Our Black in Tech series features the career path & advice from Black professionals in the tech industry. In this Q&A, Johnson Ngandjui, Software Engineer at Liberty Mutual shares his story.

Johnson is a 2021 Hack.Diversity Alum. Founded in 2016, Hack.Diversity transforms the economy by breaking barriers and building access for the next generation in tech. More than 50 companies have chosen to partner with Hack.Diversity to tap into the full potential of the talent landscape and co-design impactful strategies to transform the workplace for all employees. Click here to learn more.

Where did you grow up and what were you like as a child? What did your parents do for work? 

I grew up in Douala, Cameroon, where I spent most of my days outdoors, either playing football (soccer) or exploring with friends. I was always on the move, fueled by a curiosity to discover the world around me. My dad worked as a teacher, imparting knowledge to students, and my mom served as a secretary, keeping things organized and running smoothly.

Where did you go to college? What did you study and what did you do after graduating? 

I attended Salem State University, where I graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Computer Science and a minor in Mathematics. Following graduation, I embarked on my career journey as a Software Engineer at Liberty Mutual Insurance through Hack.Diversity. My education provided me with a strong foundation in technology, enabling me to contribute effectively to innovative projects at my workplace.

What inspired you to get into the tech industry?

I’ve always been drawn to the endless possibilities and untapped potential of technology. The sheer breadth of what we can achieve with technology never fails to inspire me. As I delved deeper into the industry, I discovered that what I initially thought I knew was merely scratching the surface, and there’s always more to learn and explore. My inspiration stems from witnessing the transformative power of technology and the constant evolution of its capabilities.

Can you talk about your experience as a Fellow at Hack.Diversity?

My experience as a Fellow at Hack.Diversity has been nothing short of transformative. Hack.Diversity provided an environment conducive to my personal and professional growth and played a pivotal role in launching my career as a Software Engineer, for which I am deeply thankful. Moreover, their robust programming and community offer ongoing support and a plethora of opportunities, ensuring continued engagement and success after the Fellowship.

How did Hack.Diversity help you navigate obstacles you had to overcome along the way as a Black professional.

Hack.Diversity has been instrumental in supporting me as a Black professional navigating the tech industry. Beyond facilitating my first internship, crucial for laying the groundwork for my career, they provided networking opportunities and a supportive community to address unique challenges faced by underrepresented individuals. Their ongoing support, including professional development resources and access to an extensive network, empowered me to overcome obstacles and thrive in an industry where diversity and representation are paramount. In essence, Hack.Diversity not only opened doors for me but also remained a steadfast ally, advocating for equity and providing the tools necessary for sustained success in tech.

Can you share the high-level responsibilities of your current position as a Software Engineer at Liberty Mutual?

In my role as a Software Engineer at Liberty Mutual, I am primarily responsible for full-stack development, encompassing the creation of new applications from the database to the user interface. This involves not only building robust and efficient new software solutions but also ensuring the seamless maintenance of existing applications to prevent disruptions for our users. My responsibilities span the entire software development lifecycle, from conception to deployment, as I work to innovate and improve our digital offerings while also ensuring the reliability and stability of our existing systems.

What has attributed to your success thus far and what types of obstacles have you had to overcome along the way as a Black professional? 

Several factors have contributed to my success thus far, foremost among them being a willingness to learn and adapt in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. With the increasing integration of AI and constant advancements in technology, staying abreast of industry developments is essential. My readiness to embrace new tools and methodologies have been instrumental in my professional growth. Additionally, I’ve found that being adaptable to different environments and open to learning from diverse perspectives has enriched my skill set and expanded my opportunities for success.

As a Black professional, navigating the corporate world has presented its own set of challenges. While progress is being made, barriers still exist, making it necessary to navigate corporate structures with resilience and determination.

What types of programs and initiatives does Liberty Mutual have that support diversity, equity, and inclusion?

Liberty Mutual has implemented several programs and initiatives to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within the company. Notably, they have established Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), such as LEADA (Liberty Employees of African Descent and Allies), of which I am a member. These ERGs play a vital role in creating a sense of belonging and inclusivity for employees from diverse backgrounds. Through initiatives like LEADA, Liberty Mutual actively promotes open dialogue and encourages conversations that facilitate understanding and comfort among employees.

