for this episode can be found on blacktechunplugged.com, and the extended interview is available on the Black Tech Unplugged YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/blacktechunplugged) ______________________________________ Follow Henri Davis: • Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/techtualchatter/ • Youtube | https://youtube.com/techtualchatter • TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@techtualchatter • Twitter | https://twitter.com/TechtualChatter • Website | https://thetechtualtalk.com ______________________________________ Follow Black Tech Unplugged on social: • YouTube | https://www.YouTube.com/blacktechunplugged • Instagram | https://www. instagram.com/blacktechunplugged • Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/blacktechunplugged • Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/blacktechunplugged • Twitter | https://www.twitter.com/blktechunplged • Email | blacktechunplugged@gmail.com

Chris Witherspoon is a multi-faceted man. He’s a son, father, entertainment reporter and Founder. On this episode of the podcast I am focused on the Founder side of Chris. This man is taking your tv and movie watching experience to another level with his app, Pop Viewers. Download PopViewers (only available for iPhone): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/popviewers-movies-tv/id1367192101 Listen as we dissect why his app Pop Viewers is a game changer and his journey as a founder. We talk about everything a Founder does from building teams to raising the funds. _________________________________________ Connect with Chris: • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriswitherspoon • Instagram | https://instagram.com/witherspoonc • Twitter | https://twitter.com/witherspoonc ______________________________________ Follow Black Tech Unplugged on social: • YouTube | https://www.YouTube.com/blacktechunplugged • Instagram | https://www. instagram.com/blacktechunplugged • Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/blacktechunplugged • Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/blacktechunplugged • Twitter | https://www.twitter.com/blktechunplged • Email | blacktechunplugged@gmail.com

As a person in tech, have you ever dreamed of having a roundtable discussion with your peers where you have an honest, candid conversation about your experiences? Well grab your tea because that is exactly what this episode is giving. On episode 072, I sit down with the creator of the drama series, Frame of Reference (a series about a young highly competitive Black CTO), the lead actor, and a real CTO to talk about life in tech, impostor syndrome in the workplace, and how being Black in work spaces affects us. Full show notes for this episode can be found at: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/03/09/ep-072-art-imitating-life/ This episode is brought to you by Founding in Color Season 2 out on Peacock now. Eleven founders get candid about their journey as Black and Latino founders in America today. Watch all 3 episodes in the series here: https://lift.comcast.com/founding-in-color/ ____________________________________ Connect with Kachelle: • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/watzsprod • Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thewatzsprod/ Connect with Edmond: • Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/edmdond_laryea_ • Twitter | https://www.twitter.com/edmond_laryea_ Connect with Leslie: • Medium| https://shaft.medium.com/ • Twitter | https://www.twitter.com/shaft ______________________________________ Follow Black Tech Unplugged on social: • YouTube | https://www.YouTube.com/blacktechunplugged • Instagram | https://www. instagram.com/blacktechunplugged • Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/blacktechunplugged • Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/blacktechunplugged • Twitter | https://www.twitter.com/blktechunplged • Email | blacktechunplugged@gmail.com

Is founder an inclusive term? According to my guest, Marcus Jimenez, the answer is no. But to find out why you’ll have to listen to the episode. But while I’m here, let me introduce Marcus, Founder of the BreeFly App & one of the stars in Founding in Color Season 2 on Peacock. He joins be on episode 071 to talk about his career journey as an entrepreneur, his current business the BreeFly App, & why data + insights is the only way businesses can win. This episode is brought to you by Founding in Color Season 2 out on Peacock now. Eleven founders get candid about their journey as Black and Latino founders in America today. Watch all 3 episodes in the series here: https://lift.comcast.com/founding-in-color/ ____________________________________ Connect with Marcus : • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusjimenez • Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/marcusjimenez ______________________________________ Follow Black Tech Unplugged on social: • Twitter | https://www.twitter.com/blktechunplged • Instagram | https://www. instagram.com/blacktechunplugged • Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/blacktechunplugged • Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/blacktechunplugged • Email | blacktechunplugged@gmail.com • YouTube | https://www.YouTube.com/blacktechunplugged

