Black Tech Unplugged - podcast cover

Black Tech Unplugged

Black Tech Unplugged by Deena McKayblacktechunplugged.com
Black Tech Unplugged, hosted by Deena McKay, is a podcast that shares the authentic stories of Blacks in tech. Not only do you learn the stories of individuals in tech, but you learn about their successes, failures, resources and most importantly the skills you need in your toolkit to be successful in tech. Each episode is meant to inspire, motivate, and empower those in tech or looking to get into the industry.
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Episodes

(Ep. 026) Mental Health Unplugged with Solome Tibebu

Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, I wanted to acknowledge the month with a tech + mental health discussion. Introducing Solome Tibebu, an investor (Launchpad Digital Health) and tech entrepreneur (Cognific) who is passionate about frontier technologies transforming digital health, equity and access, behavioral health and more. During episode 026, we discuss: * the stigma of mental health in the black community * how tech is improving mental health access, including startups that are cu...

May 28, 201935 min

(Ep. 025) Devin Jackson Unplugged

Have you met a developer, scrum master, and network professional before? Well that is exactly who Devin Jackson is, a man of many technical hats. On this episode, Brooklyn native - Devin Jackson walks you through his moment of taking a friend's recommendation of attending a boot camp to now trying to help fellow Black techies achieve their tech dreams. Join the waitlist for Mavens I/O: Black Women in Tech conference: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mavens-io-black-women-in-tech-2019-tickets-5909284...

May 07, 201937 min

(Ep. 024) Black Women Talk Tech Unplugged with Lauren Washington & Esosa Ighodaro

On episode 024 of Black Tech Unplugged I speak with the co-founders of Black Women Talk Tech. The women talk about how they met, what made them put the Black Women Talk Tech Conference together, and much more! Full show notes at: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2019/03/07/ep-024-esosa-ighodaro-lauren-washington-unplugged/

Mar 08, 201953 min

(Ep. 023) Tech Founder Unplugged with Sevetri Wilson

This tech rockstar took over the tech scene in 2018, but did you know she's been working hard on her business for over 10 years?! On episode 023 of Black Tech Unplugged I speak to Sevetri Wilson about her transfer into tech, how being a first generation college student taught her how to hustle early, and why trying to find funding while being a non-technical founder is for the birds. Connect with Sevetri Wilson at: instagram.com/sevetriwilson twitter.com/sevetriwilson Follow Black Tech Unplugged...

Feb 07, 201944 min

(Ep. 022) Deena + Friends Unplugged

What do you get when you put 2 techies, 2 marketers, a doctor, and a loan coordinator in a room? I mean you won't get much, but you'll damn sure get this podcast episode. On this episode me, my aunt, and my friends discuss why conferences need to PAY speakers, we attempt to define tech, and we talk about why kitten heels might not be the move (for some). Mixing tech with shade and references to housewives I deliver to you episode 022 of Black Tech Unplugged.

Jan 15, 201957 min

(Ep. 021) Network Engineering Unplugged with Du'An Lightfoot

Ep. 021 features Du'An Lightfoot, founder of Lab Everyday and network engineer. However, Du'An wasn't always a network engineer. He started his career working at the help desk and eventually advanced into networking through hardwork and perseverance. Never one to take his journey for granted that's why Du'An started Lab Everyday. He wants to help people who are interested in becoming a network engineer as well as help anyone who's in tech advance their career path. Check out the full show notes ...

Nov 13, 201841 min

(Ep. 020) Change Catalyst Unplugged with Wayne Sutton & Melinda Epler

Who thought a young serial entrepreneur from North Carolina and a former filmmaker would be join forces to combat the issue of diversity in tech? Well that's exactly what Melinda Epler and Wayne Sutton did when they created Change Catalyst and Tech Inclusion. In episode 020, Wayne & Melinda discuss their tech journey with me. We also discuss allyship and the importance of mental health while being in tech. Full show notes are available here: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2018/10/16/ep-020-w...

Oct 16, 201846 min

(Ep. 019) Zume Pizza Unplugged with Julia Collins

Who thought you could take robots, pizza, and a truck and change the food tech game? Well Julia Collins, co-founder of Zume Pizza did! And now you can hear about her business and how she created it on episode 019 of Black Tech Unplugged. Besides her business, Julia and I break down her transition into tech, her love for food, and everyone's favorite question.. HOW TO GET FUNDING! This is a definite can't miss episode. Full show notes are available here: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2018/09/25/...

Sep 25, 201847 min

(Ep. 018) #DisruptIndy Unplugged with Jeff Williams

Ep. 018 features Jeff Williams, co-founder of Be Nimble Ventures. Jeff speaks about Indy diversity event coming up, #DisruptIndy. We also discuss the tech ecosystems in Indy, Cincinnati, Dallas, & Austin. Most importantly we discuss how tech is not only changing the Indy business mindset, but making the city a place for foodies too! Full show notes here: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2018/09/11/ep-018-jeff-williams-unplugged/

Sep 11, 201837 min

(Ep. 017) diversiTECH Unplugged

I had the pleasure of attending the Chicago Anita B's diversiTECH Hiring Fair last week. So in honor of meeting so many people and speaking with the organizers I bring to you episode 017 Diversitech Hiring Fair Unplugged! I speak with the Chicago Anita B team who put the event together to give you some background on this unique event. I also speak to several women who's companies were sponsors of the event. Each C-suite woman spoke about how they got into tech and what characteristics they look ...