While general awareness of the problem of diversity in the tech industry is a step forward, to make a lasting change, real actions need to be taken. Do you have any ideas or suggestions on what companies or employees can do to step up and make a difference?

Companies must go beyond gestures and take intentional actions to address diversity and inclusion (DEI) in the tech industry. One innovative approach could involve implementing blind auditions or assessments during the hiring process. By anonymizing certain aspects of job applications, such as names, genders, and educational backgrounds, companies can mitigate biases and focus solely on candidates’ skills and qualifications. This approach not only promotes fairness but also opens doors for individuals who may face unconscious bias.

Additionally, companies can establish partnerships with organizations and institutions that specialize in training and uplifting talent of all backgrounds, thereby expanding their pool of potential candidates beyond traditional networks.

Our Black in Tech series features the career path & advice from Black professionals in the tech industry. In this Q&A, Belle Berghoffer, Program Manager at Acquia shares her story.

Where did you grow up and what were you like as a child? What did your parents do for work? 

I grew up in Douala, Cameroon in Central Africa and moved to Baltimore, Maryland as a teenager. Growing up, I played piano, did ballet, played a number of sports, and was also that kid who journaled and religiously created 1-year, 5-year and 10-year plans; it’s no wonder I ended up in project management. My father was an attorney and entrepreneur and my mother worked as a Regional Manager for Swiss WorldCargo. They both had Master’s degrees and stressed the importance of education. 

Where did you go to college? What did you study and what did you do after graduating? 

I went to Towson University and majored in International Studies with a minor in Creative Writing. After graduating, I worked as a Senior Program Assistant for a non-profit organization in Washington, DC and eventually went on to get my MBA from the University of Baltimore. 

What inspired you to get into the tech industry?

I’ve always wanted to build a career doing something I was good at and enjoyed. Being quite analytical (sometimes overly analytical), organized and efficiency-driven, that eventually landed me into the tech field on a track that led me from Business Analysis to Program Management. 

Can you share the high-level responsibilities of your current position as Program Manager at Acquia?

As a Program Manager, I am responsible for stakeholder, schedule, resourcing and budget management as it relates to programs and projects. And very recently been charged with leading efforts to stand up a project management office (PMO) within Professional Services.

What has attributed to your success thus far and what types of obstacles have you had to overcome along the way as a Black professional? 

I’m a firm believer that God has a plan for my life and all the success I’ve experienced professionally and personally comes from Him. And I carry that confidence while navigating life, not only as a Black professional, but also as an immigrant, which definitely had an impact early on in my career. 

What advice would you give to other Black professionals who are interested in joining the tech industry? 

I would advise them to jump right in. There are a plethora of opportunities in tech and endless possibilities for career paths. Don’t take no for an answer, research opportunities, apply, follow-up with recruiters and take valuable certifications that sharpen your skills and make you stand out. 

While general awareness of the problem of diversity in the tech industry is a step forward, to make a lasting change, real actions need to be taken.  Do you have any ideas or suggestions on what companies or employees can do to step up and make a difference?

I participated in training on unconscious bias a few years ago and that opened my eyes to the fact that we all have biases which influence even the most well-intentioned of us. I think that messaging along with other initiatives should be pushed out to raise awareness on how our background and experiences shape the way we think which sometimes needs to be corrected, without judgment. But also practices should be put in place to account for human error in hiring processes, organizational culture, performance evaluation and career advancement opportunities. And ensuring that teams reflect the type of diversity that exists in our communities. 

Our Black in Tech series features the career path & advice from Black professionals in the tech industry. In this Q&A, Monica Frazier, Sr. Assoc. Security Operations Engineer at Duck Creek Technologies shares her story.

Where did you grow up and what were you like as a child? What did your parents/guardians do?

I grew up in Columbia, SC. I was a very quiet and caring child growing up. I was very shy, however when I made friends I came out of my shell. I enjoyed being active playing outside all day with my friends.

Now retired, my mom worked for the school district here in SC as the procurement manager for the district warehouse for 35+ years.

Where did you go to college? What did you study and what did you do after graduating? 

