Meet 5 Black Women Who Are Changing the Face of Tech in America

inimfon asifa — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 10:51:17 +0000

When you picture the U.S. tech industry, chances are you don’t see enough faces that look like yours, or your sister’s, or your daughter’s. But every so often, someone comes along who changes the narrative, who proves that brilliance, grit, and leadership come in every shade. Black women are really the entire narrative.

Today, we’re shining a spotlight on five Black women who are not just making noise in tech, they’re breaking barriers, uplifting their communities, and opening the door a little wider for all of us.

1. Aisha Bowe: Founder of STEMBoard & LINGO

Aisha Bowe’s journey started at community college, with a simple dream: make her family proud. She went on to become an aerospace engineer at NASA—a place few Black women have ever called home.

But she didn’t stop there. Aisha built STEMBoard, an engineering company that’s helping thousands of students discover STEM careers, and launched LINGO to deliver hands-on science kits to kids everywhere. And in 2025? She literally went to space, making history with Blue Origin.

For Aisha, it’s not about being “the first,” but making sure she’s not the last. She wants a million students to know they belong in STEM, too.

2. Toni Townes-Whitley: CEO of SAIC

Toni Townes-Whitley’s story is all about breaking ceilings that once felt bulletproof. Raised in Virginia, she watched her father become the first Black Comptroller of the U.S. Army, and she’s carried that spirit of possibility with her ever since.

Now, as CEO of SAIC, a Fortune 500 tech and defense company, she’s the first Black woman to ever run a company like this. Toni led billion-dollar teams at Microsoft, pushed for ethical AI, and still finds time to champion young women in STEM. Her leadership style is grounded in empathy and a drive to make sure no one gets left behind.

3. Tekedra Mawakana: CEO of Waymo

Tekedra Mawakana knows how to steer through uncharted territory. With roots in Mississippi and a law degree from Columbia, she’s built a career out of finding solutions where others see problems.

Now, as Co-CEO of Waymo (that’s Google’s self-driving car company), Tekedra is shaping how we’ll move tomorrow. She’s overseeing massive operations, making sure AI-powered cars are safe for our families, and fighting for a future where tech serves everyone.

Tekedra’s path proves that you don’t have to choose between being bold and being thoughtful, you can be both.

4. Dr. Nashlie Sephus: Co-Founder and CEO of Bean Path

Growing up in Jackson, Mississippi, Dr. Nashlie Sephus didn’t see many tech hubs or AI labs, but she had a vision. She earned her PhD in engineering, sold her startup to Amazon, and is now on the front lines making artificial intelligence fairer and more accessible.

But Nashlie never forgot her roots. She’s investing back in her hometown, creating the Bean Path—a $25 million tech district offering mentorship, resources, and hope to a new generation. For her, it’s about proving that world-changing innovation can happen anywhere, including the heart of Mississippi.

5. Angela Benton: Founder of Streamlytics & NewME

Angela Benton knows what it’s like to be the “only one in the room.” She launched BlackWeb 2.0 to make sure Black voices in tech were heard, and started NewME Accelerator, one of the first to back minority founders. Thanks to her, over $47 million has gone to underrepresented entrepreneurs chasing their dreams.

Today, as CEO of Streamlytics, Angela is making sure our data rights are protected and our stories are told by us, for us. After beating breast cancer, she’s more passionate than ever about building spaces where everyone can thrive.