NOLA Tech 30 2021 - NOLAvate Black

NOLA TECH 30

WE ARE THE CULTURE

NOLA Tech 30 – 30 Days and 30 Techies.

2021 Honorees

Kailyn Turner

Talent Acquisition Specialist

Levelset

Kailyn Turner

Talent Acquisition Specialist

Kailyn is a Talent Acquisition Specialist at @levelset. She works to recruit and hire for a wide variety of jobs in New Orleans and Austin. She also co-leads the employee resource group for Black employees at the company. Kaitlyn rocked our Black Tech NOLA stage to share how companies can foster an inclusive company culture. She is bright and shining star.

Alana Harris

Embrace The Culture

Mayor's Office of Cultural Economy

Alana Harris

Embrace The Culture

Marseyas Fernandez

Owner

MSF Global

Marseyas Fernandez

Owner

Marseyas Fernandez is the owner of MSF Global, a software development company founded in 2003. One of his customers called him a "mastermind ". A pioneer in focusing on global positioning, especially after hurricane Katrina when area mapping was greatly needed. Since then, the founder has developed critical software for the Regional Transit Authority. The business is now directing expansion efforts toward the mobility and transportation industries with a global reach and impact. Marseyas is literally moving us forward with tech.

Mykia Smith

IT Systems Analyst

LCMCHealth

Mykia Smith

IT Systems Analyst

Mykia is a IT Systems Analyst for @LCMCHealth working directly with doctors and medical personnel to provide top notch service in the #healthtech space. In addition to her community work connecting women and children to technology, she is a key visionary and #curator behind the cultural software startup @Culturalyst. Shout out to our day one!

Rose Espiritu

Software Engineer

Lucid

Rose Espiritu

Software Engineer

Rose Espiritu is a Software Engineer at @lucid_global and a community builder. Rose has been an instructor at @OperationSpark; she served as a Teaching Assistant for the AP Computer Science class at St. Katharine Drexel Preparatory School; and she served as an Advisory Board Member for the Innovation Academy at @universityofneworleans. She is even working on a hackathon for the spring to bring innovators together to solve community problems in New Orleans. Rose is more than a community builder she is a world changer!

Ryan McFarland

Software Engineer

Home Depot

Ryan McFarland

Software Engineer

Ryan McFarland is teaching the next generation of innovators as a tech educator. He works for @homedepot as Software Engineer, after several years of working in #STEM. Ryan has a passion and dedication to his students at @operationspark and goes above and beyond to ensure they are well-equipped and prepared to succeed in the workforce. Ryan puts his heart into his work and gives 100%. He is making a real impact and changing lives by bridging the gap in tech.

Rhonda Broussard

Founder & CEO

Beloved Community

Rhonda Broussard

Founder & CEO

Rhonda Broussard is the Founder & CEO of Beloved Community @wearebeloved_us. Her company recently jumped in the tech lane with a new app call AWA, which allows organizations to assess individual and organizational DEI capacity. They have been diligently working on the ground with the Equity Audit, a free tool which allows teams to explore hundreds of indicators on how they are addressing #DEI and the Equity Lens Map which allows individuals to participate in their own equity journey. Rhonda has turned #DEI into an action word!

India King Robbins

Executive Director

NOVAC

India King Robbins

Executive Director

India King Robbins is the Executive Director of @novacvideo. Her work is all about providing access to jobs and wealth building opportunities in the entertainment sector. A lifelong educator, India is a collaborative leader working with high schools across the region to train young people in graphic design, media and video production. Her organization prepares and trains adults for careers in the film industry through their workforce development initiatives. India is an innovative leader connecting

Calvin Mills

CEO

SLT Technology

Calvin Mills

CEO

Calvin Mills @calvinfmillsjr is an author, speaker, philanthropist and tech entrepreneur. A native of New Orleans, his forward-thinking innovation, people-focused philosophy, and strong work ethic has propelled his businesses to the forefront of local and national recognition. Calvin is the CEO of SLT Technology which provides IT solutions, cybersecurity and software development training to business, government, and academia in Louisiana. Most recently, he launched @the_helpitinc getting IT support to the people who need it most. Calvin is a boss in every since of the word.

