Celebrating Black women founders working in STEM

Christine Izuakor, Founder of Cyber Pop-Up — Chicago, IL

"When I took my first cybersecurity course, I became obsessed. I realized that everything from smart medical devices to e-enabled transportations systems can be hacked if not protected adequately, and I wanted to help. At 23, I set my sights on my biggest goal yet: a Ph.D. in Security Engineering. I wanted to become a thought leader in cybersecurity and make a difference in protecting the world from cyber-attacks. I was told I was too young, and that I had nothing to contribute. Ever want to see my beast mode switch flipped? Tell me I can’t do, or have, something I want.

Doubt became a source of motivation. I was determined to show my critics and myself that I didn’t care about ceilings or status quo — I was going to do this, and I did! That’s exactly what I would say to girls and young women of color hoping to break into science and tech. If you want something, no matter how many people doubt you or don’t believe in you, go for it! Become obsessed with continuous growth and learning. Hone your craft and strive to be the best at whatever you do. If you want to be a founder, fall in love with the problem you are solving and know that the solution may change a hundred times. And that’s OK. Remember these things and you’ll get much further, much faster! "

Chantelle Bell, Cofounder of Syrona Health — London, U.K.

“I’ve always been interested in how the body works and how technology can advance disease detection and condition management. This led me to study genetics, where I quickly realized there weren’t many Black women professors in the research areas that I followed. In fact, less than 1% of university professors in the U.K. are Black.

During this time, I had my own challenges navigating the healthcare system. I was determined to make a change and contribute to advancing women’s health, and I knew tech was the way forward.

I went on to earn a Master’s in Bioscience Enterprise at Cambridge University, where I first connected with my cofounder, Anya Roy. A conversation about how female reproductive issues were under-researched, underfunded and misunderstood sparked the idea for our startup, Syrona Health: a virtual gynecological health clinic offering specialized support for people with endometriosis, PCOS, and other chronic conditions in the women’s health space.

There may be a lack of diversity in STEM, but don’t let that discourage you. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and who you can learn from, particularly the current generation of women leading the way.”

Débora Moretti & Andreia Oliveira, Cofounders of iBench — São Paulo, Brazil

“To study biology at the molecular level shows you how complex and intricate every single organism is.

As Black scientists and founders, things are challenging. We were in a world dominated by white men. But not only did we found a startup, we were the first of our families to earn PhDs — and Andreia was the first to get a college degree. We represent something in academia and tech, way more than our work, and this motivates us. Our advice: Be aware of potential problems, be twice aware of your strengths and keep opening pathways to success for those who come after you.”

Maame Poku, CTO and Cofounder of Emergency Response Africa — Lagos, Nigeria

“The thrill of bringing concepts to life was highly gratifying, and to be able to build something meaningful that could potentially be life-altering for people was why I decided to pursue a career in STEM. By co-founding Emergency Response Africa, a healthcare technology company that is changing how medical emergencies are managed in Africa, I am able to apply my knowledge in software development to the practical understanding of regional needs, kickstarting a radical approach to solving the problem of poor emergency care.

To all the young women of color out there interested in the space, I urge you to take that first step! Take that course; ask for help; get a coach and mentor! Let's continue to break the stereotype of technology being male-dominated. You are more than capable!”

Chasity Wright, CEO of Infiltron Software Suite and Founder of Kitt Labs — Atlanta, GA

“After working in various industries like defense tech, logistics and healthcare, I built a company with a vision to create opportunities for veterans, women and minorities. As an advocate for diversity in tech and STEM, I feel the need to give back to those who see themselves in me by providing career opportunities, appropriate salaries and career advancement otherwise not given in the corporate world.

My advice to young women of color looking to step into tech is to find what you love to do. The best way to do that is to try as many things in tech as you can, as soon as you can. When you find something in tech you feel excited and at peace about doing, you have then found your tech purpose. Don't let the male-dominated field intimidate you — the tech world needs our perspective.”