Aug 25, 201824 min

(Ep. 016) Blue1647 Unplugged with Emile Cambry

Episode of 16 of Black Tech Unplugged features Emile Cambry, Jr. Emile is a business professor, filmmaker, and social entrepreneur born, raised in Chicago. Mr. Cambry’s largest project to date was founding the technology and entrepreneurship incubator, BLUE1647, expanding to several different locations across the Midwest. Rounding out Mr. Cambry’s experiences include being named on Ebony Magazine’s Power 100, The Root Power 100, Chicago Crains Tech 50, a Top 100 Innovator in Chicago by the Chica...

Jul 30, 201856 min

(Ep. 015) Doctoral Tech Life wirh Dr. Jeremy Marguder- Waisome

Episode 15 of Black Tech Unplugged features Dr. Jeremy Magruder-Waisome. Dr. Waisome is a graduate of the University of Florida's (UF) Department of Civil & Coastal Engineering where she obtained her bachelors and masters of science and doctorate of philosophy degrees. She currently serves as Postdoctoral Associate in the Computer & Information Sciences & Engineering Department at UF and Project Manager of the National Science Foundation Broadening Participation in Computing Alliance...

Jul 11, 201848 min

(Ep. 014) Dr. Kortney Ziegler & Tiffany Mikell Unplugged

Episode of 14 of Black Tech Unplugged features two brilliant guests, Dr. Kortney Ziegler (Director of Research & Design) and Tiffany Mikell (Managing Director)of ZamLabs. ZaMLabs, Inc is an Idea to Seed Tech Incubator for Mad Scientists & Social Engineers. Their core area of focus is solving problems for the world's most marginalized communities. Their portfolio to-date includes Trans*H4CK, BlackStarLaunch (Sunset), AerialSpaces & Appolition. On this episode, Tiffany, Kortney, and I ...

Jun 27, 201840 min

(Ep. 013) Blockchain Unplugged with Antonio Brasse

Episode of 13 of Black Tech Unplugged features Antonio Brasse. Antonio is the founder and CEO of BlockQuake LLC, which will be the most regulatory friendly crypto. Antonio has experience in finance, operations, investments and technology audits. He holds a BS in Accounting and a BS in Computer Science. Being the technology auditor that understands the business has been very helpful in his career. Another important fact is that this is another LIVE episode! This time Black Tech Unplugged broadcas...

May 29, 201836 min

(Ep. 012) Starting Off Your Career in Tech with Camille Eddy

On episode 12 of Black Tech Unplugged I have the pleasure of interviewing Camille Eddy. Camille Eddy began working on advanced robotics during an internship at HP Inc’s headquarters in Palo Alto, California as a Machine Learning Intern. She continued to intern at X, formerly Google X, in their robotics initiative. And she is currently studying for a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Camille also speaks nationally on inclusion in the tech community and regularly writes on the topic. Fu...

Apr 25, 201846 min

(Ep. 011) Dawn Dickson Unplugged

On episode 11 of Black Tech Unplugged I chat with the phenomenal Dawn Dickson. Known as a serial entrepreneur by most, her journey in tech is something unique. As a woman who’s always stayed ahead of the curve you’ll truly enjoy listening to Dawn’s journey through the tech industry thus far. In this episode we discuss: • How Dawn went from the newsroom to the tech industry • About Dawn's first tech company • How to adapt when you are ahead of your time • How to stay learning no matter what • The...

Mar 27, 201847 min

(Ep. 010) Black Tech Week Unplugged with Felecia Hatcher-Pearson & Derick Pearson

On episode 10 of Black Tech Unplugged I chat with Felecia Hatcher-Pearson & Derick Pearson, husband/wife duo and creators of Black Tech Week (blacktechweek.com). Not only do we talk tech in this episode, but we also talk about how real life and tech truly correlate. Also, Derick & Felecia have created numerous businesses so of course we had to talk lessons and tips so future tech entrepreneurs can have an upper hand in the game! In this episode we discuss: • How Felecia & Derick got ...

Mar 13, 201857 min

(Ep. 009) Ebony Lee Unplugged (Live Episode from Black Tech Week)

On this very special episode of Black Tech Unplugged I chat with Ebony Lee, Senior Vice President of Strategic Development at Comcast Cable. Ebony provides business strategy, planning, and portfolio management for Comcast’s growth initiatives and strategic partnerships. In her role, Ebony works with internal and external partners to identify and evaluate new business ventures that can diversify and grow the business. Ebony joined Comcast in 2008 and was a founding team member of Comcast’s next g...