At some point I think we've all wondered what goes on in the mind of a recruiter? Lucky for you, Yasmine Hill allows me to live out our dreams. On this episode I talk with Yaz, a technical sourcer at Uber, about all things tech recruiting. We chat about her career journey from theater major to recruiter, what she looks for when sourcing candidates, and most importantly she shares advice on how to grab a tech recruiters attention. Don't walk, run to this new episode and bring your notebook. ALSO, BTU has some new partnerships for Black History Month. Find out who I'm partnered with and hear about our new content and events. ____________________________________ Connect with Yaz: • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasminen ______________________________________ Follow BTU on social: • Twitter | twitter.com/blktechunplged • Instagram | instagram.com/blacktechunplugged • Facebook |facebook.com/blacktechunplugged • Linkedin | www.linkedin.com/blacktechunplugged • Email | blacktechunplugged@gmail.com

I've met many people who's journey leaves me speechless, but this dude right here is literally a badass. Met Tariq King, VP of Product-Service Systems at EPAM, but more importantly a man who learned how to code at 3 years old (yup you read that right). A man who is also a thought leader, published author, and international keynote who can talk for hours about software testing, artificial intelligence, AI & more. On this episode we break down his career trajectory (this man has tried a lot of roles so come learn about what you can potentially do), what it means to be a VP at a global company, and share in our passion of the latest tech with our discussion around 2023 tech trends. ____________________________________ Connect with Tariq: • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/tariqking • Twitter | https://twitter.com/tariq_king ______________________________________ Follow BTU on social: • Twitter | twitter.com/blktechunplged • Instagram | instagram.com/blacktechunplugged • Facebook |facebook.com/blacktechunplugged • Linkedin | www.linkedin.com/blacktechunplugged • Email | blacktechunplugged@gmail.com ____________________________________ Get Career Coaching From Deena: • https://calendly.com/deena-m-mckay/15min

It's officially 2023 and boy have things changed! Listen to my solo episode detailing my transitions as well as providing you with advice and tips as a result of my journey. I touch on how to get a new job, interviewing, how to look good in the first 30 days of a new job, and also I give a few predictions of what I think tech will look like in 2023. Full show notes for this episode: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/01/17/ep-068-where-am-i-now-deena-mckay-unplugged/ Interested in receiving career coaching from Deena? Schedule an initial intake and answer a few questions: https://calendly.com/deena-m-mckay/15min Connect with Deena: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deena_mckay Twitter: https://twitter.com/deenamckay Website: https://www.deenamckay.com ————————————————————————- Stay Connected with Black Tech Unplugged: Instagram: instagram.com/blacktechunplugged Twitter: twitter.com/blktechunplged Facebook: facebook.com/blacktechunplugged Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/blacktechunplugged Email: blacktechunplugged@gmail.com ————————————————————————- Use the hashtag #BlackTechUnplugged on IG & Twitter to discuss this & other episodes!

It's the crossover episode you didn't know you needed yall! On this episode of Black Tech Unplugged I'm joined by the ladies of the Modern Figures Podcast (modernfigurespodcast.com) and we talk about their careers in academia. And let me tell you, they do A LOT. You think a professor is only teaching students, well that's only 20%-30%! Listen to the episode now to find out what professors do with the other 80%-70% of their time. And also listen to learn more about the modern figures podcast and why you should listen to it today. Listen to my crossover episode on their podcast now! | https://modernfigurespodcast.com/blacktechunplugged-crossover-episode-episode-056/?fbclid=PAAaaHRaM1ptOFyNjFxNOmyU6dWNPgz_k1X66uL87A7lpHCTu5TWOmhywCIE4 ______________________________________________________________ Connect with Jeremy, Kyla, and Modern Figures Podcast: • Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/modernfigurespodcast • Websites| https://www.modernfigurespodcast.com ______________________________________________________________ Follow BTU on social: • Twitter | twitter.com/blktechunplged • Instagram | instagram.com/blacktechunplugged • Facebook |facebook.com/blacktechunplugged • Linkedin | www.linkedin.com/blacktechunplugged • Email | blacktechunplugged@gmail.com ______________________________________________________________ Get Career Coaching From Deena: • https://calendly.com/deena-m-mckay/15min