B The Way Forward - TopPodcast.com

View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

B The Way Forward — Technology
B The Way Forward

B The Way Forward is an action-driven conversation about systemic change—how it happens, who drives it, and what it really takes to make an impact. Hosted by AnitaB.org CEO, and battle-tested leader in tech and equity, Brenda Darden-Wilkerson, the show gives listeners the tools they need to step off the sidelines and shape the future themselves.

B The Way Forward Season 2 kicked off with a central question: do you change the system from within, or do you have to break it to build something better?

Now, in our second half of the season we’ll celebrate something women often feel they can’t admit to in the tech world – failure.

Through candid conversations with leaders at the top of the tech industry the audience gets authentic, actionable advice that they can apply to their own careers.

Thoughtful, incisive and full of Brenda’s warmth and humor, B the Way Forward is human conversations in a digital world.

—

At AnitaB.org, our mission is to enable and equip women technologists with the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to thrive. Through innovative programs and initiatives, we empower women to chart new paths, better prepared to lead, advance, and achieve equitable compensation. Because when women succeed, they uplift their communities and redefine success on their terms, both professionally and personally.

—

Connect with AnitaB.org
Instagram – @anitab_org
Facebook – /anitab.0rg
LinkedIn – /anitab-org
And for more ways that you can be the way forward visit anitab.org

—

Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services.

Copyright: © Copyright, 2023 AnitaB.org

Latest Episodes:

The Power of Inclusion: Breaking the Status Quo with former Netflix VP of Inclusion Strategy Vernā Myers Jun 19, 2024

Show notes

This episode of “B The Way Forward,” explores how to take action and overcome bias with world renowned diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant, Vernā Myers. Vernā has spent over 25 years in DEI consulting, helping companies find value and focus on more inclusive environments. She tells Brenda about her early career journey – as a Harvard educated lawyer – and why she ultimately founded The Vernā Myers Company for building more inclusive and culturally competent work environments.

Vernā also served as Netflix’s first head of inclusion strategy where she was instrumental in leading initiatives that moved DEI to the forefront of the company. In this episode, Brenda and Vernā look back at civil rights leaders and the moments that led towards positive social change, and what lessons we can learn from them today. Plus, Vernā shares more about her podcast, Sundays With Vernā which features powerful conversations about bridging our divided society. This conversation offers insight into why we should all use reflection and compassion to play a role in making our world better.

“DEI is saying we need to create a place where people feel that they are expected, that they are reflected, and that they are respected. Like all of those things that were not happening because we created organizations to really fit around a certain, powerful status group.”

Check out more of Verna and her work...

On X - @VernaMyers

On Instagram - @VernaMyers

On LinkedIn - /Verna Myers

On Facebook - /VernaMyers.SpeakerPage

---

At AnitaB.org, we envision a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it. Find out more about how we support women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups in computing, as well as the organizations that employ them and the academic institutions training the next generations.

---

Connect with AnitaB.org

Instagram - @anitab_org

Facebook - /anitab.0rg

LinkedIn - /anitab-org

On the web - anitab.org

---

Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services.

---

B The Way Forward Is…

Produced by Dominique Ferrari and Paige Hymson

Sound design and editing by Neil Innes and Ryan Hammond

Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski

Associate Producer is Faith Krogulecki

Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Riveter Studios and Frequency Machine

Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson for AnitaB.org

Podcast Marketing from Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt with Riveter Studios and Tink Media in partnership with Carolyn Schneller and Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.org

Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media Productions

For more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org

From Chalkboards to Devices: How Ed Tech's Monica Burns is Leveraging Digital Tools in the Classroom Jun 05, 2024

Show notes

In today’s digital age, there’s been a massive shift in the way we’re teaching and learning in the classroom. On this episode of “B The Way Forward,” Dr. Monica Burns, author of EdTech Essentials, joins host Brenda Darden Wilkerson to unpack the unique ways to use technology in education. Monica is an EdTech consultant and expert who started the online platform, Class Tech Tips. She helps students, teachers, administrators and parents alike learn how they can benefit from and integrate new digital tools in their education journeys.