Scottie Jackson

Cybersecurity Engineer for

Science Application International Corporation (SAIC)

Scottie Jackson

Cybersecurity Engineer for

Scottie Jackson is a Cybersecurity Engineer for Science Application International Corporation (SAIC) NASA Integrated Communication Services at Stennis Space Center. Over 25+ year of experience, he has earned multiple IT and cybersecurity certifications. Since retiring and making his permanent home in #NewOrleans, he has earned his Scrum Master certification from Delgado Community College @delgadocc and his PMP (Project Management Professional) certification. He is also the co-owner of PR Solutions LLC, a marketing consulting firm which provides marketing and event planning services for public, private and non-profit organizations. He's got tech on lock!

Malery A. Louis

Editor-In-Chief

SUNO

Malery A. Louis

Editor-In-Chief

Malery Louis is a tech start on the rise. She is a graduate of the @IdeaVillage #IDEAinstitute, for her startup Digitize Me. Digitize Me is a document preservation application that aims to digitize and store all personal documents via blockchain technology for safekeeping in preparation of natural disasters. She is currently a graduate student at @SUNO pursuing her Masters' degree in Computer Information Systems. At SUNO she serves as the Editor-In-Chief of the SUNO Observer and has spearheaded the digital transformation of the newspaper. Her long-term goal is to open a Technology Institute for grades K-12 focused on #stem. We can't wait to see her dreams come true!

Terysa Ridgeway

Technical Program Manager

Google

Terysa Ridgeway

Technical Program Manager

Terysa Ridgeway is a Technical Program Manager at @Google and holds Computer Science and Mathematics degrees from @Southern University and A&M College, and was recently accepted into Stanford University's Executive Education LEAD program. Her integrity and compassion for others is second to none. Terysa has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to her community locally and abroad and has made a profound impact on the lives of those she came across. She has received recognition from Governor John Bel Edwards, Senator Clay Higgins, and Mayor President Joel Robideaux for her efforts to introduce STEM to youth from underresourced communities. Keep being a bridge builder Terysa!

Vantonio Hall

Application Developer

IBM

Vantonio Hall

Application Developer

Vantonio Hall is a part of the ecosystem as a tech professional in New Orleans and across the region. A graduate of University of New Orleans, Vantonio is an Application Developer at @IBM, a fortune 500 company here in Louisiana. He is a leader in his workplace, academic institution and his community recieveing multiple awards for his work as an innovator and service. Vantonio is out here representing!

Andrea Dempsey

Sr. Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Programs

AWS

Andrea Dempsey

Sr. Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Programs

Andrea Dempsey is a Sr. Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Programs Manager at @AWS. Her @linkedin profile says that she is an "Unequivocal Champion for Equality" - and she has the receipts to prove it. Andrea is a native of Baton Rouge, who has dedicated her work to hire Black Technologists for Fortune 500 Tech companies and improving inclusion and equity efforts for all employees. She is also the Global President of the Amazon Black Employee Network. Although Andrea works in Austin, TX, we celebrate this Louisiana "champion" for all she does to build equity, access and community within all intersections for Black and Brown technologists.

Dennis Sigur

Computer Science Instructor

Dillard University

Dennis Sigur

Computer Science Instructor

Community is a partnership among all generations ensuring equitable access to tools and resources for everyone. Dennis Sigur, a Computer Science Instructor at @dillarduniversity, uses his knowledge to positively impact the classroom and his community. He develops his students to be competitive in this global economy and workforce through mentorship and advocacy. Dennis also creates career pathways for grade school students through coding and stem programming. In addition to our youth and young adults, he engages seniors in learning technology, helping to bring them into the digital age. Thank you Dennis for your commitment to intergenerational equity.