I went to school later in life and I obtained my Bachelor of Science from a satellite campus of Limestone University here in Columbia, SC. My major was Business with a concentration in Computer Programming and a minor in Software Applications. Once I graduated, I jumped into my first tech career as an IT Business Analyst. I continued on my education again in 2020 and obtained my master’s in information assurance and Cybersecurity with a specialization in Digital Forensics.

What inspired you to get into the tech industry?

I was always intrigued by the tech industry, but I did not know exactly where I wanted to land in the field until one day, I became a victim of a cybercrime. I was interested in learning how do these criminals get access to personal information without anyone knowing and how they can be stopped. So that’s when I knew I wanted to pursue a career in cybersecurity.

What has your career path looked like in tech and the various positions you’ve held before joining Duck Creek? 

Before I got into my career in tech, I worked for the State of South Carolina and held several positions with the state. First, I was a revenue technician for 5 years and then I moved into an Auditor position and held that role for 2 years. While remaining with the state I completed the studies for my Bachelor of Science and began my first job in tech as an IT Business Analyst. I stayed in the IT Business Analyst position for 4 years then I transitioned into the private sector and continued in the Business Analyst role. During my time in the private sector, I worked as a Business Analyst for a financial company for almost 2 years and then came over to Duck Creek as a Business Analyst. However, I took on more of a QA role when I first started with Duck Creek. As I was in the QA role, I finished my studies for my master’s in information assurance and Cybersecurity and moved into a security operations engineering role as a cyber training and awareness lead.

Can you share the high-level responsibilities of your current position as a Sr. Associate, Security Operations Engineer at Duck Creek?

In my current role, I oversee the cyber training and awareness for the company. I ensure employees are aware of the current evolving threats that plague our organization by implementing phishing campaigns and annual training. I collaborate with our SecOps team to ensure the phishing campaign emails are relevant to the latest threats.

What types of programs and initiatives does Duck Creek have that support diversity, equity, and inclusion?

Duck Creek offers several ERGs, from Volar (Hispanic/Latin), VERG (Veterans), Emerging Leaders, BRG (Black), Divergent (Disabilities), Pride (LGBTQIA+), and WRG (Women).  All of these different ERGs may have their own sole mission and purpose, but all are welcome. Also, Duck Creek has recently introduced a Cultural Ambassador program that gives an opportunity for potential employees and new hires to speak with current employees from the group about the culture at Duck Creek.

What advice would you give to other Black professionals who are interested in joining the tech industry? 

What has helped me along the way is networking. A part of my networking strategy was to communicate what I am pursuing in my career, and this has helped me gain valuable connections that have opened doors in my career, gave me clearer perspective on the roles in tech and led to mentorships. My advice is to first determine where you want to be in IT, then attend networking events around tech where you openly communicate where you want to go in your career, ask questions, and actively engage in the connections you make.

Our Black in Tech series features the career path & advice from Black professionals in the tech industry. In this Q&A, Andy Pamphile, Senior Treasury Analyst at Klaviyo shares his story.

Let’s start at the very beginning - where did you grow up and how would you describe yourself as a child?

I grew up in Boston, split between Mattapan and Hyde Park neighborhoods. As a child, I was always very inquisitive. I was fascinated with how things worked and would take things apart and fix them. You can only imagine how frustrated my parents would be when my toy cars, bikes, and radios (dating myself here) would be found in pieces and left all over the floor.

What did you study in school and what was your first job upon graduating?

I started my undergrad as an engineering major, and when I quickly realized it was not for me, I pivoted to finance. I actually started down my career path a bit early as a bank teller at Bank of America. After college, I started a job at State Street to get a sense of the corporate side of banking. 

What inspired you to get into the tech industry?

I remember when I was about 6 or 7 yrs old, we had an old school computer at home, and I would watch my dad play solitaire. You can imagine my inquisitive self wanted to know everything, so I imitated what I saw him do on the computer. Years later, I always found myself on cnet.com, random tech blogs reading up on the latest, or watching hours of YouTube videos of people doing reviews on software/hardware. At that point, I was completely sold!

What do you do at Klaviyo as Sr. Treasury Analyst? 

As a Sr. Treasury Analyst, my primary job is to manage the company’s money. Specifically, maintaining liquidity to cover daily operations or finding ways to make our money make money. 

As a Black professional, what factors have contributed to your success and what obstacles have you overcome in your journey?