Monica talks with Brenda about what types of tools and features are assisting with student engagement, how to integrate technology in varying educational settings and tips for how to successfully adopt EdTech in the classroom. They also discuss equity in education and how EdTech can help provide a voice to all people in all communities such as through accessibility features within particular tools. Monica hopes that everyone walks away with the knowledge and inspiration to integrate EdTech in their respective educational settings.

“The biggest way to make an impact is to listen and take action on what you're hearing. Not what you wish you heard, or what you sort of heard, but what you're actually hearing from people. What they need, what their pain points are, what they're asking for without saying. What are they telling you?”

For more of Dr. Burns and her work check out...

Class Tech Tips on the web, X, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Sign up for the Class Tech Tips Newsletter

Listen to the Easy EdTech Podcast

Connect with Dr. Burns on LinkedIn.

---

At AnitaB.org, we envision a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it. Find out more about how we support women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups in computing, as well as the organizations that employ them and the academic institutions training the next generations.

---

Connect with AnitaB.org

Instagram - @anitab_org

Facebook - /anitab.0rg

LinkedIn - /anitab-org

On the web - anitab.org

---

Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services.

---

B The Way Forward Is…

Produced by Dominique Ferrari and Paige Hymson

Sound design and editing by Neil Innes and Ryan Hammond

Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski

Associate Producer is Faith Krogulecki

Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Riveter Studios and Frequency Machine

Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson for AnitaB.org

Podcast Marketing from Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt with Riveter Studios and Tink Media in partnership with Carolyn Schneller and Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.org

Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media Productions

For more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org

Liz Fong-Jones on Her Journey from Google Engineer to Activist to Author May 15, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of “B The Way Forward,” host Brenda Darden Wilkerson explores what it means to be more than your job description. Our guest, Liz Fong-Jones is the perfect example of a talented tech employee who engages in workplace activism for employee rights while also excelling in her day job as an engineer.

Liz began a lot of her activism while she was a site reliability engineer at Google. As a trans woman, Liz discusses the importance of workplace inclusion and why she fights so hard for marginalized groups in the workplace. Liz offers listeners all sorts of helpful tips from finding success despite an untraditional education – Liz was a college dropout herself – to how to best garner support for your own petitions and activism at work. Liz is now Field CTO at the female-led software company Honeycomb.io.

“The fight is going to take various shapes over the next several years. But I think intersectionality is the most important thing that we can and should be doing. I think that means that we should reach out and build intersectional allyship, that we should think about people who sit at the intersections, who sit at those margins, right? If someone is a transgender person and they are a person of color, especially if they're black, that dramatically increases the likelihood that they are going to become the victim of violence that is transphobic. I think the number one power that we have right now is we need to think about protecting people's privacy.”

For more on Liz and her work, check out...

Linkedin - /efong

Twitter - @honeycombio

---

At AnitaB.org, we envision a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it. Find out more about how we support women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups in computing, as well as the organizations that employ them and the academic institutions training the next generations.

---

Connect with AnitaB.org

Instagram - @anitab_org

Facebook - /anitab.0rg

LinkedIn - /anitab-org

On the web - anitab.org

---

Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services.

---

B The Way Forward Is…

Produced by Dominique Ferrari and Paige Hymson

Sound design and editing by Neil Innes and Ryan Hammond

Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski

Associate Producer is Faith Krogulecki

Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Riveter Studios and Frequency Machine

Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson for AnitaB.org

Podcast Marketing from Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt with Riveter Studios and Tink Media in partnership with Carolyn Schneller and Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.org

Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media Productions

For more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org

Funding Dreams: How Ruthe Farmer’s Last Mile Education Fund Helps Tech Students in Need May 01, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of “B The Way Forward,” host Brenda Darden Wilkerson is joined by Ruthe Farmer, activist and policymaker, who has trailblazed a path toward increasing diversity, building inclusion, and prioritizing gender equity in technology. In Ruthe’s illustrious career, she has leveraged successful and current infrastructures to promote girls’ and womens’ participation in these fields. Ruthe continues to be a champion in this space - ushering in, and supporting, a new wave of women in technology. Ruthe’s advocacy work led her to found “The Last Mile Education Fund”, a gap-fund organization that invests in individuals already committed to STEM careers, by supporting them when unconventional circumstances challenge them otherwise.

