Empowering Innovation. Building the Future.



*“With 80% of future jobs projected to require STEM skills, LINGO is a scalable solution for schools and homes that provides learners with exposure to emerging technologies while building the skills and confidence they need to thrive.”* 





# **A Journey Defined by Determination and Vision** 

In today's world, technological advancement has reshaped countless fields, making [STEM](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science,_technology,_engineering,_and_mathematics) skills more crucial than ever. However, access to quality STEM education remains limited, particularly for students from underserved communities who lack resources and real-world learning opportunities.  Aisha Bowe, a former NASA aerospace engineer and black woman entrepreneur, understands this struggle firsthand. 

![Picture of Aisha Bowe png](/images/aisha.jpg "Aisha Bowe Founder & Executive director, LINGO")

Aisha's journey began in a community college where educational resources were scarce. Despite these challenges, she pursued her passion for science and mathematics, earning a [Bachelor of Science](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bachelor_of_Science) in [Aerospace Engineering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerospace_engineering) and a Master's in Space Systems Engineering. Her dedication led her to [NASA's Ames Research Center](https://www.nasa.gov/ames/), where she made significant contributions to traffic management systems.  

Yet, despite her success, Aisha felt a deep sense of unfulfillment.  She yearned to make a greater impact, driven by a desire to help her community overcome the educational disparities she had witnessed.




Aisha's commitment to STEM education was solidified by her experiences at [NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/).  She saw firsthand the lack of access and opportunity for students from marginalized communities, especially those who lacked the resources and support to pursue STEM careers.  Determined to bridge this gap, Aisha founded LINGO in 2020.  

Inspired by her own journey and the challenges she had faced, she aimed to create a platform that would make STEM education accessible and engaging for all students, igniting their passion for learning and innovation.





## **The Vision Behind LINGO**

A trailblazing aerospace engineer and entrepreneur, Aisha Bowe has dedicated her career to making STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education accessible and engaging for all. 

As the Founder and CEO of LINGO, she leads a dynamic team committed to transforming how students interact with technology. 

Aisha's journey from a community college student to a NASA rocket scientist exemplifies resilience and determination. Her passion for STEM education led her to establish LINGO to provide learners worldwide with hands-on kits, real-world projects that ignite a love for technology. 

**Under her leadership, LINGO has become a beacon for inclusive and diverse STEM communities, expanding career possibilities for learners of all ages**.

The core value of LINGO is to break down STEM education through interactive, hands-on learning kits. These kits are designed to simplify complex scientific theories into practical applications. 

**Through carefully blended software, hardware, and tutorials, students can be taught how to code, design, draw, and build using experimental technologies.** 

Of all the LINGO kits, the standup kit is the "In the Driver's Seat." This kit offers tools for students to design and program a designated backup sensor for autonomous vehicles. 

As they do this, they gain first-hand experiences in coding, electronics, and the foundational knowledge necessary for automation. They become familiar with the concept of coding. As they do this, they get more and more acquainted with how the tools work 




LINGO's methods for innovative technology effectively dissect STEM concepts by making them more practical. 

Every LINGO kit is designed to give learners a step-by-step guide on navigating through while being engaging and interactive. 

Aisha Bowe encapsulates the essence of this educational revolution when she asserts, Aisha Bowe asserts that: 

*"With 80% of future jobs projected to require STEM skills, LINGO is a scalable solution for schools and homes that provides learners with exposure to emerging technologies while building the skills and confidence they need to thrive."*



![Picture of Lingo by Aisha Bowe png](/images/lingo.jpg)

### **Expanding the Reach: Global Impact and Strategic Partnerships**

Since its introduction in 2020, LINGO has made it possible for over 10,000 students in more than 10 countries to have access to improved educational resources. 

Looking at this based on the level of impact and not statistics, these numbers represent the young people who have been inspired in various fields to build and create their unique ideas. 

**LINGO's success and growth have been supported through partnerships** with educational institutions like Howard University. They have also collaborated with notable institutions like General Dynamics Information Technology and Siemens Healthineers to make LINGO tools available on different platforms and retail outlets like [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com)  and [Walmart](https://www.walmart.com) have easily made LINGO kits available to learners, educators, and parents. 



### **Investment and Future Prospects**

LINGO has secured a $2.3 million investment as of November 2024. This funding was championed by [Pinnacle private ventures](https://pinnaclefamilyadvisors.com) and endorsed by 1863 Ventures, Sequoia Capital (through the Scout program), and Apple engineer Dr. Joy Johnson. 

