Tech Unlocked

In this episode, Grace shares some personal updates about her life and the podcast. Also, as we wrap up Women's History Month in the United States, she shares five of her favorite tech podcasts hosted/co-hosted by some incredible women in tech.

Only 13% of the US workforce is passionate about their jobs based on a study by Deloitte. So how does one find what they are good at and passionate about? Today on the podcast, we revisit an early episode from season one of the podcast with Tiana Davis Kara, Executive Director for BUILT BY GIRLS. She shares her non-traditional path into tech and how she found a passion for preparing the next generation of female tech leaders.

Tiana Davis Kara (she/her), advocate for the future female workforce, is currently Executive Director for BUILT BY GIRLS. She oversees strategic direction and brand development for the social impact brand; furthering its mission to equip the next generation of female and nonbinary tech leaders, builders and creators. Previously she worked with Black Girls CODE developing strategic brand partnerships that furthered the organization's efforts to increase STEM education opportunities for girls of color. With more than a decode of marketing experience, she's led creative collaborations and built cultural relevance for major global brands in tech and retail.

What you will learn:

-How to determine your passion in tech.

-Code-switching vs bringing your authentic self to work.

-What Gen Zs are looking for in a tech company

-What is the mission of BUILT BY GIRLS

-What is the role of an Executive Director

Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips:

Website

Substack

Twitter

Instagram

Connect with Tiana Davis Kara:

Website: https://www.builtbygirls.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tianawanda?lang=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianadaviskara

Connect with Grace:

Twitter

LinkedIn

Deloitte Study: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/topics/talent/future-workforce-engagement-in-the-workplace.html

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Tag us @techunlockedpod on Instagram or Twitter too! Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]

If you've been on social media lately chances are you have heard ALOT about cryptocurrency and Bitcoin. So what's the big deal about cryptocurrency and why should you pay attention to it now? In this episode, Grace chats with professor Tonya Evans who is a Professor of Law at Penn State Dickinson Law School about the basics of cryptocurrency, the technology that powers it, and why it is important for folks in Black/Brown communities to learn about it now.

Tonya M. Evans, Esquire, is Visiting Full Professor of Law at Penn State Dickinson Law School. Prior to Dickinson Law, Professor Evans served as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Law at the University of New Hampshire School of Law, where she created and directed the school's Blockchain, Cryptocurrency & Law online professional certificate program and developed its world-class instructor pool and curriculum. She is also the former Chair of the Intellectual Property & Technology Online Programs.

Professor Evans has expertise in the areas of intellectual property, new technologies (including blockchain and distributed ledger technology), entrepreneurship & innovation (including advisor to startups), entertainment law, trusts & estates, and municipal finance. She writes, speaks, and teaches primarily about the intersections of copyright and new technologies, blockchain and the law, and trusts and estates.

Professor Evans is a graduate of Northwestern University (Dean's List) and Howard University School of Law (cum laude). She also served as the Howard Law Journal editor-in-chief. She is licensed to practice law in PA, NJ, NY and DC.

What you will learn:

• The Who, What, When, Why, and Where of cryptocurrency
• Why Black and Brown communities need to pay attention to cryptocurrency
• Why Bitcoin is legal in some countries and banned in others
• What will happen in the future when the last Bitcoin is mined
• The type of technology that enables cryptocurrency to exist
• How to safely get started in investing in cryptocurrency

Resources:

- Sign-up for the From Cash To Crypto Masterclass here: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/24/810v9bn0

Thursday, 18 Mar 2021, 6:30 PM EST

-Bitcoin and Black America by Isaiah Jackson

Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips:

Substack

Twitter

Instagram

Connect with Professor Tonya Evans:

Website

Twitter

Linkedin

Connect with Grace:

Twitter

LinkedIn

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Tag us @techunlockedpod on Instagram or Twitter too! Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]

In this episode, we are highlighting the 4 winners of the Tech Unlocked Scholarship. Congratulations to Blessing Adogame, David Sykes, Shondace Thomas, and Emeka Obi!

THANK YOU to everyone who donated to make this scholarship possible!! We appreciate you investing in the future of Black technologists and innovators!

Meet the 4 amazing winners of the Tech Unlocked scholarship!

