William Dawson

As NASCAR continues the tradition of fast cars and constant innovation, it also remains committed to fostering an environment where everyone, especially African-American fans and professionals, feels welcomed and excited to be part of the action. With more and more diverse faces joining its workforce, it’s a perfect time to go behind the scenes to uncover the stories of the sport’s unsung heroes: folks like track services personnel, digitals services team members, producers, and sustainability specialists who help keep the ship running smoothly. These are the technical wizards who help keep the wheels turning, and their journeys are proof that NASCAR is, indeed, a place for everyone. Dr. Kendra Cooper is pushing boundaries in both education and sustainability. As the STEM Education and Sustainability Senior Manager at NASCAR, Cooper has a unique role in integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning with the high-octane world of racing. Boasting a doctorate,...

In a world where things move at lightning speed, just coasting on your current skills won’t cut it anymore. Especially for Black professionals—whether you’re a millennial hustling for a promotion or Gen Xer looking to pivot into new industries—upskilling is the key to leveling up. It’s not just about staying in the game; it’s about dominating it. Learning new skills doesn’t just set you up for the next step; it helps you rise, thrive and own your space—especially in fields where we’re still pushing for more representation. Whether you want to transition into leadership , explore new industries or simply sharpen your expertise, upskilling gives you the power to reshape your career path. And for Black professionals, this journey isn’t just about stacking up certificates—it’s about busting down doors where diversity still lags. Why UC Berkeley Extension is the Move for Your Next Chapter When it comes to upskilling, UC Berkeley Extension offers certificates that will help you thrive in...

In today’s workplace, finding the right mentors and sponsors can be the difference between success and failure when it comes to one’s career trajectory, especially for up-and-coming Black and Latinx professionals. Bloomberg, a company known for providing ongoing learning and development opportunities for its employees, emphasizes the importance of these relationships through a variety of mentorship and leadership development programs. The company’s supportive environment empowers employees to bring their authentic selves to work, fostering both personal and professional growth. The Bloomberg Difference Jennifer Salaam, a Technical Program Manager in Bloomberg’s Engineering department, highlights what makes Bloomberg a standout employer for Black and Latinx professionals. “The variety of challenges and opportunities at Bloomberg keeps you on your toes,” she explains. “The support offered by the various Communities (employee resource groups) across the firm means that there are others...

Meshach Jones joined Bloomberg straight out of college in 2017, and quickly became a member of the company’s Asset and Investment Manager (AIM) Compliance team. In his role as a software engineering team lead, Jones found a way to excel while serving his clients and creating his own lane within the company. “As a Bloomberg engineer, there are no specific levels,” Jones explained. “It’s really about allowing engineers to get involved wherever they deem fit and not creating barriers based on titles that might discourage people.” Jones became part of the company’s Black Professional Community (BPC) and has served as a lead within the Bloomberg Black in Tech (BBIT) group, which is focused on representation and supporting engineers and technologists in their careers. He took his role even further, making sure these groups found a way to recruit potential engineers by giving them better insight into the industry. “We created Tech Labs,” Jones recalled. “Those labs allow potential...

Google has long been recognized as a technology leader. However, the tech giant is also leading the way in fostering inclusiveness within the ever-evolving realm of digital innovation. From groundbreaking products to visionary initiatives, Google stands as a paragon of diversity and a catalyst for change, embracing voices from all corners of the globe to shape the technological landscape of the future. Tech Equity Collective (TEC) is one of Google’s latest initiatives you may not have heard about, yet further cements it as a technology trailblazer. TEC is designed to drive innovation by creating a tech ecosystem consisting of programs, community and industry partnerships that unlock opportunities for aspiring and emerging Black tech professionals. What Makes TEC Special TEC is unique in its approach to raising awareness within the Black tech community, encouraging both aspiring and emerging tech professionals to join the collective. TEC is available for individuals at different...

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and media, Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) stands as a powerhouse – not just in terms of its vast portfolio, but also in its commitment to innovation and inclusion. On the heels of its 100-year anniversary, the company remains committed to its mission of amplifying the voices of global storytellers to reflect audiences around the world, promoting diversity, removing barriers and creating space for all to share ideas and be heard. As the Senior Vice President of Applied Data Science and Machine Learning, Haile Owusu has witnessed first-hand the organization’s transformative journey. Across his five years, WBD has drawn the brightest minds and fostered an environment of creativity, diversity and limitless opportunities. A Legacy of Reinvention WBD’s scale is unparalleled, boasting 95 million direct-to-consumer subscribers globally. This scale gives the company even more reason to be innovative while addressing complex tech issues and solving...

In the fast-paced world of technology, where innovation is a driving force for change, ServiceNow emerges as a beacon of leadership. Vanessa Smith, President of ServiceNow.org, shares her insights into her journey and the organization’s commitment to making a positive impact on nonprofit organizations, the transformative power of technology, the role of digital experience, and the importance of inclusivity in the tech industry. A Change Catalyst: Vanessa Smith’s Tech Odyssey Smith’s journey with ServiceNow began in September 2020, a time marked by the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was drawn to ServiceNow by three key elements: the readiness for change, the remarkable capabilities of the NOW platform , and the chance to work again with influential tech leader Bill McDermott . With over 25-years of experience in tech and a family deeply rooted in the industry, Smith’s unique perspective and passion for social impact fuel her role as President of ServiceNow.org . Smith’s family...

For years, Expedia Group has powered and influenced some of the most unforgettable travel experiences, and their brands are among the best-known names in global travel. The company is at the cutting edge when it comes to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), with those tools enabling customers to discover new destinations, plan and structure their trips without hesitation. That’s all by design according to Candice Tang, Vice President of Technology, Developer Experience with Expedia Group. “AI covers everything from booking to shopping to how travelers change their flights,” she says about the importance of AI platforms. “We’ve been using AI for years building on our platform’s capabilities to simplify our traveler’s experience.” Candice, who has been in the position for a year, focuses on the developer experience and leads a team that streamlines and automates routine tasks, so developers can focus on what they do best– solving tough tech challenges. Her team has...

Finding Opportunity at AfroTech Will Cleveland has always had a thing for analytics. Throughout his career, he’s been charged with figuring out strategies via content curation that give customers the data they need to make the best decisions possible. He’s always tried to make sure that people who look like him are empowered with information and opportunity. It’s his mission in life. As president of his former job’s Black employee resource group, he was able to present advancement opportunities for others while also helping the company advance in its diversity efforts. It was during his attendance at AfroTech 2022 in Austin that he discovered he was destined to do even more on a greater scale. “I love attending AfroTech. It feels like a safe space where I can see people who look like me and what they’re doing in tech to help us advance,“ Cleveland says. “I attended the Expedia Group panels and got to see the innovative things they’re doing to give their customers the power when it...