This funding is beneficial for students and essential for promoting the company and expanding its reach. Through this funding, LINGO can;

**Curriculum Expansion:** These findings will help LINGO broaden its scope of educational kits to include solutions to highly advanced topics ranging from artificial intelligence to mathematics to environmental analytics. 

**Increased Production and Accessibility:** Through additional resources and materials, LINGO aims to increase production to reach millions of students and make it easy for them to solve their everyday STEM questions. 

**Innovation in Learning Tools:** With new and updated formats and methods, LINGO also plans on exploring how they can make STEM education more practical and engaging. 

With this, Aisha can now cover for the educational needs of most of the kids she and her team trains in STEM. 





#### **The LINGO Team: Diverse Experts Driving Innovation**

Even though Aisha had the zeal to go forth and work on LINGO alone. LINGO has been built by a team of highly dedicated and experienced professionals who pour out their depth of experience and shared vision into STEM education

**Dr. Jarvis Sulcer, Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer:** With a background marked by overcoming the academic challenges of having to graduate college with a CGPA of 1.8, Dr. Sulcer doubles as an award-winning black entrepreneur and engineer. 

He is not only dedicated to providing learning opportunities to young people, but he is particularly interested in providing young people of color with access to essential STEM learning opportunities. 

**Micah Gray, Lead Content Developer:** A data scientist and intelligence analyst, Micah plays a pivotal role in creating LINGO's educational content.Gray is vested in key aspects of STEM like course development. 

**He has built the course development for Lingo from Ideas, project design, lesson flow, and suitable video lessons to make learning practical and interesting.** 

**Dr. Natoshia Anderson, Director of Programming & Partnerships:** Transitioning from a mechanical engineer to an award-winning STEM educator, Dr. Anderson advocates for gender equity and diversity in STEM. 

She provides professional and intensive leadership development coaching for women of color interested in step. Additionally, she also led the curriculum and program development initiatives for STEM.



#### **Inspiring the Future, One Kit at a Time** 

Aisha's brainchild, LINGO, is more than just an educational kit. It's a tool that empowers, builds resilience, and ignites passion in its users through carefully structured kits. 

With this, young learners from marginalized communities who do not have opportunities for STEM can be included. 

Students accessing LINGO's hands-on kits can learn while having fun and collaborating with other learners. In STEM, they learn that failing, learning, and experimenting is okay, so there is room for growth and expression. LINGO has the potential to rebuild, support innovations, and also drive community growth





### **Looking to Tomorrow: The Future of LINGO**

Over time, as LINGO continues to evolve, Aisha Bowe and her team plan on expanding **LINGO's curriculum to support new fields in biotech and environmental analytics.** 

For Aisha Bowe and LINGO, there is still so much we can look forward to in the future. She envisions a platform where learners can access the best educational materials irrespective of race or skin color. 

In the future, LINGO will enhance and introduce advanced learning tools to create a platform for interacting to give room for user inputs, thereby leading to rapid technological developments. 

Consistent refining LINGO will become essential in helping to build a new generation of tech experts, problem solvers, and innovative leaders. 

Beyond her innovations with LINGO, Aisha is a motivational speaker, and added to her portfolio is Astronaut. She believes in breaking barriers and shutting down stereotypes. 

She hopes to set an example for every young person inspired to do something different in the next generation and many more to come. 



### Aisha Bowe’s journey is a testament to resilience and innovation, inspiring the next generation to pursue STEM fearlessly.

LINGO is not only transforming STEM education but also empowering individuals to realize their full potential in the fields of science and technology.


“With 80% of future jobs projected to require STEM skills, LINGO is a scalable solution for schools and homes that provides learners with exposure to emerging technologies while building the skills and confidence they need to thrive.” 



Aisha Bowe’s LINGO: Empowering a New Generation of STEM Innovators



*"I started crying when I got my first contract with Microsoft because I was grateful," Jones shared. "Everyone told me, 'You're a woman, you're a Black woman, you're from Alabama, you don't have the right network, you're not a coder'—but I said, 'I am going to make it.'"*

![A picture of Lisa Jones png](/images/lisa.png "Lisa S. Jones:  Founder, EyeMail Inc.")





# **A Journey of Resilience and Innovation**

Lisa S. Jones is not just a Black female entrepreneur; she is a visionary who has redefined the future of digital marketing. As the founder of EyeMail Inc., she pioneered a groundbreaking email communication approach, proving that passion, persistence, and innovation can overcome any challenge.

As the CEO of one of the leading Innovative email suggestions, she has championed record-breaking approaches to inclusive email marketing, proving that one can achieve almost anything through resilience, consistency, and focus.