Sidney Jackson

Digital Marketer and Founder

Revision Marketing Group

Sidney Jackson

Digital Marketer and Founder

Sidney Jackson is a Digital Marketer and Founder of Revision Marketing Group @revisionmarketinggroup. Revision’s mission is to help companies of all sizes with marketing, branding and technology to grow their businesses. Since the early days of the pandemic, Sidney and his team have counseled and helped over 125+ companies in creating, enhancing and expanding their digital presence and brand authority. Through a special small business initiative with the state, their firm has helped businesses impacted by COVID-19 free of charge. Sidney's dedication to serving Louisiana and entrepreneurs is the perfect example how to make and economic impact.

Irene Wambui

Business Development Director

Online Optimism

Irene Wambui

Business Development Director

Make moves and do good. Irene Wambui is a Business Development Director at @online.optimism, a full service digital marketing and web design agency. Irene started as a paid intern and quickly climbed the ranks to her current role. As Business Partnerships Co-Chair for the New Orleans Chapter of the American Marketing Association @amaneworleans, Irene is a valued member of the NOLA marketer community. Her commitment to the local community also extends to her role in developing Online Optimism’s V.I.B.E. Grant. The V.I.B.E. Creative Marketing Grant (Venture to Ignite Black Entrepreneurship) is a grant designed to bolster the marketing efforts of Black-led businesses in New Orleans. The grant includes $5000 in paid digital advertising budget, Google ads management, a video production package, PR and ad opportunities, and a photoshoot. Irene grew up in London, England, and moved to New Orleans in 2018. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Roehampton in London and loves cooking and listening to music which makes her a perfect #nola resident.

Kia Robinson Hatfield

Director of Programs, Marketing and Communications

Jazz and Heritage Foundation

Kia Robinson Hatfield

Director of Programs, Marketing and Communications

Kia Robinson Hatfield is the Director of Programs, Marketing and Communications at the @JazzandHeritage Foundation where she leads the mission to promote, preserve, and encourage the music, culture and heritage of Louisiana communities. She also manages the Community Partnership Grants program which awards over $1.2 million in grant funds to Louisiana schools, non-profits and creatives. In 2020, she advocated for the creation of the Jazz & Heritage Music Relief Fund, a statewide relief fund to support Louisiana musicians who lost income amid the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, with more than $2 million dollars raised, the fund has provided grants to more than 4,000 musicians, music industry workers, and Black masking tradition bearers in Louisiana. Kia is a graduate of @drexelprep and earned her Mass Communications - Broadcast Media degree from @ullaLafayette. Kia also serves as a culture curator and advocate as a board member of @Ashé_cac. Kia does it for the music, culture and the tech.

Jasmine Brown

Public Policy Manager

GNO Inc.

Jasmine Brown

Public Policy Manager

Jasmine Brown is the Public Policy Manager at @GNOInc . She is responsible for policy and program initiatives, with a specific focus on economic mobility, coastal restoration and resilience, and music business. She has established and led a number of initiatives, including, but not limited to the HBCU Startup Internship Program, which was designed to increase the pipeline of Black startup founders in the GNO region. Along with her work to create pathways for Black and Brown entreprenuers, she is also an advocate for underrepresented talent. Jasmine talented litigator working hard to make sure that our ecosystem is a place where everyone has an opportunity to secure the bag. She is a cum laude graduate of @Loyola_nola University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She also earned a Juris Doctor from @LSU. Jasmine has a commitment to the #tech community here in #nola and has given her time to partner with #nolavateblack to build the network that works!

Theresa Jones

Owner and Principal Consultant

EVALV IQ (pronounced evolve)

Theresa Jones

Owner and Principal Consultant

Theresa Jones is the owner and principal consultant for EVALV IQ (pronounced evolve) and is affectionatley known as the "Cyber Lady". After 17 years of mastering the sales and marketing industry, Theresa entered the world of Cyber Security & Information Technology. Her agency is the first female, minority-owned, full service Cyber Security consulting firm in the state of Louisiana. Evalv IQ LLC is headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with locations in New Orleans, LA, Huntsville, AL in the Redstone Arsenal’s defense industrial base and Nashville, TN. Evalv IQ is a women-owned small business (WOSB), that believes in strengthening the security posture of organizations, protecting information assets, educating the workforce with next generation skills, and transforming risks into teachable moments. Theresa is helping our businesses become unstoppable.

