My Mission is to Inspire You to Reach Your Full Potential
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The Beginning of my story...
Technology has always been my passion.
I saw my first computer when I was six years old, and I was mesmerized. My father purchased my first computer, a Commodore 64C when I was nine years old. Since then, working in tech has been my dream. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.
I graduated with a degree in Information Systems from Drexel University excited to begin my corporate career. I understood the path that was laid out for me. Go to school. Get your degree. Get a job and grow your career.
We often hear people talking about their careers with such energy and passion and that’s what I expected when I entered the field, yet something was lacking. Yes, I was always working in my industry, but I never had that breakthrough moment that made me feel the passion and excitement I’d heard in the voices and stories of others.
Despite my education and proven track record in previous jobs, it was never enough. While many of my colleagues were hired and promoted based on their potential, I had to prove myself every time.
Ultimately, I learned that the rules are different as a Black woman in tech.
I had the education and work experience, but still faced rejections. I was always told I needed more experience, and it felt like my qualifications were never good enough. I knew what I was capable of and never doubted my abilities. I moved from job to job thinking that passion would come. I refused to give up because I was a first-generation college graduate and had worked too hard to throw it away.
But the truth was….
What I wanted was fulfillment. To feel like I was making a difference with the work I did and providing value to the people I was working with. I took just about every assessment trying to find the answer, but nothing helped.
It wasn’t until I took an Archetype Assessment that I gained clarity. My results showed that I love to see others win and I get my energy from empowering others to accomplish their goals.
That’s when the lightbulb went off – I wanted to coach people, most importantly Black professionals, to navigate the technology space.
While working with a coach I learned about a nonprofit organization called Coaching For Everyone (CFE). CFE offers a coaching fellowship program to train and increase the number of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) coaches in the industry. I received a scholarship to complete my coach training through the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC), an International Coaching Federation (ICF) accredited institution, which is a globally-recognized coach training school. I earned my Certified Professional Coach (CPC), COR.E Leaderships Dynamics Specialist (CLDS), COR.E Wellbeing Dynamics Specialist (CWDS), and Energy Leadership Master Practitioner (ELI-MP). I am an ICF member and I hold my Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential.
In other words, I have the tools and expertise to help you unlock your leadership potential and create long-lasting results. Coaching allows me to combine my gifts and passions into a fulfilling career.
What sets me apart...
With 20+ years of experience in the tech industry in Fortune 500 companies, I’ve walked in your shoes.
As a Black woman in tech, I know it can get lonely as there are not many women in upper management and executive leadership. Though the industry is growing to become more inclusive, I feel it necessary to ensure greater accessibility with fewer barriers. And when women enter the industry, I want them to have a more diverse and inclusive environment than I did.
I am doing my part to recruit, provide access and retain talented women in that space. My intuitive approach brings clarity, direction, and positive support to my clients.
I know what it’s like to navigate your career working for unsupportive managers without a mentor, sponsor, or coach. I’ve experienced the “broken rung” and “concrete ceiling” firsthand, and I’m committed to inspiring change in the industry.
Together, we’ll unlock your next level of success. As you define it.
my Mission
Helping you strategically navigate the corporate landscape.
Get to Know Me
CORE VALUES
—Excellence
—Service
—Integrity
—Results
—Authenticity
—Passion
FAVORITE THINGS
—Traveling
—Spending time with family & friends
—Finding new adventures
—Living life to the fullest
FUN FACTS
—I was the first Black woman to work in the Network Operations Center (NOC) of Rohm and Haas Chemical Company (Dow Chemical)
—I rappelled 29 stories down an office building in Philadelphia, PA to raise money for charity
—I’ve been skydiving twice
—I am a Wedding Officiant
—In 2016 I “dared” myself to try one new thing every day for a year
Supporting the Next Generation of Black Tech Leaders
As a first-generation college graduate, I am committed to supporting the growth and development of college students with a passion for technology. In 2017, I established the Angela V. Harris Scholarship Fund within the College of Computing and Informatics at Drexel University, with a focus on African American students’ education. In 2020, I established a Scholarship Fund under the same name at La Salle University for African Americans in the School of Arts and Sciences.