Jones grew up in her home in Alabama from humble beginnings. As is often the case, she was stereotyped and talked down by the loud voices of the people around her, who usually suggested her background and the color of her skin would never get her anywhere.

However, she turned those voices into motivational milestones to fuel her desires and birth them into reality. One can only be amazed that today, due to her innovation EyeMail, she has worked with global brands like PepsiCo, Microsoft, Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, Porsche North America, and Harvard Business School. 





## **The Birth of EyeMail Inc.**

Lisa S. Jones' journey as a tech founder was born out of a personal loss. After she lost her mom at a young age, the experience built up an unusual personal ambition to do something that would make a difference.

It was after her mother passed that she realized the importance of having Human connections with people around you. She also realized that **[digital communication](https://www.theknowledgeacademy.com/blog/digital-communication/)** did not have adequate warmth and lagged far behind compared to physical communication.

With this, she created a tool that conveniently incorporates emotions and interaction into email messaging.

She named the tool, **[EyeMail](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EyeMail)**.

![A picture of eyemail tool png](/images/eyemil.png "Eyemail - Brings Email to life")




When she founded EyeMail in 2004, she had one goal: **Video emails** should be an **accessible email technology.** Not static or slow. Just seamless and engaging.

Unlike traditional email marketing technology, EyeMail made email storytelling much more interesting by introducing high-resolution videos that could run for at least 1 minute. Another perk was that you could play the videos directly in the emails without leaving the site or clicking on unnecessary links.

EyeMail's USP lies in its emphasis on visual communication. The platform boasts a unique interface that integrates images, videos, and interactive elements directly into emails, creating a more engaging and immersive experience for users. This contrasts with traditional email platforms that rely primarily on text-based communication.

This feature caught the attention of major companies who later became sponsors and even users of this tool.

Before coming into the limelight, she had to deal with major key players who had dominated the **digital marketing space** for a long time. Another challenge she faced was securing funding for her project and convincing major companies why they should work with her, especially because few people saw the possibility of **video email technology.** 





## **Breaking Barriers in the Tech Industry**

As a [**Black woman entrepreneur** ](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_S._Jones)entering into **email marketing technology**, she had to be more intentional about her efforts - it wasn't easy. She was turned down severely, with most hanging onto the fact that she wasn't a coder. That alone would have been enough to shut her down, but you know what they say about that black girl spirit.

Now more than ever, she was more consistent and refused to back down even though she didn't have the right connections. These reasons were not enough to stop her.

Lisa was determined to prove her doubters wrong. She focused on learning everything about email marketing and how to build a tech company from the ground up.

Her major turning point was when she started getting noticed by leading companies such as Delta Air Lines and Coca-Cola, who keyed into the future by believing that Ms. Lisa's idea of Video marketing was possible.

With this, EyeMail began partnering with all the top companies, proving that she could set another standard for Email video technology. 



### **A Game-Changing Partnership with Microsoft**

The turning point for EyeMail Inc's story was in 2021. It was that year Microsoft reached out to Ms. Lisa for a partnership. They aimed to include her project in its Racial Equity Initiative platforms. They did this to enhance the visibility and create opportunities for black-minority-owned businesses.

Microsoft reached out to Jones when the procurement engagement officer at their company mentioned EyeMail as a highly innovative technology they could partner with to incorporate Video email technology into their communication policy, including the Windows 11 launch.

It was a deeply emotional moment for Jones, especially because, through the years, she had faced a series of rejections, segregation, and even stereotypes from people who had told her countlessly that she was never going to succeed in the tech sector. But there she was, striking a major contract with one of the world's largest tech companies.

*"I started crying when I got my first contract with Microsoft because I was grateful," Jones shared. "Everyone told me, 'You're a woman, you're a Black woman, you're from Alabama, you don't have the right network, you're not a coder'—but I said, 'I am going to make it.'"*

By the end of EyeMail's two-year contract with Microsoft, the company had scaled so high in growth by over 71%. By enabling EyeMail to integrate its Microsoft 265 Business Premium, it could deliver projects at least 40% faster and more efficiently. 





### **Recognition and Awards**

At the rate EyeMail has rapidly grown, it has become almost impossible for it to be ignored or go unnoticed.

In 2023, it was recognized on [Inc. magazine's list of fast-growing **black tech companies** around the US Southern region](https://www.inc.com/inc5000/2023), ranking 181. This sealed EyeMail's place on the global map as a fast-rising Tech innovation.

Aside from this, it was also recognized under the category of the [Top 100 Women of the Future in Emerging Tech](https://womenofthefuture.com/global-vol-2/).

