In this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, I chat with 3 of the 4 women who are the eboard of Black Tech Women. Black Tech Women (BTW) is the premier community for black women in the technology ecosystem to connect, learn, and develop. With over 1400 members since launch, Black Tech Women continue to engage and develop members with national events, job opportunities and monthly articles on tech.
Also in this episode you will hear about a great event from sponsor, Queens Brunch, that’s happening December 16th-17th in Chicago. Read more about it below!
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How BTW was started and what cities currently have events
- Learn how you can become a member of BTW and attend events as a BTW Insider
- Meet and learn about the eboard (Executive Board)
- Advice and tips for networking, especially when you’re the “only one” in a room
- Why mentorship and sponsorship are very important for your advancement
As you’ll find in the episode, each of the women have a unique background and each of them have a unique experience for how they got into tech. Therefore, allow me to introduce them separately…
Anndrea Moore, Founder & CEO | Black Tech Women
Anndrea Moore is the Founder and CEO of Black Tech Women, the premier organization for black women in the technology ecosystem. Black Tech Women has grown to 1200 members in less than 6 months and has executed experiences with Google, Instagram, Tech Inclusion, SoundCloud and more. The Harvard Business School graduate created Black Tech Women based on her own experiences as a black woman working at some of the most well known tech companies in the world.
From consulting small and medium businesses on digital marketing strategy to launching global product features impacting millions of users, Anndrea has a range of expertise as it relates to marketing and product growth, including digital marketing, product storytelling, email engagement, and customer journey optimization.
Anndrea is an avid speaker with past engagements including the Clinton Global Initiative University Conference, the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurship Summit, and the Management Leadership for Tomorrow Career Prep Career Launch Summit, among others. Anndrea also loves to travel and has had the opportunity to visit over 25 countries. She makes time to give back by being an active alum of her undergraduate alma mater, the University of Cincinnati, where she received a Bachelor’s in Marketing and International Business.
Eden Zeilo, Head of Operations | Black Tech Women
Eden is the Head of Operations for Black Tech Women, overseeing the City Leads program and managing the day-to-day operations of the organization.
Eden is also a manager in the strategic planning group at Samsung and supports several key executives and projects within the Consumer Business Division. Prior to Samsung, Eden was an analytics consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton, primarily serving Air Force clients.
Outside of work, Eden serves as a mentor for Rising Leaders, which emphasizes on minority middle school students in New York City. Eden holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor’s in Operations Research from MIT.
Drea Alphonso, Head of Partnerships | Black Tech Women
WIth close to five years of experience in Silicon Valley as a program manager, Drea is responsible for developing strategies to bring classroom technology to school districts across the country. Her affinity towards technology grew during her time as a field organizer on the reelection campaign for President Barack Obama. With access to Google tools, she witnessed firsthand the transformative power behind technology.
Combining her passion for technology and community, she is also now Head of Partnerships for Black Tech Women. In this role, Drea is responsible for collaborating with key organizations and businesses to help grow, develop, and enhance the lives of black women in tech. As a sports enthusiast, Drea is also a sports x tech contributor for publications likes the San Francisco Chronicle, Fox Sports’ Yardbarker, and The Sports Fan Journal. She graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in Biology and African American studies.
Holyn Kanake, Head of Finance | Black Tech Women
Holyn is the Head of Finance of Black Tech Women, the premier organization for black women in the technology ecosystem. In her role, Holyn identifies and executes sponsorship opportunities with various companies and organizations.
As someone both analytically and creatively inclined, Holyn has worked in consulting, banking, and tech. At EY, she improved the operational and managerial success of financial services clients; conversely, she worked on Shopping/Ads while at Google, and has been a graphic designer for nearly a decade.
Holyn can be found helping founders and startups in the NYC ecosystem in her spare time. She holds a BS from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in Finance with a minor in Chemistry.
Connect with Black Tech Women:
Attend the #GlowUp by Queens Brunch
In this episode you heard about the Queens Brunch event called the #GlowUp. The #GlowUp is a 2 day series providing actionable workshops and events for the professional woman. Queens Brunch is partnering with TechNexus and Clique Studios to bring #TheGlowUp, an event series focused on skills building and career conversations specific to women. Workshops include a Scrum Master certification course, User Experience workshops, Digital Branding, and ends with a brunch experience focused on Negotiation skills. They are bringing the best instructors, great food, and an experience you don’t want to miss.
Two day courses are eligible for corporate skills training as well as educational or small business expenses.
For being a loyal listen to Black Tech Unplugged of course I have a promo code for you. Use code “blacktechunplugged” for a special discount.
Want to attend the #GlowUp, but need financial assistance? There’s a scholarship available.
Tickets to the #GlowUp can be purchased here.
Connect with Black Tech Unplugged:
Don’t forget to use #BlackTechUnplugged to discuss this and previous episodes!
Deena Black Tech Unplugged 
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