Kimberly Bryant

Kimberly Bryant

Founder & CEO


Black Girls CODE

Oakland, CA USA


Entrepreneurship is a leap of faith. There’s absolutely no one that knows what they’re doing, but we figure it out. The method is a journey of failing, learning from that, and then trying something different.

Videos

By Roadtrip Nation

Kimberly Bryant

Milestones

My road in life took a while to figure out.
Born and raised in Memphis, TN.
Growing up, I enjoyed taking part in entrepreneurial endeavors and always knew I wanted to be my own boss one day.
Attended Vanderbilt University where I received a degree in electrical engineering and computer science.
After graduating, I focused my career in the electrical engineering industry where I worked at DuPont and Phillip Morris.
Eventually transitioned from electrical engineering to biotechnology and pharmaceuticals where I worked for companies like Merck & Co., Genentech, and Pfizer, Inc.
After working as an engineer for over 20 years, I started exploring ways I could pursue my interest in becoming an entrepreneur within the biotech industry.
I began trying to solve the problem of the lack of women and people of color in technology after seeing my daughter struggle to get involved in computer programming.
In 2011, I founded Black Girls CODE, providing technology education for African-American girls. I've won many awards and was named one of the 25 most influential African Americans in technology.
Keep following my journey

Career

Founder & CEO

I founded a training course that teaches basic programming concepts to girls of color.

Career Roadmap

Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Technology
Entrepreneurship
Accomplishing Goals

Day to Day

Most of my day is spent taking steps to continue building and expanding our organization. That can include meetings, phone calls, research, pitching, traveling, attending conferences / events, etc.. My job is to lead our organization and provide direction for our employees so that we can achieve our mission. I am also always in the mindset of how to best advocate for our cause.

Advice for Getting Started

Here's the first step for professionals

Above all else, you have to have the passion and hunger to get up and pursue your vision every day, even when you don't feel like it. If you don't have that, being an entrepreneur is going to be even harder, and you honestly probably won't make it very far. Dedication is the key.

Hurdles

The Noise I Shed

From Peers:

"We need to launch this now! No more waiting."

Challenges I Overcame

Racial And Gender Discrimination
Career Change
Imposter Syndrome