 She was also honored by Women of the Future for her major contributions as a **black woman in Tech.**





###### **The Future of EyeMail Inc.: Expanding Innovation**

There's much more to come, and you should expect.

 Jones has big plans for the future. Just recently, she announced the upcoming launch of a new EyeMail feature known as the EyeMail Software as a Service Storytelling Platform (SaaS)

The SaaS will have new tools such as:

* **EyeCon** – A feature for personalized video branding options that will boost customer engagement
* **EyeViewer Assistant (EVA)** – This is an AI-powered tool to track video analytics and insights for maximum performance
* **Video in Tex**t – An SMS and phone messaging feature to extend **video communications extension**

Aside from those, EyeMail plans to take things a notch higher by opening its arms to partnerships with nonprofit organizations and small and medium-growing brands.





### **Winning at Invest Connect: Linking Black-Owned Businesses with Investors**

Two years ago, in November of 2023, EyeMail bagged an award as one of the selected [winners of Invest Connect](https://www.tagonline.org/bridge-builders/tech-entrepreneurs/tag-invest-connect-recap-2023/), a competition set up by the prestigious Technology Association of Georgia (TAG).

Aside from the competition, The event is organized to connect **black-owned businesses,** investors, opportunities, and invaluable experiences to enable them to grow bigger and better. 





#### **A Legacy of Resilience and Impact**

Lisa S. Jones' inspiring journey began in Alabama when she was determined to make a difference in the tech world by founding a tech company to impact her society.

Against all odds, she determined, desired, and acquired her dreams and has now become the founder of one of the biggest and most relevant technological innovations.

She could only do it because she believed in herself, saw the vision, pursued it, and brought her vision to life. She has now created a multimillion-dollar company, Wherever Email marketing gets mentioned, video email technology EyeMail will not be left out because it has completely changed the communication structure of major brands today.

Her story is not just a story of a **black business women in Tech**; it is also about breaking barriers, tearing down stereotypes, and inspiring women in marginalized communities that anyone with a vision can make a lasting impact in any area they want to.

As EyeMail Inc. continues to grow and expand, Lisa S. Jones remains a beacon of hope. Today, EyeMail stands as a beacon of resilience. A testament to what consistency can do and the power of dreaming big. Never give up!


Discover Lisa Jones' inspiring journey with EyeMail, revolutionizing email marketing with innovative, accessible, and engaging video-in-email technology.



One EyeMail at a Time: Lisa Jones's Inspiring Journey with EyeMail




# **10 Black Tech Innovators driving change in AI, Fintech and STEM**

Did you know that Black founders receive less than 1% of venture capital funding, yet they continue to lead groundbreaking innovations in AI, fintech, and robotics?

Black tech entrepreneurs represent less than 5% of startup founders, yet their contributions are reshaping industries. These 10 pioneers are breaking barriers and setting new standards in innovation.

In this article, we will be listing out top ten black tech pioneers that have changed the game and are still making significant impacts.



## **Top 10 Black Tech Pioneers Who Are Changing The Game.**



### **1. KIMBERLY BRYANT**

![Kimberly Bryant picture png](/images/001.jpg "Kimberly bryant")

Kimberly Bryant is an electrical engineer with experience at Genentech, Merck, and Novartis Vaccines. She founded **Black Girls Code** in 2011, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young girls of color in **STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).**

Kimberly Bryant's personal experience with the lack of diversity in STEM fields, particularly for girls of color, directly inspired her to create Black Girls Code.  

She realized that while she excelled in STEM subjects, she was a rare exception.  She recognized the need to provide young girls of color with the resources, mentorship, and support they needed to pursue careers in STEM.  

🔹 **Key Achievements:**
✔ Grew Black Girls Code to **seven U.S. chapters** and an international branch in South Africa.


✔ Honored with the **Jefferson Award for Community Service** in 2012.


✔ Recognized as a **White House "Champion of Change"** for bridging the digital divide.




### **2. Dr Ayanna Howard**

![Dr Ayanna Howard picture png](/images/002.png "Dr Ayanna Howard")

Dr Howard is a robotics and AI expert, she is currently the Dean of the College of Engineering at the Ohio State University, becoming the first woman to assume the post. 

Her books Sex, Race and Robots: How To Be Human in the Age of AI, and On The Job with a Robotic Engineer have enlightened many readers interested in robotics on how to begin their journey and become engineers.

Dr Howard is the founder and president of the board of directors of **Zyrobotics**, a Georgia Tech spin-off company that develops mobile therapy and educational products for children with special needs.