Ruthe shares the true battles women face while in higher education today - and spoiler alert, most of the time it isn’t in the classroom! The intimate stories of the lives touched by the Last Mile Education Fund help inform educational institutions, employers, and recruiters, about the daily challenges students are faced with before entering the professional workforce. With the average grant request being $956, it reveals how a little in someone’s world can be so impactful in another’s. Brenda and Ruthe’s conversation offers a broader perspective on how we can encourage young technologists to continue on their successful paths, starting with empathy and understanding.

“Just last week we got a donation from a grantee and she said, ‘I'm happy to be now a donor instead of a grantee, please pay it forward on my behalf,’ and it really is a virtuous circle that is not only going to bring up the diversity of computing, but increase economic mobility for underrepresented people, but it's also incubating givers. And putting people into the ecosystem who are just the kind of people who are grateful and they want to pay it forward and pull the others up behind them.”

For more about Ruthe and the work of The Last Mile Education Fund, check out...

LinkedIn - /RutheF & /lastmilefund

Facebook - /LastMileFund

---

At AnitaB.org, we envision a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it. Find out more about how we support women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups in computing, as well as the organizations that employ them and the academic institutions training the next generations.

---

Connect with AnitaB.org

Instagram - @anitab_org

Facebook - /anitab.0rg

LinkedIn - /anitab-org

On the web - anitab.org

---

Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services.

---

B The Way Forward Is…

Produced by Dominique Ferrari and Paige Hymson

Sound design and editing by Neil Innes and Ryan Hammond

Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski

Associate Producer is Faith Krogulecki

Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Riveter Studios and Frequency Machine

Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson for AnitaB.org

Podcast Marketing from Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt with Riveter Studios and Tink Media in partnership with Carolyn Schneller and Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.org

Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media Productions

For more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org

Challenging the Norms: How Diversability’s Tiffany Yu Aims for an Accessibility-First Culture for 1 Billion People Apr 17, 2024

Show notes

This episode of “B The Way Forward” brings the ideas of intersectional inclusivity and visibility to the forefront. Host Brenda Darden Wilkerson speaks with disability rights advocate, Tiffany Yu, about moving disability inclusion forward and why finding community is so important. Did you know that there are an estimated one billion people with disabilities worldwide? This statistic drives Tiffany’s important work, particularly as the CEO and Founder of her company, Diversability.

In this episode, you’ll hear some of Tiffany’s own personal experiences, including where her story began at the age of 9 when she became disabled as a result of a car accident that took her father’s life. Now, she’s become a powerful voice and trailblazer for the disability community and is author of her new book, “The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and Building a Disability-Inclusive World.” Brenda and Tiffany discuss why inclusion needs to be intentional and how representation in books and movies is a powerful tool for change – they even talk about Barbie! Tiffany’s powerful message will leave our listeners feeling inspired and confident to challenge the norms and make a change.

"One of the things we talk about in the disability community is we don't like being seen as inspiring just because we exist as disabled people. But, if I can inspire you to take action and change the trajectory of your career to fight for disability equity, I’m all about that type of inspiration."

For more about Tiffany and her work, check out...

Tiffany's Website - tiffanyyu.com

Facebook - /imtiffanyyu

X: @imtiffanyyu

Instagram - @imtiffanyyu

TikTok - @imtiffanyyu

LinkedIn - /tiffanyayu

Threads - @imtiffanyyu

Clubhouse - @imtiffanyyu

And for more about Diversability, check out...

