Kimberly Bryant
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."
Career Roadmap
Kimberly's work combines: Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Accomplishing Goals
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
When I was first starting Black Girls CODE, I was working on the business idea and early development stage for a really long time. I kept hearing people tell me that it was ready and I needed to just launch it already. As a first time entrepreneur, I faced a lot of uncertainty and wanted to make sure that I did it correctly. It held me back from taking the leap, but I eventually got there.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Vanderbilt University
Bachelor's Degree
Computer Science
Vanderbilt University
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
Born and raised in Memphis, TN.
2.
Growing up, I enjoyed taking part in entrepreneurial endeavors and always knew I wanted to be my own boss one day.
3.
Attended Vanderbilt University where I received a degree in electrical engineering and computer science.
4.
After graduating, I focused my career in the electrical engineering industry where I worked at DuPont and Phillip Morris.
5.
Eventually transitioned from electrical engineering to biotechnology and pharmaceuticals where I worked for companies like Merck & Co., Genentech, and Pfizer, Inc.
6.
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.
7.
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.
8.
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.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
We need to launch this now! No more waiting.
How I responded:
When I was first starting Black Girls CODE, I was working on the business idea and early development stage for a really long time. I kept hearing people tell me that it was ready and I needed to just launch it already. As a first time entrepreneur, I faced a lot of uncertainty and wanted to make sure that I did it correctly. It held me back from taking the leap, but I eventually got there.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
In technology, I have witnessed a lot of discrimination and there is a huge disparity in the participation of women and people of color. I never used to see people like me in this field. I started my company in order to solve this injustice.
I didn't set out to be an entrepreneur in computer technology or nonprofits. I thought I would do something in engineering or biotechnology because that was what I was familiar with. Making the transition was accidental, but necessary.
As a first time entrepreneur, I was plagued by doubt and uncertainty about whether I had the right skills or had a good enough idea. It held me back for a long time, but I eventually took the leap. Entrepreneurship is a leap of faith.
When I was first starting out, I cashed out the 401k that I had built up over 20 years in order to help fund not only the company, but also pay my bills because I quit my job in order to pursue this business. Ultimately, the investment was worth it.
When I was in college, the first two years were really challenging. There was a lot of pressure and it was a completely foreign environment and it wasn't until I found "safe spaces" and support that I really started to succeed in school.