Factors that have contributed to my success are connecting with people who are in the places I aspire to be in and constantly staying up-to-date with relevant information. I’ve realized relationships become more important than skills when you are trying to go far. It is also imperative you know what's going on currently and in the future because it gives you the upper hand in dealing with changes. Unfortunately, and maybe for many, I still struggle with imposter syndrome. So, I do what most people would, which is to soak in more knowledge in my area of expertise or in other fields. 

How is Klaviyo committed to building a workplace that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion? 

Klaviyo has a dedicated ERG for Black professionals who work here. This allowed us to have a space for us to share experiences and ideas.  We have also made it a point to put Black people in positions of power (C suites) which now gives us something tangible to aspire to. Not to mention, our very own CEO is our executive sponsor, who meets with all of us quarterly to listen and advocate for us. 

What advice would you give to other Black professionals interested in joining the tech industry? 

“Keep grinding and be open to unexpected opportunities.” I honestly didn’t think I would find my role in tech, so I had this immense pressure to learn how to code or be good at sales. I ended up sticking it out until a role that aligned with my skill set matched and put all my energy into securing the bag. Lastly, I would tell people, don't get discouraged. Looking for a job these days is a job within itself, and being that it's a tech role makes it 10x harder. Don't give up, you'll get that opportunity that will change your life.

How can companies and employees take concrete actions to address diversity in the tech industry and bring about lasting change?

We’ve held many roundtables that have discussed the lack of diversity in Tech. I believe we are past the point of addressing some of the obvious, and we need to start being intentional and proactive. It is imperative that we hire more diverse recruiters who can focus on hiring within marginalized communities and also train managers who do not identify as BIPOC to work with them. As employees, we need to also help each other whether it’s for job referrals or sharing advice on how to be successful. 

Our Black in Tech series features the career path & advice from Black professionals in the tech industry. In this Q&A, Morgan Rosenkranz, Software Engineer at Alloy Enterprises shares his story.

Where did you grow up and what were you like as a child? What was your family like? 

I, and my two younger sisters, were raised by a Black mom and Jewish dad. Our family dynamic has always been fun, warm, and nurturing. Growing up I was always asking questions about how and why things worked. My parents definitely fostered this curiosity in me. My Dad is a lawyer and he would often explain the core issues of the cases he was working on and ask for all of our input. I loved these dinner table conversations because I came to understand that his job was to become an expert in the small breadth of the problem at hand and condense that knowledge into an explanation for someone who has only read the brief. My mom would always joke that I was going to make nanobots or something like that. Maybe one day!

Where did you go to college? What did you study and what did you do after graduating? 

I studied Computer Engineering and Computer Science at Northeastern University. I knew even before I applied that I learned best by doing, so the Co-op program was perfect for me. In my five years at Northeastern I had the opportunity to work at three different companies for 6 months at a time. My final Co-op was at Alloy Enterprises, which at the time was a small tight knit team of only 16. This was the first time I could actually see and hold the results of my work. The tangibility of my work was so different from anything I had done before that I was instantly hooked. I worked at Alloy part time for my last semester and then joined full time after I graduated.

What inspired you to get into the tech industry?

When I was little, my curiosity and creativity led me to deciding I wanted to be an inventor, whatever that is. Learning to code in middle school ended up feeling exactly like what I had imagined being an inventor was. The only limit of what I could build was my imagination.

What has your career path looked like in tech and the various positions you’ve held before joining Alloy Enterprises? 

My previous Co-ops before Alloy Enterprises were more in the medical field. During my first Co-op at Omega Therapeutics, I made tools for the scientists to use in the lab. I was given a lot of freedom in what to use and the opportunity to learn the R programming language and how to use different Python data science libraries. Then at Medtronic, I worked on a virtual reality training software for a surgery robot. I enjoyed working on internal tools because it gave me a short feedback cycle and insight into how people in other disciplines worked and thought about problems.

Can you share the high-level responsibilities of your current position as Software Engineer at Alloy Enterprises?

I work on both of our two main software projects: Device and Slicer. On the slicer project, I implement feature requests from other teams that will allow us to handle new geometries or improvements for our process. On the device, I work on taking the output of the slicer and using it to control the construct machine which cuts layers out of sheets, among other things.