Blessing Adogame:

A Senior at Drexel University studying Computer Information Systems. She is a global citizen who has lived in Nigeria, Germany, Scotland, and the United States. She serves as a Community Leader and Woman in Tech. She is also the co-founder of the Students of LinkedIn movement at Drexel University. This campaign started as a hashtag, and " bloomed into a global community of students who encourage each other to find their voice, expose the limitless opportunities that they can find/create, and educate each other on the importance of personal branding as college students."

Blessing is an adherent believer in the power of storytelling - she believes that stories and experiences pave the path that enhances a person's voice. She will be working at Microsoft as a program manager after she graduates.

David Sykes:

David is a Senior studying Computer Science at Cardinal Stritch University with minors in Graphic Design and Technical Writing. He has gained experience in customer service and collaboration as a student employee at the IT-Help desk at Cardinal Stritch University. He recently accepted an internship as an IT Project Management Intern with Eversana,Inc. He plans to get his master's degree in Computer Science or work as a Software Engineer after graduating.

Shondace Thomas:

Shondace is a Senior at Howard University studying Computer Science. She is originally from Guyana which is also known as the Caribbean of South America. During her time in college, she realized the importance of creating meaningful experiences, such as conferences and internships. Attending conferences allowed her to build a network outside of the one at her school provided. She has interned at Google and Dell in the past. She will be working at a tech company after she graduates.

Emeka Obi

Emeka is a Junior majoring in Electrical Engineering, and minoring in Computer science and Math at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. He grew up in Lagos, Nigeria but is originally from Anambra State Nigeria.

He participates in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) as the Vice President for the TAMUK chapter, he is the media specialist for the International Students' Fellowship at TAMUK, and is also the Vice President of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society for the TAMUK chapter. Emeka loves to learn new technology and loves to help people around him. In his downtime, he enjoys playing Soccer and Ping Pong. After graduating, he wants to get his master's degree in Computer Science.

Follow Tech Unlocked:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/

#TechUnlocked

Connect with Grace:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones

Questions about sponsorship or want to be a guest on the show? Email us [email protected]

"If perception is reality in the workplace, you could have one perception, and that totally not be you. Write your own story and make sure that you are the person who is telling what you can do and why you do it well." -Deena

Deena McKay is the founder and host of the podcast, Black Tech Unplugged. Black Tech Unplugged is a monthly podcast that highlights Blacks who innovate and work in the tech industry. Deena started Black Tech Unplugged as a way for Blacks to see people who looked like them in the tech industry. She also wanted to share tips and advice for those trying to get into the industry. Additionally, Deena works as a Functional Delivery Lead for a digital tech firm. In her role, she acts as a thoughtful problem solver who learns and understands her client's business and works with her team to bring the client's vision to life.

Keys Takeaways:

-Skills needed to be a successful business analyst in tech

-How to have a difficult conversation with your manager

-3 questions to ask during your one on one with your manager

-Characteristics of a good vs bad manager

-The importance of meeting with your manager's manager

-What inspired Deena to create her podcast (Black Tech Unplugged)

Follow Tech Unlocked:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/

#TechUnlocked

Connect with Deena:

Instagram: @deena_mckay & @blacktechunplged

Twitter: @deena_mckay & @blktechunplged

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/deenamckay

Website: blacktechunplugged.com

Facebook: facebook.com/blacktechunplugged

Connect with Grace:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones

Questions about sponsorship or want to be a guest on the show? Email us [email protected]

"Thanks for your interest, but we've decided to go with another candidate."

That is a statement no job seeker wants to hear. Let's be honest, rejection sucks!

As an international student, Akosua got rejected for almost 2 years when she applied for jobs/internships because she was an immigrant and most companies did not want to sponsor her. Unfortunately, this is a common reality most international students face repeatedly. So how does one bounce back from being constantly rejected, move forward, and live a bold life?

In today's episode, Akosua Boadi-Agyemang shares her journey of moving to America, dealing with constant rejection as an international student, going viral on LinkedIn, getting her dream job at Microsoft, and is now living a bold life.

Commonly known on the LinkedIn platform as "The Bold Journey girl" and for sharing her stories on going from rejection to working full-time for Microsoft, and for utilizing the platform to build community and uplift others. Akosua Boadi-Agyemang boldly radiates her light as an Experiential Marketing Lead on the Global Events team, where she focuses on change management and communications for internal audiences and demand gen'.