I invite you to join me in investing in the success of the next generation of leaders in the tech industry.
“I can’t do everything, but I can do something to help somebody. And what I can do, I will do. I wish I could do more.”
-Oseola McCarty
Featured Author in A Legacy To Share: Navigating Life's Challenges & Celebrating Our Greatest Achievements
I had the honor to share my personal journey in the award-winning anthology, A Legacy To Share. Published by the Drexel University Black Alumni Council (DUBAC) in 2022, this inspiring collection of essays and interviews showcases the remarkable stories of over 50 alumni.
In my chapter, Trust the Process, I open up about my childhood grief and the profound impact of losing my parents to cancer. These experiences shaped my path as a first-generation college student and a Black woman in the tech industry. I’m humbled to say that despite these challenges, I not only graduated on time but even completed my degree one term early.
Did you know that only 27 percent of first-generation students finish college within four years? This statistic underscores the significance of my personal journey and the determination it took to overcome obstacles.
A Legacy To Share aims to inspire Black students while supporting the DUBAC endowed scholarship for current and future scholars.
Explore the profound stories within these pages, including mine, and discover the power of perseverance, belief in oneself, and the strength to overcome life’s hurdles.
Competing as Ms. NW Washington DC
in the Ms. Corporate America 2024 Competition
I am honored to be competing as Ms. NW Washington DC in the 2024 Ms. Corporate America competition. This esteemed competition celebrates women making impactful strides in the corporate landscape, advocating for meaningful causes, and fostering positive change within their respective communities. The competition will take place June 20-22, 2024, in Orlando, FL.
Mission and Vision of Ms. Corporate America:
At the core of Ms. Corporate America lies a profound mission and vision that align with my values. It’s about highlighting the remarkable achievements of professional women leaders across diverse industries, honoring their innovation, influence, and impact. The vision is to foster a supportive community, uniting dynamic business professionals to celebrate women’s advancements in the workplace while raising crucial awareness about equality issues.
My Pageant Platform: AcceleratHER – Advancing Black Women in the Tech Industry
As someone deeply committed to the advancement and empowerment of Black women in the tech industry, I am passionate about advocating for greater inclusivity, equity, and opportunities for underrepresented individuals in our city and beyond.
My pageant platform, “AcceleratHER” is dedicated to breaking the 3% barrier and increasing the representation of Black women in the tech industry through initiatives such as education, mentorship, and policy advocacy.
I endeavor to represent Ms. NW Washington DC with grace, purpose, and determination. Join me in this journey as we embark on a mission to shape a future where every woman in tech is valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Ways to support:
—Give Me Your People’s Choice Vote
–Invite me to be a Guest at your event, podcast, or show
–Become A Sponsor
–Attend the competition
–Share Posts
–Tell A Friend to Support
Work with me
I am a collaborative Leadership Coach with over twenty years of business experience in Fortune 500 companies. I have a deep understanding of the “unique experiences” Black women face in the workplace. In my coaching practice, I help clients strategically navigate the corporate landscape so they can be seen, feel valued, and get promoted. My intuitive approach brings clarity, direction, and positive support to my clients. I have a proven track record of success in coaching individuals to improve their performance, build their skills, and drive success for themselves and their organizations.
I am a life-long learner committed to personal and professional development. I completed my coach training at the world’s leading coaching school iPEC (Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching), an International Coaching Federation (ICF) accredited institution, which is the gold standard of coaching.
Using my signature Career AcceleratHER for Black Women in Tech coaching program, I help my clients dig deep to uncover and align their true motivation, passion, and values, so they can lead with confidence and drive personal and organizational success.