✔ Named to **Forbes**  *[America’s Top 50 Women in Tech list](https://www.forbes.com/top-tech-women-america/list/).*


✔ Ellected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) and was appointed to the National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee (NAIAC). 


✔ Recognized as a tenured professor in the college’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering with a joint appointment in Computer Science and Engineering. 

Her work focuses on technological strategies in AI and human-robot interaction.



### **3. Regina Gwynn**

![Regina Gwynn picture png](/images/003.png "Regina Gwynn")


Regina is a brand & digital marketing executive with 15+ years of experience at the Apparel Group, she co-founded *Black Women Talk Tech,* a platform that enables black women to build the next billion-dollar business.

Additionally, her organization helps women of color finance and build a career in technology. 

Regina Gwynn's personal experience of feeling isolated and underrepresented as a Black woman in the tech industry led her to start Black Women Talk Tech. 

She recognized the need for a platform where Black women in tech could connect, support each other, and share their experiences.  She wanted to create a space where Black women could find mentors, build professional networks, and gain visibility within the industry.

✔ Named to **Forbes**  *[America’s Top 50 Women in Tech list](https://www.forbes.com/top-tech-women-america/list/).*


✔ Named as one of the 100 Most Powerful Women by *Entrepreneur Magazine* and Top Ten Women in Tech by Essence Magazine.

She currently sits on the Cabinet for Black Entrepreneurship in the City of New York.



### **4. Morgan DeBaun**

![Morgan Debaun picture png](/images/004.jpg "Morgan Debaun")

Morgan Debaun is the co-founder and CEO of **Blavity**, a media company focused on creating content for **Black millennials and Gen Z**. 

She is recognized for her role in inclusive advertising and tech innovation. 

Her clients include Nike, Microsoft, American Express, Capital One and Newell Brands. She is also a board advisor to American Airlines, Pepsico and the Black Economic Alliance.

Morgan DeBaun's personal experience of feeling underrepresented and underserved by traditional media outlets, particularly when it came to issues affecting Black people, led her to create Blavity. 

She wanted to create a platform that would amplify Black voices, celebrate Black culture, and provide a space for Black people to connect and engage with news and information that was relevant to their lives.

Over the years, [Blavity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blavity) has played a very crucial role in serving multicultural consumers and becoming a global corporation.



### **5. Jewel Burks Solomon**

![Jewel Burks Solomon picture png](/images/005.jpg "Jewel Burks Solomon")

Jewel Burks is an  American tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist working as the first head of Google for Startups in the U.S. She is managing partner of the investment firm, Collab Capital, focusing on Black entrepreneurship. 

She is also the co-founder of **Partpic**, a visual recognition technology company that allows users to save time and money searching for replacement maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) parts. 

By allowing users to snap a picture of a part with a smart device, Partpic matches the user generated image with a part and associated specifications. 

Jewel Burks is an advocate for representation for blacks in the technological industry.



### **6. Frederick Hutson**

![Fredrick Hutson picture png](/images/006.jpg "Fredrick Hutson ")

Frederick is  an American Businessman, Founder and CEO of Pigeonly, a tech company that creates communication tools for incarcerated individuals and their families. Motivated by his sentence to Federal Prison, he started and launched his technology company that enables people to search and find incarcerated loved ones.

Pigeonly makes it possible for subscribers to easily send letters, postcards, greeting cards, printed photos from any cell phone, computer or tablet with just a few clicks, saving lots of families over $2M/year in predatory phone fees per year.

 It has become one of the largest inmate services providers in the country.

✔ Recognized by Yale, Columbia University, the White House, [CNN Money](https://money.cnn.com/2014/09/17/smallbusiness/pigeonly-prison-startup/index.html), [New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/07/business/smallbusiness/released-from-prison-and-starting-a-company.html), [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/hollieslade/2014/08/21/how-this-man-built-a-3m-business-a-year-on-from-four-years-in-prison/), and many more.



### **7. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji**

![Iyinoluwa Aboyeji picture png](/images/007.jpg "Iyinoluwa Aboyeji")

Iyin Aboyeji is a Nigerian entrepreneur. Co-founder of Andela and former managing director of Flutterwave, a payment technology company that is helping to build the financial infrastructure for Africa. 

He is currently the CEO and General Partner of Fund for Africa’s Future (popularly known as Future Africa), a platform that provides capital, coaching and community for mission-driven innovators.

In the same way, Andela provides training for African software engineers, and has provided over 100,000 African software and tech professionals.

✔ Recognized as one of the Top 100 Most influential Africans by New African magazine in 2019.

