Flawless Celebrates Black History Month!
In honor of Black History Month, we’re excited to launch a two-part series celebrating Black Leaders in technology and recognize pioneering giants who discovered new fields and innovated in existing ones.
In Part One, you’ll meet William Earley, a Talent Acquisition innovator and leader recently at Meta, and we’ll introduce you to 10 Black Leaders who are shaping the current paths of technology.
In Part Two, we’ll bring to light some amazing accomplishments of Black pioneers in the technology field, individuals who helped pave the Tech landscape!
To kick us off, we were fortunate enough to catch up with former Technical Recruiting Manager from Meta, William Earley. Let’s dive in to learn about his journey!
Flawless: William, in 2021 when you first met with our associate, Amber Smith-Meyers, you shared an impactful story of how you’ve persevered to get where you are today - would you share some of that story with us again now?
William: Yes, I came to LA 22 years ago and I’ve always held a passion for recruiting and connecting with others from different and diverse backgrounds - especially since I am a diverse candidate for things that are seen and unseen, intersectionally, myself. After the economic downturn in 2008, I assisted my organization in navigating a time in which they were then downscaling. A few years later, I left to join a major consumer products brand where I was able to advance to a management position. There I oversaw 25 direct reports and our workforce operations along the entire west coast from Hawaii to Alaska. My team and I expanded the company’s presence into new markets such as entertainment and tech. It was at this point while serving as a vendor for Meta (at the time, Facebook) that I visualized one day becoming an internal people leader for Meta, myself - which became a reality at the start of 2022.
Flawless: That’s awesome! We love to see a story come full circle. What are some of the ways you’ve personally played a part in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace?
William: I began my work in recruiting for university and early career talent. Here I recognized my opportunity and responsibility to advocate for minorities and those less-represented by assisting in giving them a voice and providing them with a seat at the table. I’ve always really enjoyed being able to guide, mentor, and groom those under me that are hungry to grow and advance in their careers so that they may break into leadership as well. I’m passionate about helping and partnering with people that are in positions similar to where I originally started once upon a time.
Flawless: Another way your journey comes full circle - love it! Lastly, are there any BIPOC leaders that you personally look up to?
William: Yes! I am inspired by Janice Bryant Howroyd. She is the Founder and CEO of ACT-1 Group. Janice regularly mentions the need to remain positive, be kind to yourself, and consistently find ways to circle back to what motivates you.
In addition to William and Janice, here are 10 more Black Leaders to keep your eye on!
These individuals are not only making their mark in the Tech industry but also helping to drive change and a more equal future. Their work spans a wide range of fields including virtual reality, AI, and software development, showcasing the incredible talent and potential that Black leaders bring to the table.
2. Herman Chinery-Hesse, Founder of SOFTtribe
Herman Chinery-Hesse, also known as the "Bill Gates of Ghana," is the founder of SOFTtribe, the largest software company in Ghana. He is a true visionary in the tech industry and has made significant contributions to the growth and development of technology in Ghana.
1. Natasha Bansgopaul, Co-Founder & COO of VegaX Holdings
Natasha Bansgopaul is a trailblazer in the tech industry as the co-founder and COO of VegaX Holdings, the first-ever Black-female-led fintech company backed by global venture capital firms SOSV and Artesian.
4. Shante Elliott, Founder of TasselTurn
Shante Elliott is the founder of TasselTurn, an education platform that connects unhoused and foster care youth with learning counselors and colleges. She is dedicated to using technology to create positive social change and help underserved communities.
3. Elise Smith, Co-Founder & CEO of Praxis Labs
Elise Smith is the Co-Founder & CEO of Praxis Labs, a virtual reality immersive learning platform that helps organizations become more equitable and inclusive with clients such as Google, Amazon, and Uber.
6. Tony Effik, Managing Director at Google
Tony Effik is a Managing Director at Google and the Co-Founder of The Black and Brilliant Advocacy Network. He has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry and continues to make significant contributions to the advancement of Black leaders in tech.
5. John Thompson, Venture Partner at Lightspeed Venture Partner.
John Thompson is a prominent figure in the tech industry, serving as the Chair of Microsoft until June 2021 and previously a GM at IBM. He is now a Venture Partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners.
8. Kimberly Wilson, Founder & CEO of Hued
Kimberly Wilson is the Founder & CEO of Hued, a company that raised $1.6 million last year and was selected for Google's Black Founders Fund. She is a true innovator and thought leader in the tech industry, making a significant impact in the field.
7. Isoken Igbinedion, Co-Founder & CEO of Parfait
Isoken Igbinedion is the Co-Founder & CEO of Parfait, a technology company that uses AI to develop custom wigs. Her innovative approach to solving real-world problems has earned her recognition and praise in the tech industry.
10. Farah Allen, Founder & CEO of The Labz
Farah Allen is the Founder & CEO of The Labz, a company that has seen a 90% increase in users in the past year alone. She was named the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Woman of the Year for Technology and continues to lead the way in innovation and leadership in the tech industry.
9. Kyle Woumn, Founding Team and VP of Product & Engineering at Overflow
Kyle Woumn is a Forbes 30 Under 30 for Social Impact and a member of the Founding Team and VP of Product & Engineering at Overflow. He has been making waves in the tech industry with his innovative and impactful contributions.
One of our Core Values here at Flawless is “Have an Attitude of Gratitude”. As we continue to strive for greater diversity and representation in the tech industry, it’s important that we value, support, and celebrate these folks leading the way. This month-long celebration seeks to show gratitude and recognize greatness - how better than to remind ourselves on whose shoulders we’re standing?
Come back on February 23rd when we’ll share Part Two of this series. You’ll meet several Black Pioneers in Technology who’ve made some of today’s amazing realities possible, and who continue to inspire and encourage others to follow in their footsteps.