On the web - mydiversability.com

Facebook - /diversability

Twitter - @diversability

Instagram - @diversability

TikTok - @diversability

LinkedIn - /diversabilitycommmunity

---

At AnitaB.org, we envision a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it. Find out more about how we support women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups in computing, as well as the organizations that employ them and the academic institutions training the next generations.

---

Connect with AnitaB.org

Instagram - @anitab_org

Facebook - /anitab.0rg

LinkedIn - /anitab-org

On the web - anitab.org

---

Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services.

---

B The Way Forward Is…

Produced by Dominique Ferrari and Paige Hymson

Sound design and editing by Neil Innes and Ryan Hammond

Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski

Associate Producer is Faith Krogulecki

Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Riveter Studios and Frequency Machine

Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson for AnitaB.org

Podcast Marketing from Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt with Riveter Studios and Tink Media in partnership with Carolyn Schneller and Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.org

Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media Productions

For more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org

How Propel’s Jimmy Chen is Empowering Health for 40 million Americans Apr 03, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of “B The Way Forward,” host Brenda Darden Wilkerson is joined by Jimmy Chen, founder and CEO at Propel, a tech company whose app was created to help low-income individuals and their families manage government benefits. Jimmy’s work empowers vulnerable individuals, particularly those who rely on food stamps, to improve their financial health. Brenda and Jimmy discuss the biases in tech entrepreneurship, particularly around how founders and investors tend to build technology that solves problems from their personal experiences. Without diversity in tech entrepreneurship and funding common problems for minoritized people are often overlooked.

We hear Jimmy’s story and how he found a gap in technology and why he felt drawn to help solve meaningful financial problems that serve people using the safety net. Jimmy saw an opportunity: Around 40 million people in the U.S. who receive food stamp benefits on an EBT debit card have to constantly call a 1-800 number to find out their balance. So, his company Propel built the country's first mobile banking app for the EBT card. Jimmy talks to Brenda about what it means to create impact and how he’s been working to really listen to the people his product is serving. Jimmy also opens up about being a male ally in the tech industry and the goals he has for Propel to continue building a product that reflects the demographics of the people they are serving.

“I really think of respect as a core foundational design element to how we think about our relationship with people who use our products and what we are trying to do alongside them. I think it's part of the same conversation of, look, we're not building for people, we're building with people in many cases because we respect that they know what's best for themselves.”

For more from Jimmy and Propel, check out...

X -@jimmychen and @joinproviders

Instagram - @providersapp

Facebook - /ProvidersApp

LinkedIn - /propel-inc, and /jimmychen1

---

At AnitaB.org, we envision a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it. Find out more about how we support women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups in computing, as well as the organizations that employ them and the academic institutions training the next generations.

---

Connect with AnitaB.org

Instagram - @anitab_org

Facebook - /anitab.0rg

LinkedIn - /anitab-org

On the web - anitab.org

---

Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services.

---

B The Way Forward Is…

Produced by Dominique Ferrari and Paige Hymson

Sound design and editing by Neil Innes and Ryan Hammond

Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski

Associate Producer is Faith Krogulecki

Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Riveter Studios and Frequency Machine

Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson for AnitaB.org

Podcast Marketing from Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt with Riveter Studios and Tink Media in partnership with Carolyn Schneller and Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.org

Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media Productions

For more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org

Nate Shalev's Mission for Inclusivity: Small Changes Make Big Impact Mar 20, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of “B The Way Forward,” host Brenda Darden Wilkerson talks with Nate Shalev, whose inspiring social impact work emphasizes the importance of inclusion in the workplace. As both a trans and neurodivergent individual, Nate founded Revel Impact, a consultancy that focuses on creating workplaces where all people can thrive. Nate’s work involves everything from building frameworks for more inclusive environments to recommending workplace policies for businesses and executives. Brenda and Nate discuss the best types of language to use for inclusivity, how to be an ally to your peers and why small changes can have a big impact. Nate, who was named a LinkedIn Top Voice, also explores the importance of storytelling and why they use social platforms like LinkedIn to open up and tell personal stories to a large audience.