✔ Also recognized as a world economic forum Young Global Leader and a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree amongst other awards and recognition.

✔ Led Flutterwave to become one of the fastest growing payment technology businesses of all time, with about $2 billion across over 50 million transactions.

 

### **8. Odunayo Eweniyi**

![Odunayo  Eweniyi picture png](/images/008.jpg "Odunayo Eweniyi")

Odunayo is the Co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of [PiggyVest](https://www.piggyvest.com/), a Nigerian fintech startup that helps people save mone

Her experience seeing the challenges many Nigerians faced in saving money and accessing financial services led her to start Piggyvest. She recognized the need for a platform that would make saving easier and more accessible for people in Nigeria, particularly those who were unbanked or underserved by traditional financial institutions.

 *She has won award as “The Forbes Woman Africa", The Future Awards Africa Prize for Technology, and SME Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Wealth and Society West Africa.*

 She also founded 99Startups, 500Dishes and FrontDESK.



### **9. Mark Dean**

![Mark Dean picture png](/images/009.jpg "Mark Dean")

Mark Dean is one of the top black tech pioneers of all time.

 Dean joined IBM in 1979, he sparked a whole new environment of IBM-compatible peripheral devices. He is one of technology's greatest innovators. Co-inventor of the Personal Computer (PC). 

He developed the Isa bus with his partner Dennis Moeller, led a design team for making a one-gigahertz computer processor chip. 

Dean has worked in various research positions and in 1999 assembled a small team of engineers and scientists to work on building a more powerful, energy-efficient supercomputer named **Blue Gene**. 

He became vice president of worldwide strategy and operations for IBM Middle East/Africa business.

✔ Appointed as the **John Fisher Distinguished Professor** in the College of Engineering, University of Tennessee 

✔ Named Black Engineer of the Year in 1997

✔ The National Inventors Hall of Fame elected Dean and colleague Dennis Moeller for their work on the ISA bus.

Later on, he worked in collaboration with the US Department of Energy’s Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. 



### **10.  Lonnie G. Johnson**

![Lonnie Johnson picture png](/images/010.jpg "Lonnie Johnson ")

Mr Johnson is an inventor and aerospace engineer, his contributions to tech include projects for the Air Force and NASA, including work on the Galileo mission to Jupiter and the stealth bomber program as an aerospace engineer.

As an entrepreneur, he also invented two popular children’s toys; *the Nerf Gun a*nd *Super Soaker* which are bestselling toys, generating over $1billion sales*.* 

His current work includes a new generation of rechargeable battery technology and also the Johnson Thermo-Electrical Converter (JTEC), which converts waste heat to electrical energy and can be run reversely as a cooling device.

 *He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal on two occasions and received multiple awards from NASA.* 

 *He was the first flight test engineer assigned by SAC Test and Evaluation Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base in 1987*.

He also introduced the Johnson Stem Activity Center, which introduces students from diverse and unstable communities to **STEM**.

Later on, he returned to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) where he worked as a systems engineer after leaving the Air force.

Extensively, these are a few other early black tech pioneers you should know of,  they include: 

**Gerald A. Lawson**- Created the first video game cartridge system.

**Marc Hannah**- A Co-founder of Silicon Graphics Inc (SGI)  He is mostly known for making 3-D chips and for the creation of computer programs like Personal IRIS, Indigo, Indigo2, and Indy graphics. 

**Valerie Thomas**- is an American data scientist and inventor. She invented the [illusion transmitter](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illusion_transmitter), for which she received a patent in 1980. She was responsible for developing the digital media formats that image processing systems used in the early years of NASA's Landsat program.

**Marian R**-  she patented the technology that allowed cellphone users to donate money to organizations using text messaging. She developed this technology during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and it revolutionized how people donate to charitable organizations when a natural disaster occurs.

 and a few more….

However, the technology industry still has a lot of work to do to embrace black starters in tech and STEM. People of color still face challenges due to the state of diversity in tech.  Black innovations are to be encouraged and invested upon, in order to encourage more development in black nations, especially in Africa. 

Knowing, and understanding the origin of black technology goes a long way in helping young tech aspirants become gurus. 

“You can also read about How Mentorship Can Help Close the Tech Gap for Black Professionals.

In summary, [black tech](https://inblacktechwetrust.com/) professionals have been evolving sporadically for a very long time now. The technology industry has continued to experience tremendous groundbreaking technologies from black entrepreneurs. However, more opportunities and recognition needs to be made for people of color as well as treating each innovation with integrity, and trust.

