TechHER Talk & Awards Honored Women In Technology During the Celebratory Weekend In New Orleans

Amazon, Microsoft, Reworld and Walmart Business partnered with Insights Marketing to honor trailblazing Black women in the tech space at the inaugural TechHer Talk & Awards reception on Friday, July 5th during Independence weekend in New Orleans, LA .

Keshia Walker, Founder & Chairwoman for the Black Collegiate Gaming Association opened the event with prayer and a challenge to change the current statistics surrounding Black women in technology. According to Walker, Black women represent less than 3% of the 28% of women in technology. BCGA is the first Black woman lead organization with the mission of pivoting Black and women of color college students into the overall gaming industry, not only as consumers, but as contributors. Walker mentioned feeling a connection to the community because of her own love of gaming and her nephew. “I’ve been gaming for years, but when I started there were no women of color like myself in the industry,” Walker explained. Years later, Walker’s nephew took an interest in gaming and seeing there was little progress it prompted her to start an organization to support other women of color with an interest in gaming/technology.

The TechHer Talks panel was moderated by Latasha Gillespie, Head of Global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility for Amazon MGM Studios. After an informative Q&A on the progression of technology and the need for representation, specifically for women of color in industry, BCGA presented a $1000 check to IGL and Alexia Clayborne introduced an integrated Microsoft Afro Futurism presentation and kicked off the remaining honors.

Alice Pope, VP Global Device, Digital & Alexa Support was presented with Amazon’s Global Leader award. Ciani Green, Camden City School District was honored with the Trailblazer award from Reworld. Walmart Business awarded Temika Dixon, co-founder of Impact Connections with the Social Impact award. BCGA presented Alexia Claybourne, Director of Inclusion & Accessibility with the Inclusion & Access Award. Amazon presented the Transformative Leadership in Technology & Equity award to Janeen Uzell, Tech Catalyst, Global Citizen, Storyteller & Investor. Lastly, Walmart Business presented Arisha Smith, Chief Digital Officer; Camille Rose with the Tech Maven award.

Walker was pleased with the inaugural event and thanked Walmart Business, Amazon, Reworld and Microsoft for supporting Black excellence and being an active advocate for Black women. Walker says BCGA and Insights Marketing look forward to returning to New Orleans with TechHer Talks and Awards for many years to come.