What has attributed to your success thus far and what types of obstacles have you had to overcome along the way as a Black professional? 

Being mixed in a country that tries to be so black and white is difficult. People try to tell you that you have to be this or that you’re not “Black enough” because of that. I think that having struggled with identity has made me stronger in my character and self-confidence. I know who I am and what I want to do. A lot of our society is based on these false binaries and I think living somewhere in the middle has made me more aware of nuances that others would overlook.

What types of programs and initiatives does Alloy Enterprises have that support diversity, equity, and inclusion?

Alloy Enterprises has a really inclusive culture and that was one of the main reasons I came back after graduating. The company has grown a lot over the last year or so. One of the main reasons we’ve been able to maintain this great culture is that the hiring managers get feedback from so many people. When we were hiring for the software team, everyone on the team had a chance to participate in interviewing the candidate. We also had members of other teams give their feedback on cultural fit. We’re also big believers in the Co-op program. It gives us an opportunity to work with people we might not otherwise.

What advice would you give to other Black professionals who are interested in joining the tech industry? 

My advice is to unapologetically be yourself and pursue your interests to the fullest. It’s hard to start in a world and industry where people expect you to be or look a certain way based on preconceived notions of what a Black person or engineer is supposed to look or act like. Why pretend to be someone you’re not? I’ve been lucky enough to work in an environment that values everyone’s individuality as having different perspectives makes us a better team. I think one of the best qualities in an engineer is the passion with which they tackle the problems at hand. Skills can be taught but you cannot teach someone to pursue answers they have no interest or investment in. At Alloy, I’m surrounded by these types of people who are both deeply interested in their realm and in sharing their knowledge with others, regardless of discipline.

While general awareness of the problem of diversity in the tech industry is a step forward, to make a lasting change, real actions need to be taken.  Do you have any ideas or suggestions on what companies or employees can do to step up and make a difference?

Awareness is a great first step but to make lasting change I think companies need to focus on putting Black people in positions of power. It’s one thing to try to hire more POC employees but it doesn’t make much of a difference if none of them are able to make change outside of their individual contributions. Instead a Black manager or COO could be more effective in making a difference by focusing on change from the top down.

Our Black in Tech series features the career path & advice from Black professionals in the tech industry. In this Q&A, Stephond Goler, Senior Partner Sales Enablement Manager at Acquia shares his story.

 Where did you grow up and what were you like as a child? What did your parents do for work? 

My childhood was spent in Boston, largely between the Hyde Park and, later, Jamaica Plain neighborhoods. My parents put an emphasis on academics, so I was rewarded with outside play and athletics only if I had completed my studies. 

My mother has worked as a manager at Boston Housing Authority, a provider of public and affordable housing, for 40 years. Meanwhile my stepfather ascended the ranks as an officer within the Boston Police Department, where he has spent the last three decades.

Where did you go to college?

I started my college career at a renowned HBCU (Historically Black College and University), Morehouse College in Atlanta. I later transferred to the University of Massachusetts-Boston to be closer to home.

What inspired you to get into the tech industry?

It was less inspiration and more happenstance. In 2016, I got my first chance to work in the tech industry via a connection that my wife had made in college. A small tech startup in Boston allowed me to wear a multitude of “hats” and forced me to work more collaboratively than I ever had previously in my career. It was taxing but rewarding having allowed me to absorb cross-departmental experience very rapidly.

What has your career path looked like in tech and the various positions you’ve held before joining Acquia? 

I think like everyone, there have been some ups and downs and lateral moves whether in terms of title or pay scale. That being said, it is important to map your experience to positions. I tend to let everything else play out as it may.

Can you share the high-level responsibilities of your current position as Senior Partner Sales Enablement Manager at Acquia?

I ensure that Acquia’s partner ecosystem, which includes more than 700 organizations, has a seamless sales and technical experience. I provide access to product- and vertical-related materials via several vehicles such that individual practitioners are clear on Acquia's value proposition in relation to their own complementary services.

What has attributed to your success thus far and what types of obstacles have you had to overcome along the way as a Black professional? 

Success is relative. I think that there is always more to prove to my colleagues and leaders having been on the receiving end of microaggressions in the workplace. We are not a monolith and we behave professionally just like everyone else.

