The Power of Representation 

Every February, Black History Month reminds us that progress is less a straight line and more a path, carved through persistence, resilience, and innovation. Across every generation, Black women have taken this journey in technology, breaking ground in a field that wasn’t designed for them. They’ve defied expectations, solved problems no one else could, and reimagined what’s possible for the world, and for themselves. 

Yet, the numbers don’t match Black women’s level of contribution and significance. Today, Black women make up just 3% of the tech workforce, according to CIO. This disparity isn’t a reflection of talent or ambition, but the result of barriers that have kept their voices from being heard and their contributions from being fully recognized. And while these challenges persist, so does their impact—an impact that grows stronger with every trailblazer who refuses to stop carving that path. 

As we look at the past, present, and future of Black women in tech, we see more than just individual accomplishments. We see progress that was made possible by those who dared to envision a more inclusive industry. Their stories urge all of us to keep building a world where innovation is fueled by the diverse perspectives that make it thrive. 

Photo by NASA

Valerie Thomas: A Pioneer in Space Innovation 

Imagine looking at an image of Earth taken from space—a view made possible by satellites that transmit images back to us. Decades before this technology became an everyday tool, Valerie Thomas was envisioning and creating it. 

As a scientist at NASA, Thomas developed the first satellite system capable of transmitting images from space to Earth. Her work revolutionized imaging systems and laid the foundation for innovations ranging from meteorology to global navigation. In a time when the presence of Black women in STEM was nearly invisible, Thomas’s achievements became a beacon of possibility. 

Her success was truly symbolic. Valerie excelled in an era when systemic barriers were at their peak, proving that brilliance could overcome exclusion and opening doors for future generations. 

“The Trailblazing Roboticist Tackling Diversity and Bias in Artificial Intelligence”, Vanity Fair

Dr. Ayanna Howard: Advancing Robotics and Education 

Dr. Ayanna Howard has always believed in the power of technology to change lives, and her career is a reflection of that belief. As the Chief Technology Officer of Zyrobotics, Dr. Howard leads the charge in merging machine learning and robotics to create educational tools that are as innovative as they are impactful. Her work focuses on making learning accessible for children of all abilities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of knowledge. 

Dr. Howard’s contributions go far beyond her technical expertise. She is widely recognized as a thought leader in artificial intelligence and robotics, fields where the presence of Black women remains rare. Through her work, she advances technology and challenges the status quo, showing the world what inclusion and accessibility can achieve when made a priority. 

Her influence stretches across industries, demonstrating how technology can create opportunities for the next generation of learners. By reimagining how we use robotics and AI in education, Dr. Howard is shaping a future where everyone has the tools to succeed.  

“Beyond Barriers: A 26-year-old Innovator’s Quest To Transform Cybersecurity And Empower Millions”, Forbes Chicago

Yasmin Abdi: Shaping the Next Generation of AI 

At just the start of her career, Yasmin Abdi is already redefining what’s possible in technology. As a renowned technical advisor and the Founder of Meemo, an AI-powered app that was later acquired by Coinbase, Abdi has made waves in both the tech and financial sectors. Her ability to harness the power of artificial intelligence to solve real-world problems sets her apart as a leader of tomorrow. 

What makes Abdi’s story even more remarkable are the walls she’s tearing down along the way. She’s now Founder & CEO of noHack, a cybersecurity company. In a field where women—and especially Black women—are underrepresented, she is carving out space for herself and for future innovators who will follow in her footsteps. Her success shows the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping technologies that serve everyone. 

Yasmin’s work is a glimpse into the future of tech: a future driven by young, visionary leaders who approach innovation with inclusivity and purpose. With each step forward, she challenges outdated norms and proves that the next generation of tech will be better for the diversity of voices leading it. 

The Broader Impact of Black Women in Technology 

Black women in tech have long been at the forefront of innovation, yet their representation within the industry remains disproportionately small. Challenges such as a lack of sponsorship, exclusivity in leadership opportunities, and workplace cultures that fail to prioritize inclusivity continue to hinder their progress. 

But while these challenges are significant, they are not insurmountable. Recent trends offer signs of hope. We saw promotion rates for Black women in tech take their largest jump from 12.3% to 16.8%, showing that organizations are starting to recognize and elevate their contributions. Additionally, the percentage of new hires has increased, signaling a shift—however gradual—toward better representation and equity in the field. 

These improvements highlight the broader impact of Black women in tech: their success not only benefits their individual careers but also inspires others, creates opportunities for underrepresented groups, and drives innovation across the industry. By championing the inclusion of Black women at all levels of tech, we can continue to foster environments where diverse voices fuel groundbreaking ideas and meaningful change. 

Celebrating Progress and Looking Ahead 

The journeys of Valerie Thomas, Dr. Ayanna Howard, and Yasmin Abdi show us the progress Black women have made in tech and the potential they bring to the future of innovation. Their stories are a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of representation, reminding us of the vital role Black women play in shaping technology. 

But, as much as these stories are celebrations of individual achievements, they’re also a call to action for the tech industry. By fighting inequities and nurturing inclusive environments, we can create pathways for the next generation of innovators, ensuring that no talent goes untapped. 

At AnitaB.org, we are committed to supporting women like Valerie, Ayanna, and Yasmin through mentorship programs, leadership development resources, and platforms that amplify their voices. We believe that diversity and inclusion are not just ideals but essential drivers of innovation helping to improve the overall workforce of companies. We remain dedicated to fostering a tech industry where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 

Donate today to celebrate, support, and uplift women in tech as they continue to drive innovation and equity. Together, we can shape a future where diversity is the foundation of technological progress.