Looking to support Black-led innovations? Follow these pioneers on LinkedIn and check out platforms like [Black Founders](https://blackfounders.com/), [Code2040](https://www.code2040.org/), and [AfroTech](https://afrotech.com/) for mentorship and funding opportunities.



##### ***Which of these pioneers inspires you the most? Share in the comments!***


Meet 10 Black tech pioneers revolutionizing innovation, AI, and fintech while paving the way for diversity in STEM."

10 Black Tech Innovators driving change in AI, Fintech and STEM

*“Decolonizing therapy is about pulling up the mental health industrial complex at its roots... investigating what works, who it works for, and how this shows up in me.”* 

![A picture of Dr Jennifer Mullan png](/images/jennifer.jpg "Dr. Jennifer Mullan  Psychologist, Writer Decolonizing Therapy")

According to [**The Office of Minority Health (OMH**)](https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/black-history-month-2025): Black Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with chronic diseases, have less access to quality healthcare, and receive lower quality care. This is due to a complex interplay of factors, including systemic racism, poverty, and lack of insurance.

Healthcare keeps evolving with technological advancement because there is a need for people to access the best healthcare available to them. Sadly, that is not the case with **marginalized communities.** Two visionary black women in tech, Dr. Jennifer Mullan and Ashlee Wisdom have pioneered an initiative to address** [healthcare inequalities](https://www.who.int/news-room/facts-in-pictures/detail/health-inequities-and-their-causes)** black people face every day. They have created a platform to redefine mental and physical health accessibility to make it inclusive and culturally favorable. 

# **Dr. Jennifer Mullan: Decolonizing Mental Health**

Popularly known as “The Rage Doctor”, Dr. Jennifer Mullan is a certified clinical psychologist and also doubles as a wound worker. To cap it all, she's the founder of the platform Decolonizing Therapy. 

* ![ A picture of the book written by Dr Jennifer Mullan titled ''' Decolonizing Therapy ''  which is about Oppression, Historical Trauma and Politicizing Your Practice png.](/images/decolonizing_therapy.jpg "Decolonizing Therapy")




As a psychologist, she focused on changing and improving the **oppressive chain of mental healthcare,** especially for marginalized communities i.e. black neighborhoods. She actively fights against oppressive healthcare and advocates for ending systemic inequalities.

 

Dr. Jennifer Mullan began Decolonizing Therapy when she became a Clinician. Through years of experience, She noticed that traditional mental healthcare ignores patients' cultural and historical backgrounds.

But most importantly, she noticed that this was happening with only patients in **marginalized communities.** 

With this realization, she started advocating for better health care for men and women of color. 

She believes that a patient can only truly heal when health practitioners connect with the patient, their ancestral practices, and intergenerational trauma. 





Through her platform Decolonizing Therapy, she sets up workshops, **mental health courses** and even retreats all geared towards educating society and health practitioners the best way to unlearn oppressive methods of therapy. She encourages indigenous methods for treatment and healing which she believes will lead to an improved sense of community and collective healthcare. 

After publishing her book **[Decolonizing Therapy](https://www.decolonizingtherapy.com/about): Oppression, Historical Trauma & Politicizing Your Practice** which gained widespread recognition in the mental health field,she started getting noticed. Since then she has been featured on global platforms and Media handles such as Forbes, The Guardian and Psychology today. 





## **How Ashlee Wisdom is Revolutionizing Healthcare  for Black Women.**

Ashlee Wisdom, the founder and CEO of Health In Her HUE, is a** [public health activist ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23986382/)**who has dedicated most of her life's work to advocating for racial health inequality. She uses her platform to connect women of color to culturally responsive healthcare workers, and proper healthcare through familiar communities, this goes a long way to enhance rehabilitation.

Her key mission is to equip black women with the right knowledge and resources about the importance of their mental health and how they can navigate the chain of biased medical practices.

![A picture of Ashlee Wisdom png](/images/ashlee.jpg "Ashlee Wisdom")

Ashlee Wisdom’s inspiration for **Health in her Hue** was born from her experiences in the health care sector. As a worker in an academic medical center, she said that she witnessed** [racial biases](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/example/english/racial-bias)** on a daily occurrence and it affected her deeply. It was then she became convinced that she had to do something about the situation in her own way. 

As a public health worker, she knew that whatever solution she was going to put up had to align with her academic background in public health which will also in turn address very specific challenges in health care delivery to Black women and women of color to get quality health care. 