Akosua was born and raised in Francistown, Botswana to two Ghanaian parents. She moved to Oxford, Ohio to seek higher education at Miami University where received her Bachelor of Science in Business in May 2019 (Accounting and Human Capital Management & Leadership).

Upon arriving in the US in 2015, Akosua started an initiative called "Re-Envision Africa" which focuses on educating people about the untold narrative of Africa. This initiative pushes to highlight the whole story of Africa and not just the usually told single narrative of poverty, war, and famine – and although these stories are not untrue, focusing solely on these narratives renders Africa's story incomplete. Akosua hopes that through Re-Envision Africa, more people will come to understand that there is education, wealth, innovation and beauty etc. that comes from the Continent.

Akosua is the middle child amongst her siblings. She is a lover of all thing's education, innovation, public speaking and enjoys helping people share their own stories through various mediums.

Key takeaways:

-How to overcome the fear of rejection

-3 tips for using social media to get a job

-The importance of being authentic online

-How to figure out what type of content to post on LinkedIn

-What NOT to post on Linkedin

-3 lessons Akosua learned from going viral

Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips:

Substack

Twitter

Instagram

Connect with Akosua:

Linkedin

Instagram

Linktree

Connect with Grace:

Twitter

LinkedIn

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Tag us @techunlockedpod on Instagram or Twitter too! Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]

"At some point, coding will click and you'll realize that with enough time and resources you could build whatever." -Ali

Have ever felt like you don't belong in the tech industry or felt you aren't good at coding? Well, today's guest on the podcast has been where you are. In this Episode, Grace chats with Ali Spittel, Senior Developer Advocate at AWS about how she found a passion for coding and why she loves teaching others how to code. If you would like to learn how to code in 2021 or curious about becoming a frontend developer then this episode is for you!

Ali Spittel teaches people to code. She loves Python, JavaScript, and talking about programming. She has been writing React since before es6 classes. She is a Senior Developer Advocate on the AWS Amplify team.

Ali also blogs about code, aimed mostly at a beginner audience. Her writing has gotten over a million readers in the past year. She has also spoken at over 50 events in the last few years. When Ali's not working, you can find her watching New England sports, competing on CodeWars, taking runs around the city, rock climbing, or participating in coding community events.

Keys Takeaways :

11:00 What is the job of a Developer Advocate?

12:50 Skills needed to be a successful Developer Advocate

15:45 What is the Frontend development

18:36 Common Frontend programming languages you should know

20:00 Challenges for frontend Devs

21:39 How to prepare for the interview process

26:38 (3) Interview questions to ask your interviewer

Help us raise $2000 in scholarships for Black/African American students studying Computer Science or STEM by buying a t-shirt or donating directly here:

https://www.bonfire.com/techunlocked/

We appreciate your support!!

Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/

Connect with Ali:

LinkedIn

Twitter

https://alispit.tel/

https://dev.to/aspittel

Learn more about the Ladybug podcast

Connect with Grace:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones

Free Coding resources

FreeCode Camp: https://www.freecodecamp.org/

CodeWars: https://www.codewars.com/

Advent of code https://adventofcode.com/

Code Academy: https://www.codecademy.com/

Resilient coders: http://www.resilientcoders.org/

Are you an underrepresented person looking to get into tech? Check out this awesome Job board curated for underrepresented folks by the amazing Veni Kunche. Follow Her on Twitter!

AWS (Amazon Web Services ) is hiring: https://gist.github.com/jamesonwilliams/b73b0b03c0ce355db477ddfbcf8187ce#job-opportunities-at-aws-amplify

Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]

In 1991, Shaka Senghor entered prison for committing second-degree murder. Today, he's a best-selling author, a lecturer at universities, and leading voice on criminal justice reform.

Raised in a middle-class neighborhood on Detroit's east side during the height of the 1980s crack epidemic, Shaka was an honor roll student and a natural leader who dreamed of becoming a doctor. But at age 11, his parents' marriage began to unravel. The beatings from his mother worsened, sending him on a downward spiral that saw him run away from home.

On the streets, he quickly turned to drug dealing to survive, running crack houses and getting caught up in the hopelessness of the life that surrounded the epidemic. At 18, he was shot in an altercation in front of his home. By 19, he was in prison for murder, fuming with anger and despair.