“Often when I speak to companies they're talking about, ‘Well, how do we account for everyone? If everyone is so different and everyone has unique experiences, what does that mean?’ And so, I think if you have this framework and you can practice that muscle of being intentional, of being able to create those structures around it, then you'll be able to approach each situation, even though each person is unique. If you already have that framework, that foundation, then you'll be much, much better set up for success.”

For more of Nate and their work check out...

LinkedIn - /nshalev

---

At AnitaB.org, we envision a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it. Find out more about how we support women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups in computing, as well as the organizations that employ them and the academic institutions training the next generations.

---

Connect with AnitaB.org

Instagram - @anitab_org

Facebook - /anitab.0rg

LinkedIn - /anitab-org

On the web - anitab.org

---

Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services.

---

B The Way Forward Is…

Produced by Dominique Ferrari and Paige Hymson

Sound design and editing by Neil Innes and Ryan Hammond

Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski

Associate Producer is Faith Krogulecki

Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Riveter Studios and Frequency Machine

Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson for AnitaB.org

Podcast Marketing from Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt with Riveter Studios and Tink Media in partnership with Carolyn Schneller and Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.org

Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media Productions

For more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org

Demystifying Tech Careers: How to Find Your Path Toward Tech with Hosanna Hali Mar 06, 2024

Show notes

This episode of “B The Way Forward,” is all about advice as host Brenda Darden Wilkerson explores the many paths and entry points into the tech industry. Our guest, Hosanna Hali aka the Fairy Tech Mother, has been working to demystify the tech space by offering tips and tricks across her social media channels. As a young woman in tech who spent 5 years working at Microsoft, Hosanna leads by example and uses her voice to empower other young people looking to pursue careers in technology.

This thoughtful conversation pushes us to think about the career paths we choose and encourages everyone to continue toward the goals they wish to pursue in tech. Brenda and Hosanna discuss the tricky feelings around imposter syndrome and why you belong in the tech space despite what external voices might be telling you. Plus, Hosanna offers unique advice to our listeners like how to stand out from the crowd, why it’s important to understand your individual value and why your degree doesn’t have to define you. She also explains why she founded her very own platform called “The Tech Cornr,” where she posts video and content to help others learn more about careers in tech.

"Yes, the degree that you have will make a real difference in some of the jobs that you apply for, but don't let that stop you. Your career doesn't start and end by your degree, it's just one part of it."

For more of Hosanna Hali and her work check out...

Instagram - @thetechcornr

TikTok - @thetechcornr

YouTube - @thetechcornr9187

---

At AnitaB.org, we envision a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it. Find out more about how we support women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups in computing, as well as the organizations that employ them and the academic institutions training the next generations.

---

Connect with AnitaB.org

Instagram - @anitab_org

Facebook - /anitab.0rg

LinkedIn - /anitab-org

On the web - anitab.org

---

Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services.

---

B The Way Forward Is…

Produced by Dominique Ferrari and Paige Hymson

Sound design and editing by Neil Innes and Ryan Hammond

Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski

Associate Producer is Faith Krogulecki

Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Riveter Studios and Frequency Machine

Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson for AnitaB.org

Podcast Marketing from Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt with Riveter Studios and Tink Media in partnership with Carolyn Schneller and Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.org

Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media Productions

For more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org

How UNICEF’s Venture Fund Lead Sunita Grote Improves Children’s Lives with Emerging Technologies Feb 21, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of “B The Way Forward,” host Brenda Darden Wilkerson takes listeners through a unique and mission-driven type of venture capitalism. Our guest Sunita Grote leads UNICEF's Venture Fund which provides seed funding to early-stage ventures in emerging markets. Through her work at UNICEF, Sunita builds a portfolio of emerging technologies that help children around the world. Brenda and Sunita talk about what types of technologies the Venture Fund is investing in from AI and machine learning to blockchain, cryptocurrency and drones.

