Darrell Booker

Darrell Booker, Technology Strategist and Program Manager for the Nonprofit Tech Acceleration for Black and African-American Communities (NTA) at Microsoft Philanthropies, doesn’t have any role models in the tech community that look like him. Why?

Simply stated, “We’re not put into the positions to be able to be heard and to be able to give our opinions like white counterparts do,” said Booker.

As a contributor to Microsoft's Racial Equity Initiative: Strengthening Our Communities Report – a look at the organization one year after the murder of George Floyd (due this week), Booker is in a uniqe position to talk about representation inside of one of the country's largest tech companies, and his work outside of Microsoft to open more doors for those who look like him.

Darrell uses his platform to talk about Tech Equity on his own terms, and is available to discuss or contribute content for your audience on topics including:

• Safety at Work While being Black in Tech
• What Black Technology Employees Need CEOs to Know and Change: Representation is First in any organization, but it’s just a start 
• How conforming to the current system while being Black in Tech robs Black Tech Professionals of “real” role models and mentors
• Top Apps/Software Non-Profits Can Use to Elevate business operations
• Non-Performative Ways Companies Can Be Diverse and Inclusive
• Reflections on speaking at the Esports & Education: How HBCUs are Leveling the Field for the 2021 and 8th Annual ED Games Expo, a showcase of game-changing innovations in education technology supported by programs across government. Technical assistance for this event was provided by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities

To connect with Darrell, or get a red carpet invite for his upcoming Space Jams: A New Legacy / NTA event, contact us an at the link below and let us know you're interested!

ABOUT DARRELL BOOKER

The "Techie's Favorite Techie," Darrell Booker is a Technology Strategist and the Program Manager for the Nonprofit Tech Acceleration for Black and African-American Communities (NTA) at Microsoft Philanthropies. With more than 25 years experience in over 7 business sectors, Booker has helped hundreds of bring efficiency, innovation and peace of mind to their business through improved technology roadmaps, product development, and strategic planning.

iAsia Brown

A Data & AI Specialist at Microsoft by day, Brown is on a one-woman mission to help veterans transition into civilian life in the Tech Industry. A 16-year combat veteran, four years in the Air Force and 12 years in the Marines she speaks at conferences worldwide about her experiences with PTSD, anxiety, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Brown will next be on stage at the nationally renowned Lesbians Who Tech Summit later this month.

“Nobody should have to suffer in silence by hiding who they are. Allow people to walk in their authentic selves. It enables them and empowers them to do better and go further. Have the tough conversations,” said Brown.

A born connector, iAsia can share or create content for your audiences on:

• How technology is a field that lesbians are “expected” to be in, and how she has enabled other people to live their truth through speaking to other people in the field
• How businesses can have the tough conversations to better understand the people in their business
• How having a career in the tech industry has allowed her to be herself and not have to hide for fear of losing her career
• Being a mother and having a career in Tech – she's living proof it's possible to thrive and teaches others how to navigate both

To connect with iAsia, contact us at the link below and let us know you're interested!

ABOUT iASIA BROWN

Due to her prolific work as a commissioned artist, Brown is known as “the Tech Picasso." Always investing in human capital, her motto is “people first,” she has the unique ability to advance people by helping them to understand their value and apply it to their lives. Brown is a globally recognized storyteller, commissioned artist, and host of the podcast The Butterfly Revolution. She grew up in the concrete jungle of Queens, New York, and now lives in sunny Southern California with her wife and daughter. Her daughter and family sit at the center of all that she does, and navigating the intersections of career and family is a common speaking topic for Brown as she teaches others how to bring their entire selves to work and play.

With thanks for your time and interest,

Jessica Martin, Amplify PR