Moreover, I feel as if the glass ceiling is real so I find myself trying to make myself a generalist rather than a specialist because it wards off the idea that I am expendable. The more I know, the more I do and the more I can be useful.

What types of programs and initiatives does Acquia have that support diversity, equity, and inclusion?

Specifically as it pertains to my background, an employee resource group (ERG) has existed for a number of years called Acquia Alliance of Black Leaders for Excellence (AABLE). A plethora of inter-departmental colleagues meet regularly for routine check-ins or events.

What advice would you give to other Black professionals who are interested in joining the tech industry? 

It is not easy. Stay on your grind, find a suitable work/life balance and ensure that there is a culture that aligns with your ideals. Do not be afraid to ask organizations about their diversity goals. Ask for metrics. And finally, find the people within your organization who fight for the same ideals so that there is a unified voice at the proverbial table.

While general awareness of the problem of diversity in the tech industry is a step forward, to make a lasting change, real actions need to be taken.  Do you have any ideas or suggestions on what companies or employees can do to step up and make a difference?

I am highly data-centric so in 2023, I read a profound book written by Heather McGhee called The Sum of Us that examines the hidden cost of racism via a series of economic studies that she had conducted. The general crux of the book is that many people in the US subscribe to a zero-sum ethos and often vote against their own self-interests to ensure that Black people (and other people of color) do not succeed. This philosophy is also pervasive in corporate America, as I am a living testament, having observed it for nearly two decades. We are not oppressing ourselves. We are not turning down leadership promotions for amusement.

In order to make advancements in the tech industry, and other industries in general, it has to be realized that the energy that is put into oppression, workplace microaggressions and other forms of racism are counterproductive to the bottom line, to winning. If your organization wants to win, it must embrace Black and Brown leadership, ideas and voices or suffer from a revenue standpoint. This has always been the sentiment within the Black community but now proponents of change can also point to the supporting data.

Our Black in Tech series features the career path & advice from Black professionals in the tech industry. In this Q&A, Prosper Onungwa, Software Engineer II at Cohere Health shares his story.

 What were your dreams or aspirations as a child? Who inspired you while growing up?

For a while, I thought that I wanted to be a doctor or the host of Nigeria’s version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? TV show. I constantly switched between these two aspirations while growing up in Abia State, Nigeria. My biggest inspirations were my parents and Frank Edoho, the host of Nigeria’s version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? TV show at the time. I felt that Frank and my parents had really interesting jobs. My father sold computers and would sometimes leave them at home for us to play with as he configured and set them up to eventually sell. My mother taught accounting at the local secondary school.

Where did you go to college? What did you study and what did you do after graduating? 

I went to Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York where I studied Computer Science. I got a scholarship to attend Vassar after secondary school in Nigeria through the EducationUSA program. Through this program, I was able to prepare my college applications and take the required standardized tests for admissions. While at Vassar, I learned about their dual degree Engineering program with Dartmouth College. It would entail starting a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E) degree at Dartmouth during my junior year, then coming back to Vassar to complete the Bachelor of Arts (B.A), and finally returning to Dartmouth for a fifth year to complete the B.E. I was intrigued by the dual degree program and started taking the prerequisite courses. I eventually got admitted and went on to study Computer Engineering at Dartmouth. It was at a career fair during my final fifth year in engineering school that I found out about Cohere Health.  

What inspired you to get into the tech industry?

Towards the end of high school, while I was applying to Nigerian and American colleges, I realized that I did not have the patience required for medical school and I also didn’t think that I would enjoy it as much as I had thought. I realized that I enjoyed playing around with the computers that my dad would bring home from work. I found myself tinkering with their settings, trying to help my dad configure them or trying to install games for me and my siblings to play. I also watched him go from selling large, bulky desktops to slimmer laptops, so I’ve always been fascinated by the evolution of technology. Technological programs are not yet well established in Nigeria so when I got the opportunity to come and study in the US, I knew I had to make the most of it and get into tech.

What has your career path looked like in tech and the various positions you’ve held before joining Cohere Health? 