Nia Weeks

Founder and Executive Director

Citizen SHE United

Nia Weeks

Founder and Executive Director

Nia Weeks @niaweeks is the Founder and Executive Director of @CitizenSHEUnited, an advocacy group using media and art to share the voices of Black Women to inform, advocate for and enact a collective policy agenda to address the needs of Black Women in Louisiana. She has taken her work behind the camera to share the voices of women with @gusbennet celebrating women's hair with "The New Orleans People Project". Nia has been a force behind addressing the systemic issues that impact marginized communities, such as her work with #thecrownact. C.R.O.W.N. Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Ordinance, prohibits race-based hair discrimination, including the denial of employment and housing because of hair texture or hairstyles. Nia can be seen looking fabulous during #mardigras season with @wow_wakanda, an #afrofuturist #cosplay krewe celebrating tech and black cutlure in #NewOrleans.

Harlin Miller Jr

Photographer

Harlin Miller Jr

Photographer

We love creators in tech. Harlin Miller Jr @harlinmillerjr is a photographer largely known for his use of composition in his black and white portrait photography but he also experiments with dry mediums such as charcoal and graphite. Harlin spends the majority of his time running a commercial photography studio in New Orleans. He has dabbled in building various startups and ventures in both tech and creative industries. Harlin recently released Juxtaposed, a photo project documenting the world through a whimsical lens. Give him a ping for your next photoshoot.

Lee Hardy

Executive Producer

WBOK.1230

Lee Hardy

Executive Producer

Tech to lift up our voice! Lee Hardy is an Executive Producer at @WBOK.1230 the oldest Black-owned and Black-led radio station in New Orleans. He has been a part of WBOK since the inception in 2007. As producer of "The Good Morning Show", Lee is responsible for producing some of the most profound and thought provoking segments in talk radio with our most influentual cutlure bearers like @sallyann_roberts and @oliverthomas57. Lee has a niche for keeping relevant topics in the forefront. He considers it an honor to serve the listening audience, giving voice to the voiceless. Lee is a passionate and intense producer who sets the bar high. He has mentored and trained producers and interns who have blossomed in the field. Although he is a behind the scenes guy, Lee is a proven and respected leader in the community. A native New Orleanian and Army Brat, Lee graduated from Abramson High School and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the @UniversityofNewOrleans. Lee is a firm believer of the Word found in Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Yes, Lee! Let Him use you for good works!

Larry Lavallais Jr.

Owner and Founder

True Care Technology

Larry Lavallais Jr.

Owner and Founder

Larry Lavallais Jr. is the owner and founder of @True_Care_Technology_. True Care Technology was founded in 2010 with a business model of providing innovative IT services and solutions for small to medium businesses and enterprises. A native of Marksville, Louisiana and a 2004 graduate of Marksville High School, Larry is a proud graduate of @Grambling1901 State University where he obtained a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Law and @University of Phoenix, New Orleans campus, with an MBA with a focus in technology management. Larry is commited to being an innovative force in the industry of information technology. Thier company slogan “powered by intellect driven by passion” is the kind of leadership we need in our city. Larry is keeping us connected!

Dawn Richard

Artist & Creative

Dawn Richard

Artist & Creative

Dawn Richard @dawnrichard has been one of music’s most distinctive voices and songwriters since 2004, as a member of Danity Kane and then Diddy-Dirty Money, releasing the cult R&B classic Last Train to Paris.   Across three solo albums, Dawn has honed a style of music that she describes as “genderless and genreless”.  Showcasing her home city New Orleans and the Carnival Indian culture makes her latest album a one of a kind masterpiece. New Breed was named as one of the year’s best albums by @Pitchfork, @RollingStone, @Vogue, @FACT, @LATimes and many more. Dawn continues to push the boundaries of music and visual technology with her videos and live show, becoming the first artist to perform live in 360 on @YouTube. She has also released a VR album debuted by @WIRED as well as collaborated with her long time partners @AdultSwim making her the first black female singer to do so. Being completely Independent with no label or team she has broken ceilings for women, POC, LGBTQ, and so many who are underrepresented. Dawn is more than just her music, she is a movement. Yes!