During his 19 years incarcerated—including seven in solitary confinement—Shaka began a journey of self-reflection, inspired by reading and writing as a means of understanding his past, his present, and his future potential. By embracing forgiveness, hope, and everything that's possible when you refuse to be defined by your past, he's become a leading voice on the potential inherent in us all when given support and a second chance.

In the decade since his release, he's garnered awards and fellowships, lectured at universities, started and worked with nonprofits seeking to lift people up, visited the White House, been interviewed by Trevor Noah and Oprah Winfrey, given award-winning TED talks, and tirelessly worked to help create the personal and societal change we need for a more inspired, just, fulfilling future.

Key Takeaways:

• How Shaka found himself in prison at the young age of 19
• Transferable skills formerly incarcerated folks can bring into the Tech world
• What tech companies can do to have a positive impact on the US Criminal Justice System.
• How we reimagine our current education system
• 3 tips for protecting your mental health during challenging times

Article:

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/mar/30/shaka-senghor-interview-prison-reform-incarceration-book-writing-my-wrongs-cut50

Help us raise $2000 in scholarships for Black/African American students studying Computer Science or STEM by buying a t-shirt or donating directly here:

https://www.bonfire.com/techunlocked/ We appreciate your support!!

Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/

Connect with Shaka:

Twitter

Website

Instagram

YouTube

Connect with Grace:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to our Podcast on iTunes and Spotify. Tag us @techunlockedpod on Instagram or Twitter too! Questions about sponsorship?

Email us [email protected]

There's no doubt that one of the best industries to work in right now is the technology industry. A study by McKinsey Global Institute stated that "400 million and 800 million individuals could be displaced by automation and need to find new jobs by 2030 around the world." In this episode, Grace goes over the top 5 tech jobs that are in demand for 2021. If you are preparing for a career transition, want to break into tech, or a curious college student wanting to learn more about opportunities that exist within tech, this episode is for you.

Resources

Tech Unlocked Scholarship

https://www.techunlocked.co/scholarship

Articles:

https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/jobs-lost-jobs-gained-what-the-future-of-work-will-mean-for-jobs-skills-and-wages

https://careerkarma.com/blog/best-tech-jobs/

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/14/glassdoor-best-tech-jobs-for-2020.html

https://engineeringmanagementinstitute.org/key-roles-ai-engineers/

https://www.simplilearn.com/10-algorithms-machine-learning-engineers-need-to-know-article

Jobsites:

https://www.pocitjobs.com/

https://www.diversifytech.co/job-board/

https://blacktechpipeline.com/jobs/

https://www.ziprecruiter.com/

https://www.glassdoor.com/member/home/index.htm

https://www.indeed.com/hire

Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/

Connect with Grace:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones

Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]

Every time we shop online, log in to social media, or sign up for a new service online you leave behind a digital footprint. This means we give companies so much of our personal data daily in exchange for using their services. So how do companies keep our personal data secure from outside threats and hackers? We answer this question and more on today's episode with our guest Christina Morillo. Christina is an Information Security and Technology professional with a background in cloud security, enterprise/hybrid security, and identity engineering.

Christina Morillo is an information security and enterprise identity professional, as well as a technical product manager. Her experiences across enterprise security and identity, insider threat, cloud identity programs and deployments have taken her to companies like Morgan Stanley, Fitch Ratings, AllianceBernstein, Microsoft, and currently Marqeta, where she is a Senior Security Product Manager. In addition to her professional work, Christina co-leads Women in Security and Privacy's New York Chapter and volunteers with multiple organizations aligned with her mission of getting more women and underestimated folks in tech. In 2015, she also co-founded #WOCinTech Chat, the grassroots initiative best known for boosting visual representation through the open-source collection of stock photos featuring women of color technologists.

What you will learn:

• The difference between Information Security vs Cyber Security
• Interview tips for acing your interview
• Top certifications needed to transition into the Information Security field
• The importance of protecting your mental health while working in tech.
• The challenges and realities of being a Black woman in tech

Help us raise $2000 in scholarships for Black/African American students studying Computer Science or STEM by buying a t-shirt or donating directly here:

https://www.bonfire.com/techunlocked/

We appreciate your support!!

Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/

Connect with Christina

Twitter: https://twitter.com/divinetechygirl

Website: https://www.christinamorillo.com/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/colors-of-infosec-podcast/id1531541552

Connect with Grace:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones

Questions about sponsorship or partnership? Email us [email protected]