Dream Con Spotlights Black Leaders Expanding Access in Technology

From developing global ecosystems to taking corporations to the next level, there are those who are working to make the technology industry more inclusive and equitable. This Black History Month, we’re highlighting leaders who are expanding access in tech, breaking barriers, and building pathways for the next generation.

Kham Ward

Kham Ward is a diversity executive and the founder and CEO of BLK Men in Tech, a nonprofit dedicated to providing access, resources, and community for Black men in the industry. Under his leadership, the organization has grown into a global community with over 60,000 people across 27 countries through programming, scholarships, and its annual THRIVE Conference. 

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Today, Ward continues to close opportunity gaps and strengthen representation across tech. As a result of his work, he’s been recognized by Forbes as a For(bes) The Culture Champion Rising Star and a STEM influencer.

Did you know? Ward discovered his interest in diversity work for corporations while working an overnight gig for a shipping company. A conversation with his manager there sparked his resolve to finally transition into the tech space after working in higher education.

Stacy Brown-Philpot

Stacy Brown-Philpot is a tech executive, investor, and former CEO of TaskRabbit, an online platform that connects consumers with freelance service providers to assist with residential tasks from furniture assembly to handyman repairs. While at the helm, she guided TaskRabbit through its 2017 IKEA acquisition, a major milestone for the company.

Before TaskRabbit, Brown-Philpot worked for Google, leading global operations for the company’s flagship products and eventually founding the Black Googler Network as a diversity initiative during her tenure. She has also been named one of Business Insider’s 46 Most Important African-Americans in Technology. More recently, in 2023, Brown-Philpot founded Cherryrock Capital, a venture firm focused on helping underserved founders scale high-growth startups. 

Did you know? Early in her career, Brown-Philpot recognized that not enough young girls in school know that coding or tech is a career option, so she finds value in mentoring young women of color in the space. 

Dr. Ayanna Howard

Dr. Ayanna Howard is a roboticist, entrepreneur, author, and educator who is notably the first female dean of the College of Engineering at Ohio State University. Before entering academia, she spent more than a decade at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where she helped develop autonomous systems for future Mars exploration missions.

Howard later founded Zyrobotics, a company that creates AI-powered STEM and therapy tools for children with special needs. She is also a co-lead for Black in Robotics, a nonprofit dedicated to creating an inclusive ecosystem for the industry. Her ongoing contributions to engineering and robotics have earned recognition from Business Insider, Forbes, and more. Through her research and leadership, she continues to advocate for more ethical and inclusive innovation across AI and robotics.

Did you know? Howard has credited the television show The Bionic Woman as an early inspiration for her career in robotics.

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Check out our featured icons who are transforming the gaming industry.