Trust The Vision: A Look At Kimberly Bryant’s 6 Tech Innovations

Visionary leaders are essential in the technology landscape to drive innovation and bridge gaps in representation. Kimberly Bryant, the founder of Black Girls Code, has emerged as a tech industry trailblazer dedicated to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups, especially young girls and women of color.

As a Black woman who has experienced gender and racial disparities in the workplace, Kimberly understands the plight of aspiring tech professionals. That said, Kimberly has utilized her expertise and resources to create programs to cultivate tech prodigies and amplify diverse voices.

Here is a look at six groundbreaking tech innovations and initiatives Kimberly has developed to aid young people of color and marginalized founders.

In 2011, Kimberly created Black Girls Code, a non-profit that introduces young Black and brown girls and women to potential careers in the STEM field. Through the program, participants, aka “tech divas” from ages seven to 25, receive computer science education. In addition, the “tech divas” receive mentorship and attend multi-week courses, training events, and workshops to help elevate their skill sets and set them up for future success. Black Girls CODE has successfully expanded to numerous U.S. cities and in Johannesburg, South Africa. 

Recognizing the importance of robotics in the technological landscape, Kimberly Bryant introduced the Black Girls Code Robotics Program. This initiative introduces girls to the exciting world of robotics and nurtures their interest in engineering and problem-solving.

Participants in the Robotics Program engage in hands-on projects, learning the fundamentals of robotics, programming, and engineering. The program encourages creativity and critical thinking as girls design and build their robots, applying STEM concepts in a practical and fun way.

With the rise of mobile technology, Kimberly recognized the need to equip young girls with mobile app development skills. Black Girls Code’s Mobile App Development program empowers girls to create solutions to real-world problems through hands-on experience in designing and building their mobile applications.

The Mobile App Development program teaches girls the fundamentals of app development, user interface design, and problem-solving. Participants work on projects that address issues relevant to their communities, fostering a sense of social responsibility and innovation.

Recognizing artificial intelligence’s transformative potential, Kimberly initiated the AI for Social Good program within Black Girls Code. The program combines AI education with a focus on ethical considerations. 

Participants delve into projects that leverage artificial intelligence for environmental conservation, healthcare accessibility, and social justice. This hands-on approach imparts technical expertise and instills a sense of responsibility in using technology for societal benefit.

Created in 2022, Ascend Ventures is a venture capital firm that focuses on diversity and inclusion. According to PR Newswire, the firm is on a mission to create positive change in the entrepreneurial and tech worlds by providing support to underrepresented individuals. 

After Kimberly closed her chapter with Black Girls Code in late 2023, the entrepreneur developed The Black Innovation Lab (BIL). Per Techcrunch, the BIL, based in Memphis, is a 12-week accelerator program that provides financial support to marginalized startup founders. BIL is set to launch in fall 2024 under Kimberly’s investment firm, Ascend Ventures.

Kimberly Bryant’s tech innovations and initiatives through Black Girls Code and beyond have helped transform the tech industry. Through advocacy, education, mentorship, and investing, she is breaking barriers to create a more inclusive future for people of color.