Cohere Health was my first job out of college! While attending college, I didn’t get an external internship until my senior year at Vassar. However, I still tried to make the most of the situation and took on any opportunity to code and build side projects. I worked as a business analyst intern for Vassar’s Information Systems department where I built financial reports and helped maintain different types of data in their management software, Workday. It was cool to get a peek into how our school operated. 

While at Dartmouth, I found out about the DALI Lab, a campus job where students could design and build web and mobile applications for sponsoring partners and organizations. I ended up working at the DALI Lab for about two years. This was where I learned a lot about web development, which is a huge responsibility in my current role. I was able to work on cool projects which were great talking points during my job search. 

After my senior year, I landed an internship at a pharmaceutical company. That role was more centered around data engineering. However, it led me to the realization that I was more interested in web development. From there, I decided to focus more on web development during my fifth year of schooling. After graduating engineering school in 2021, I joined Cohere where I started out as a Software Engineer I. I have since been promoted to a Software Engineer II. 

Can you share the high-level responsibilities of your current position as Software Engineer II at Cohere Health?

I plan and build features for Cohere Health’s clinical review workflow. I work on the frontend and backend parts of our application, and I help maintain the cloud infrastructure that powers them. I also provide technical and mentoring support whenever I can. 

What has attributed to your success thus far and what types of obstacles have you had to overcome along the way as a Black professional? 

I have always been willing to try new things. I am not afraid to make mistakes, as I find great value in learning from them. I have had to make the most out of many situations, even though they may not have been ideal. I have also learned to manage imposter syndrome or feeling like I do not belong in spaces where there are not many others that look like me. Thankfully, I have a supportive network of family, friends, and colleagues. We remind each other of how far we have come and what we are capable of doing. Something else that I have learned is to not be bothered by other people’s perception of you. People may undervalue you initially, but if you keep doing great work and focus on what is most important, good things will eventually come around.  

Are you involved with any professional organizations outside of the company? Volunteer work?

I am occasionally involved with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE).

What advice would you give to other Black professionals who are interested in joining the tech industry? 

Don’t be afraid of failure. I have realized that building great technology also requires a lot of patience and consistency. It rarely goes well at first, but you have to keep at it to get better and improve. To get started, work on projects that interest you and always be ready to learn new skills. Tech is also a very vast field with very many applications. Try to play to your strengths and find what sector interests you; there is certainly a niche somewhere for you. 

While general awareness of the problem of diversity in the tech industry is a step forward, to make a lasting change, real actions need to be taken.  Do you have any ideas or suggestions on what companies or employees can do to step up and make a difference?

I believe that companies should start looking for tech talent in places that they have not traditionally looked. I doubt that I would have found out about Cohere if I did​​ not attend my undergraduate institutions. This has made me realize that lots of opportunities are not even available to underrepresented communities, so they never get a chance to showcase their unique talents. I believe a diverse group of people can lead to more creative and well-rounded solutions for a company. Diversity will continue to be important in the increasingly connected global economy. As employees, I believe that the little things we do in our day-to-day life to ensure that our work environment is welcoming and equitable for all backgrounds, goes a long way. We should continue to support each other in the form of mentorship, referrals, and being vocal about career & learning opportunities.

Q&A

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy playing video games, reading novels, creative writing, and playing chess.

How do you manage stress?

I like exercising and I recently took up recreational Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). I’ve learned a lot of grit and discipline through this.

How many cups of coffee do you have in a day?

Haha! One to three cups depending on stress level for the day.

Any book or podcast recommendations?
Factfulness by Hans Rosling. It uses well explained statistics and quantitative data to show that despite the bad news we hear on the news everyday, the world is actually slowly getting better in the grand scheme of things.

Our Black in Tech series features the career path & advice from Black professionals in the tech industry. In this Q&A, Teaqoshawn Nelson, Sr. Product Marketing Manager at Duck Creek shares her story.

Where did you grow up and what were you like as a child? What did your parents do for work? 

I grew up in rural South Carolina, cotton and corn fields are common and a beautiful sight to see as you travel through the country! Even in the most challenging situations, I always tried to find the good. I was very quiet, reserved, and introverted. I was very inquisitive and constantly questioning the world around me. My curiosity kept my parents alert!

My hardworking parents have settled into a well-earned retirement. My dad was a mechanic and a solopreneur with his own trucking business. My mom worked as a supervisor for the disabilities and special needs board, where she trained consumers to work in local businesses. 