Feb 13, 201839 min

(Ep. 008) Digital Media Entrepreneurship with Fred Mwangaguhunga

On this episode of Black Tech Unplugged I chat with Fred Mwangaguhunga, founder of the infamous website mediatakeout. Yes that's right the owner of THAT gossip site we've all read a time or two. You're probably wondering why is the founder of mediatakeout on a tech podcast... Well there's more to Fred than you would ever know, but you're gonna learn today! With a JD/MBA in Law from Colombia University, accompanied by an intuitive knack for business, Fred Mwangaguhunga made his opening imprint in...

Jan 11, 20181 hr 25 min

(Ep. 007) Black Tech Women Unplugged

On this brand new episode of Black Tech Unplugged I had the pleasure of interviewing the women of Black Tech Women (BTW). If you haven't heard of the organization you are in for a treat! Black Tech Women began when founder, Anndrea Moore, saw a gap when it comes to diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Everyone wants to be inclusive, but they forgot a certain group of people... BLACK WOMEN. After going back and forth with the idea Anndrea made the leap and started Black Tech Women, which...

Nov 17, 201759 min

(Ep. 006) Innovate Inclusion Unplugged with Jessica Yamoah

On this episode of Black Tech Unplugged I am continuing with the theme of Diversity and Inclusion reporting. My featured guests are two lovely ladies from Toronto, Jessica Yamoah and Sarah Juma of Innovate Inclusion. Innovate Inclusion is a non-profit that advocates for the entrepreneurial success of underrepresented communities. They use an innovative approach to bring awareness and access to programs and services. In their diversity report, Jessica and Sarah are tackling the issue of diversity...

Oct 26, 201758 min

(Ep. 005) Black Tech Mecca Unplugged (Part 2)

On this bonus episode of Black Tech Unplugged I speak to Fabian Elliot and Dineo (Dee) Seakamela on a more personal note. In the first episode, we spoke about Black Tech Mecca and it's goals and mission. This episode we speak about them as individuals in the tech industry. This includes working together as a married couple. I did mention they were married right? Listen to their advice and tips for working with a spouse, how they got into tech and much more! Full show notes here: http://blacktech...

Oct 20, 201733 min

(Ep. 005) Black Tech Mecca Unplugged (Part 1)

On this episode of Black Tech Unplugged I have the pleasure of speaking with Fabian Elliot and Dineo (Dee) Seakamela, the co-founders of Black Tech Mecca. Black Tech Mecca’s mission is to ensure Black people are full participants in the global technology sector. BTM uses data to paint a clearer picture of Black participation in local tech ecosystems. Their goal is to democratize the tech sector, ecosystem by ecosystem. Find full show notes at: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2017/10/13/ep-05-blac...

Oct 12, 20171 hr

(Ep. 004) Innclusive Unplugged with Rohan Gilkes

Rohan Gilkes is a serial entrepreneur and co-founder/CEO of Innclusive, a platform that allows you to rent unique, local accommodations on any budget, anywhere in the world. Rohan also serves as a thought leader in customer acquisition and local inter-mediation, bringing seekers and providers of local services together using technology. He serves on the advisory board of a number of local startups and has developed and presented business case studies for Catholic University MBA program and North...

Sep 14, 201757 min

(Ep. 003) Paige & Paxton Unplugged with Kelley O. Williams

Kelley O. Williams is the co-creator of the Paige & Paxton Elementary STEM curriculum. While working for signature companies such as American Express and JPMorgan Chase, Kelley led nationally recognized STEM pipeline programs for girls and youth of color as one of the founding team members of the New York Chapter of Black Girls Code. She was also a lead member of the planning team for #YesWeCode youth hackathons, designed to expose middle and high school students to opportunities in computer...

Aug 10, 201742 min

(Ep. 002) The Plug Unplugged with Sherrell Dorsey

Episode 2 of Black Tech Unplugged features Sherrell Dorsey, a noted technology journalist and social entrepreneur. She is founder of the daily tech newsletter, ThePLUG, where she leads content strategy, business partnerships, and growth of the only newsletter dedicated to highlighting the significant voices of black founders and business leaders in the news. Full show notes: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2017/07/13/ep-02-black-tech-unplugged-sherrell-dorsey-unplugged/

Jul 13, 201747 min

(Ep. 001) Why Are We Here: Deena McKay Unplugged

The very first episode of Black Tech Unplugged is out! And what better way to learn more about the host than having her share her story? Jump right in and learn about Deena McKay, not only the woman behind this podcast, but also her journey as a Black women in tech. Full show notes: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2017/07/13/ep-01-deena-mckay-unplugged/

Jun 07, 201715 min

What is Black Tech Unplugged? : Black Tech Unplugged Trailer

What can you expect from Black Tech Unplugged and why it's going to be different than the podcast you've heard before! Follow Black Tech Unplugged on social media: Instagram: Instagram.com/blacktechunplugged Facebook: facebook.com/BlackTechUnplugged Twitter: twitter.com/Blktechunplged)

Jun 05, 20171 min
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