Sunita shows us how these investments drive impact for example: Education solutions that make it easier for children to consume math; A medical records platform that has helped boost child vaccination rates by over 8%; And even blockchain cash and voucher systems that improve the speed and transparency which cash assistance is delivered to families in need. They also talk about the importance of changing power dynamics by being thoughtful about which solutions are selected and investing in technology founded by women. Together, Brenda and Sunita dive into the importance of mission-driven venture funding and what we can look forward to from Sunita and UNICEF in the future.

“How we do things when it comes to technology and innovation, to me, is as important as the ‘what’ we do. It's not really okay to compromise on the ‘how’ for the sake of the next big technology solution. That’s not really going to get us to changing some of those fundamental imbalances that we’re seeing and those injustices that we're seeing.”

To find out more about UNICEF's Office of Innovation and their work check out...

LinkedIn - /unicef-innovation

X - @UNICEFinnovate

Instagram - @unicefinnovate

---

At AnitaB.org, we envision a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it. Find out more about how we support women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups in computing, as well as the organizations that employ them and the academic institutions training the next generations.

---

Connect with AnitaB.org

Instagram - @anitab_org

Facebook - /anitab.0rg

LinkedIn - /anitab-org

On the web - anitab.org

---

Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services.

---

B The Way Forward Is…

Produced by Dominique Ferrari and Paige Hymson

Sound design and editing by Neil Innes and Ryan Hammond

Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski

Associate Producer is Faith Krogulecki

Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Riveter Studios and Frequency Machine

Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson for AnitaB.org

Podcast Marketing from Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt with Riveter Studios and Tink Media in partnership with Carolyn Schneller and Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.org

Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media Productions

For more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org

Telling an Inclusive Story: How Black Girls Code CEO Cristina Jones is Helping Girls Launch into Tech Feb 06, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of B The Way Forward, host Brenda Darden Wilkerson talks with CEO of Black Girls Code, Cristina Jones about her work to solve the lack of representation of Black women in technology. Only 2% of the STEM workforce are Black women, and Cristina is hoping to change that. She tells our listeners how she plans to achieve the mission of Black Girls Code, which is to launch 1 million girls into technology by 2040. Her unique perspective as a former Hollywood executive makes her a powerful new force in the tech space, telling a more inclusive story that encourages black girls to join the tech industry.

Brenda and Cristina dive into terminology and tech talk and why language in the industry is so important for young girls to feel empowered and welcome into the space. Cristina’s breadth of advice is endless. You’ll learn why it’s crucial to know and articulate your value proposition and the strengths you have to offer in the workforce.

“The hardest notion to break is a preconceived notion, especially the ones that are made about yourself.”

For more of Cristina Jones and her work check out...

Instagram - @blackgirlscode

LinkedIn - /Black-Girls-Code

Facebook - /BlackGirlsCodeOrg

X - @BlackGirlsCode

TikTok - /@blackgirlscode

YouTube - /BlackGirlsCode

---

At AnitaB.org, we envision a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it. Find out more about how we support women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups in computing, as well as the organizations that employ them and the academic institutions training the next generations.

---

Connect with AnitaB.org

Instagram - @anitab_org

Facebook - /anitab.0rg

LinkedIn - /anitab-org

On the web - anitab.org

---

Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services.

---

B The Way Forward Is…

Produced by Dominique Ferrari and Paige Hymson

Sound design and editing by Neil Innes and Ryan Hammond

Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski

Associate Producer is Faith Krogulecki

Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Riveter Studios and Frequency Machine

Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson for AnitaB.org

Podcast Marketing from Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt with Riveter Studios and Tink Media in partnership with Carolyn Schneller and Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.org

Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media Productions

For more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org

Related Podcasts