Short Summary
Kimberly Bryant is an influential African American electrical engineer and entrepreneur, best known for founding Black Girls CODE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young girls of color through technology and computer programming education. Her work has been pivotal in diversifying the technology industry and providing opportunities for underrepresented communities. Through her leadership, she has inspired a generation of young women to pursue careers in STEM fields, making a significant impact on both the tech world and society at large.
Early Life & Education
Kimberly Bryant was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. Growing up in the South during a time of significant social change, she was influenced by her family’s strong emphasis on education and perseverance. She attended Vanderbilt University, where she pursued a degree in electrical engineering. During her time in college, she was often one of the few women of color in her classes, an experience that later fueled her desire to create more inclusive spaces in the tech industry. Her education provided a strong foundation in engineering principles and instilled a passion for technology and innovation.
Career Highlights
After completing her education, she embarked on a successful career in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including Genentech and Novartis. Her work involved various technical roles, where she applied her engineering skills to develop cutting-edge solutions. Recognizing the lack of diversity in tech, she founded Black Girls CODE in 2011, aiming to bridge the gap for young girls of color in technology. Her organization quickly gained recognition, leading to numerous speaking engagements and collaborations with major tech companies to promote diversity and inclusion in the field.
Major Achievements
- Founded Black Girls CODE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching coding and technology skills to young girls of color.
- Named one of the "25 Most Influential African-Americans In Technology" by Business Insider in 2013.
- Received the White House Champion of Change for Tech Inclusion award in 2013.
- Recognized by Forbes as one of America's Top 50 Women In Tech in 2018.
Famous Quotes
- "When you teach a girl to code, you’re opening up the world for her."
- "My mission is to empower communities that have been left out of the digital space."
Interesting Facts
- Black Girls CODE has expanded to several cities across the United States and even Johannesburg, South Africa.
- She originally wanted to pursue a career in medicine before switching to engineering.
- Her daughter was a major inspiration for starting Black Girls CODE.
Legacy / Influence
Kimberly Bryant’s legacy lies in her groundbreaking work to diversify the technology sector. Her efforts have inspired a new generation of young women to pursue STEM careers, fostering a more inclusive and innovative tech industry. By challenging the status quo, she has not only changed lives but also set a precedent for future initiatives aimed at bridging gender and racial gaps in technology.
FAQ
Q: Why is Kimberly Bryant famous?
A: She is famous for founding Black Girls CODE, an organization aimed at empowering young girls of color through technology education.
Q: What inspired her to start Black Girls CODE?
A: Her own experiences as a minority in the tech field and her desire to provide opportunities for her daughter and other girls like her inspired the initiative.
Q: What is Black Girls CODE's mission?
A: The mission is to increase the number of women of color in the digital space by empowering young girls to become innovators in STEM fields.