Where did you go to college? What did you study and what did you do after graduating? 

I majored in mathematics at Tuskegee University, ‘The Pride of the Swift Growing South’! After graduation, I worked as a junior business analyst at an insurtech company in product development.

Several years later, I completed my MBA from the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina with concentrations in International Business, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation and a Certificate in Business Analytics.

What inspired you to get into the tech industry?

Well, tech, specifically insurtech happened to me. After graduating undergrad without a job, I searched for months until I saw a small job ad in the local newspaper where the only requirement was a college degree. Finally, a perfect fit for me!

Filled with hope, I went to an open house for this insurtech and applied for a junior business analyst role. The interviewer was impressed by me and assured me that he would recommend me for the role. Two days later, I received an offer without knowing what the company did or the responsibilities of a business analyst! 

What has your career path looked like in tech and the various positions you’ve held before joining Duck Creek? 

My career began as a junior business analyst, and I climbed the ranks to become a lead business analyst. In this role, I was responsible for requirements gathering, overseeing and conducting testing, and educating/training customers on product features and functions.  

As my expertise grew, I became a subject matter expert and reviewed system changes from a business and workflow perspective with a focus on the user experience. I took charge of responding to RFPs and conducting analyst demonstrations. I also spearheaded a user group for more than seven years, where I facilitated all meetings, educational requests, demonstrations, and other responsibilities.

I also contributed to successful implementations across all tiers and was an account manager on the product customer support team. My journey has allowed me to participate in the success of many insurers in the industry while supporting the objectives of my employer and achieving my personal goals. 

Can you share the high-level responsibilities of your current position as Product Marketing Manager at Duck Creek?

My role as a senior product marketing manager is quite diverse. My responsibilities include market research, product messaging and positioning, content creation, product launches, and sales enablement. I love the variety of tasks from one day to another. There is never a boring day as a product marketing manager!

What has attributed to your success thus far and what types of obstacles have you had to overcome along the way as a Black professional? 

I’m resilient, and I don’t give up easily. I have had numerous challenges throughout my journey, which have included adapting to change swiftly and persevering despite limitations imposed on me by management. Despite attempts to confine me to their defined box, I remain determined to forge my own path. 

I’ve encountered situations where I was passed over for roles and had internal transfers blocked while being told I add great value to the company. Despite these setbacks, I refuse to let anyone dictate what I can achieve. There are many challenges faced by black women working in insurtech, but I’m determined not to stay frustrated. I continue to seek other opportunities to expand my knowledge, skills, and network. My drive and tenacity propel me forward as I actively create my goals and execute my plan to achieve them. 

What types of programs and initiatives does Duck Creek have that support diversity, equity, and inclusion?

Duck Creek has an amazing culture that embraces diversity and fosters a sense of belonging. Our ERGs and Diversity Council have created safe places for each Duck to share their truth in a supportive space where people feel safe as we tackle difficult topics such as race and equity. We are also able to engage in enlightening discussions and cultural exchanges.

I am fortunate to work with good people who are open to learning and respectful of other viewpoints. The openness and understanding I’ve seen demonstrated have been invaluable to my personal growth. 

What advice would you give to other Black professionals who are interested in joining the tech industry? 

Pursue it only if you are passionate. Passion is a powerful force that will motivate and help you remain focused on your goal. 

Network and connect with people who have similar interests. This can help lead you to new opportunities and can lead to meeting potential mentors and sponsors that can help propel your career forward. Become a lifelong learner. Technology is a field that changes rapidly. Remaining open to learning will help to maintain your skills and adapt to changes.

While general awareness of the problem of diversity in the tech industry is a step forward, to make a lasting change, real actions need to be taken.  Do you have any ideas or suggestions on what companies or employees can do to step up and make a difference?

If everyone looks like you, thinks like you, and can do what you can do, your world is too small. When people come together with diverse viewpoints, they bring unique insights and perspectives. As we embrace diversity, we gain empathy and respect for cultures, which helps us to collaborate and communicate effectively. 

No matter your position in an organization, your lived experience is valid. I encourage everyone to embrace who they are and be open to learning from others. It’s amazing the comradery and community that is created when we embrace diversity.