![Health in Hue App png](/images/hihh.jpg)

One time while speaking on the impact of HIHH, she said 

 *“We would bring health information to Black women where they were already scrolling through for content, and it resonated with them. Women would share with us that our content inspired them to schedule doctor visits, advocate for themselves at appointments, and consider how their work environments impacted their health.”* 

Health In Her HUE offers a comprehensive provider directory, educational resources, and community forums where women can share experiences and support each other. By leveraging technology, the platform aims to make healthcare more accessible and tailored to the needs of its users.

![Health in her Hue connections](/images/hue.jpg)




To further expand its impact, HIHH guarantees comprehensive healthcare directories, informational resources and education contents under specific community forums for women of color to share their own experiences and even offer support for each other. 

Ashlee Wisdom used the leverage of technology to enhance Health in her Hue and make it available to a larger percentage of people and tailored to individual needs. 

Aside from technological incorporation, Ashlee Wisdom's Health in her Hue has partnered with the best medical institutions and public health organizations to expand her reach, ensure quality delivery and efficiency. 

Interestingly, to improve the chain of oppressive healthcare she has also partnered with research initiatives who document healthcare experiences of black women through data collection and data driven insights.  





### **A Shared Vision for Inclusive Healthcare**

Dr. Jennifer Mullan and Ashlee Wisdom are both driven by the passion to dismantle the oppressive chain of racial health care provision for women of color. Through their work, it is evident that Health care has to be culturally favorable in order to enhance historical and intergenerational traumas for proper healing and rehabilitation. 

Dr. Jennifer Mullan’s approach involves educating therapists and **mental health practitioners** on the importance of understanding clients' cultural backgrounds and the systemic factors influencing their mental health. She advocates for a shift from traditional, Eurocentric therapeutic models to practices that honor and incorporate ancestral wisdom and collective healing. 

On the other hand, while there's a sharp contrast, Ashlee Wisdom's Health in her Hue focuses on empowering people with the right knowledge and telling them they can use it to take control of their mental health through informed decisions. 

Interestingly, Health in her Hue is not only a platform to connect women of color to professional **[health care providers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_care_provider),** it gives these women the opportunity of building a community where they can share their stories without the fear of being judged while learning from each other. It gives them the assurance that they are not alone in what they're going through. 

In a group discussion, when she was asked about the future of healthcare for women of color, Ashlee Wisdom explained**:** “*The future of healthcare for Black women and women of color... is inclusive, equitable, and accessible. It involves breaking down systemic barriers, increasing awareness, and ensuring that Black women and women of color have easy access to comprehensive care and products that prioritize their specific health needs.”* 





### **Impact and Recognition**

Today, wherever **mental healthcare** for women of color is mentioned, Dr. Jennifer Mullan and Ashlee Wisdom's contributions will not go unmentioned. 

For Dr. Jennifer Mullan, her book Decolonizing Therapy has gotten a lot of attention and recognition. It has been featured in media outlets and she received the [ESSENCE magazine's 2020 Essential Hero Award under the Mental Health category](https://www.essence.com/news/essence-essential-heroes-awards-honorees-list/). 

Ashlee Wisdom's Health in her Hue has gained partnership, awards and nominations. She has made an impact in mental health and she has been praised for it as her impact is felt through collaborations with major platforms like Honey Pot Co who have not only amplified her mission of providing health care through culturally sensitive approaches. 

They're both making waves individually in the category of influential voices in mental health care. While Dr. Jennifer  Mullan speaks on major global Platforms in mental health conferences, Ashlee Wisdom has featured in major magazines like the Fast company and The New York Times as an **influential black woman** in health tech 





### **Looking Ahead**

Dr. Jennifer Mullan and Ashlee Wisdom are a beacon of hope, resilience, and the power of Black women in leadership together with the passion for addressing [systemic inequities](https://www.americanprogress.org/article/systematic-inequality/). They remind us that health care service delivery can be inclusive and equitable for all.

Their vision for the future is ambitious and inspiring. In the next 5-10 years, they aim to expand their reach and develop educational programs and platforms that empower women of color with the knowledge and resources to protect their mental health.  Ashlee Wisdom hopes to enhance the features of HIHH, making it a truly personalized and interactive platform that bridges the gap between Black women and quality health care services.  

Together, they are building a future where mental health care is accessible, inclusive, and empowering for all.


For more information  visit:

[Decolonizing Therapy ](https://www.decolonizingtherapy.com/) 

[Health in her Hue ](https://healthinherhue.com/)


Discover how Dr. Jennifer Mullan and Ashlee Wisdom are transforming healthcare through Decolonizing Therapy and Health In Her HUE. Their groundbreaking work is bridging gaps, promoting culturally competent care, and empowering marginalized communities with inclusive mental and physical health resources. 


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