Tandra LeMay

Director of State Government Affairs

Verizon

Tandra LeMay

Director of State Government Affairs

Tandra LeMay is the Director of State Government Affairs for Louisiana at @verizon. In her most recent position as Associate Vice Chancellor of Workforce Solutions, Tandra worked closely with business and industry to develop initiatives that met local workforce needs. Tandra has also worked with nonprofit organizations and served as a mentor to students in local leadership training programs. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in General Business Administration from @LSU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and a Juris Doctor degree from @Loyola_NOLA University School of Law. Thank you Tandra for being a tech adovcate and #verizon for your generous investment in our mission to build a sustainble tech talent pipeline.

Brian Davis

Director of Applications Development

LSU

Brian Davis

Director of Applications Development

Brian Davis is Director of Applications Development at @LSU Online where he fosters a collaborative culture to build and support a platform that helps thousands of students all over the world get their degrees and gain new skills online. Brian is also an independant consultant helping small businesses scale their operations with innovation. He also gives back to the entreprenuer community as a leader for the @StartupBus, an organization that hosts a startup accelerator, part hackathon, part pitch competition where creators have 72 hours to take an idea from concept to business - all on a bus! #nolavateblack was a partner in the 2019 and we are thankful for their $5,000 gift to our #diversity #recruitment programming in 2021. Stay tuned! Brian and @exploretechnola are working on an awesome collab for 2022!

Taiwan Brown

Vice President of Diversity and Workforce Strategies

Entergy

Taiwan Brown

Vice President of Diversity and Workforce Strategies

Taiwan Brown is the vice president of diversity and workforce strategies at @entergy. The formation of the diversity and workforce strategies organization creates a center of excellence around workforce development, talent attraction/pipeline development, and organizational health and diversity. These teams support the company’s efforts to increase its presence and build partnerships with colleges and vocational-technical schools for a stronger, more viable pipeline of future talent, while expanding efforts to increase employee engagement and overall organizational health within the current workforce. Before #Entergy she led the strategic planning and implementation of global inclusion and philanthropic initiatives. During her tenure, she also held positions with increasing strategic responsibility within the company’s organizational development and learning organization. Taiwan holds a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from North Carolina A&T State University and an MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas. Taiwan is bridging the gap in tech from the top!

Krystal James

Strategic Initiatives Coordinator

Delgado Community College

Krystal James

Strategic Initiatives Coordinator

Krystal James is the Strategic Initiatives Coordinator at Delgado Community College. She is instrumental in the strategic efforts for the new suite of information technology courses to provide New Orleans residents with the necessary skills to advance their careers within the technology workforce. Krystal James is a public administration and urban affairs professional with a personal and professional commitment to urban revitilization. She holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from @HowardUniversity in Washington, D.C. and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Texas at Arlington School of Urban and Public Affairs. Representation matters to Krystal. She is making sure no one gets left behind in the fast moving world of tech. #wearehere #29 #honoree #blacktech #diversity #inclusion #nola

Tara Hernandez

Investor and Fund Manager

Reform Ventures, LLC.

Tara Hernandez

Investor and Fund Manager

Money moves in tech! Tara Hernandez is actively involved in the technology investment community, as an Investor and Fund Manager of Reform Ventures, LLC., a member of First Round Capital’s Angel Track 6 cohort, a member of New Orleans LA Angel Network, and a board member of the Idea Village, a New Orleans technology accelerator program. She was named as one of “100 rising-star VCs" in 2020, who represents "the future of venture capital” by @BusinessInsider. Tara is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, MA, with a Master of Science Degree in Real Estate Development and a graduate of Loyola University New Orleans with a degree in Finance. She is a Louisiana Real Estate Broker and President of JCH, a real estate investment, consulting and development company developing residential, mixed-use, mixed-income, and commercial development projects throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Missouri. The firm is actively working on projects in Dallas and New Orleans. Tara is making boss moves!

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