Tag: technology

Tap Into These 10 Black Tech Titans: Innovation, Legacy & Lessons for the Future

September 22, 2025

The U.S. tech industry has a diversity problem. Despite being the engine of global innovation, it remains staggeringly homogeneous. Black professionals make up just 7–9% of the workforce, and less than 5% of leadership roles at giants like Google, Microsoft, and Meta. But beyond the boardrooms and algorithms, a powerful movement is reshaping the narrative—Black tech entrepreneurs who are building billion-dollar companies, transforming industries, and mentoring the next generation.

These ten trailblazers didn’t wait for permission. They built platforms, raised capital, and created space for others. If you’re serious about learning from the best, these are the minds to follow, study, and connect with.

Robert F. Smith — Vista Equity Partners

  • Title: Founder, Chairman & CEO
  • Company: Vista Equity Partners
  • Contact: rsmith@vistaequitypartners.com | admin@robertfredericksmith.com
  • Why Learn From Him: Smith has overseen over 600 transactions totaling $330B. His investment philosophy centers on operational excellence and long-term value creation. He’s also a philanthropic force, eliminating student debt for Morehouse grads and launching the Student Freedom Initiative.
  • Legacy Lesson: Learn how to scale with precision and give back with purpose.

David Steward — World Wide Technology

  • Title: Founder & Chairman
  • Company: World Wide Technology
  • Contact: d***@wwt.com | (314) 569-7000
  • Why Learn From Him: Steward built the largest Black-owned tech company in the U.S., valued at $11.4B. His leadership blends faith, strategy, and community uplift.
  • Legacy Lesson: Steward proves that values-driven leadership can scale globally.

Tope Awotona — Calendly

  • Title: Founder & CEO
  • Company: Calendly
  • Contact: Not publicly listed; connect via LinkedIn
  • Why Learn From Him: Awotona bootstrapped Calendly into a $3B unicorn. His story is one of grit, vision, and refusing to settle for mediocrity.
  • Legacy Lesson: Simplicity and user obsession can disrupt entire industries.

Dr. Iman Abuzeid — Incredible Health

  • Title: Co-founder & CEO
  • Company: Incredible Health
  • Contact: Not publicly listed; connect via LinkedIn
  • Why Learn From Her: A Sudanese-American physician turned tech CEO, Abuzeid built a $1.65B platform that’s revolutionizing healthcare hiring.
  • Legacy Lesson: Expertise + empathy = scalable impact.

Freddie Figgers — Figgers Wireless

  • Title: Founder & CEO
  • Company: Figgers Wireless
  • Contact: f***@figgers.com | (800) 223-5435
  • Why Learn From Him: Figgers is the youngest American to hold an FCC license and the only Black-owned telecom provider. His inventions are rooted in personal care and community need.
  • Legacy Lesson: Innovation starts with solving problems close to home.

Iddris Sandu — Spatial Labs

  • Title: Founder & CEO
  • Company: Spatial Labs
  • Contact: Not publicly listed; connect via LinkedIn
  • Why Learn From Him: Sandu blends culture, fashion, and blockchain to create “phygital” experiences. Backed by Jay-Z’s Marcy Venture Partners, he’s redefining tech’s cultural interface.
  • Legacy Lesson: Tech isn’t just code, it’s culture.

Tristan Walker — Walker & Company Brands

  • Title: Founder & CEO
  • Company: Walker & Company
  • Contact: Not publicly listed; connect via LinkedIn
  • Why Learn From Him: Walker built Bevel to solve real grooming issues for Black men, then sold it to Procter & Gamble. He’s now a board member at Foot Locker and Shake Shack.
  • Legacy Lesson: Build for your community, and the world will follow.

Jessica O. Matthews — Uncharted Power

  • Title: Founder & CEO
  • Company: Uncharted Power
  • Contact: Not publicly listed; connect via LinkedIn
  • Why Learn From Her: Matthews turned a soccer ball into a power source and now builds smart infrastructure. Her Harlem-based company is redefining energy access.
  • Legacy Lesson: Play can power progress.

Chris Bennett — Wonderschool

  • Title: Founder & CEO
  • Company: Wonderschool
  • Contact: chris@wonderschool.com | +1.855.554.7843
  • Why Learn From Him: Bennett’s platform helps educators launch childcare programs, solving a national crisis while empowering entrepreneurs.
  • Legacy Lesson: Childhood education is a tech frontier.

Kimberly Bryant — Black Girls Code & Black Innovation Lab

  • Title: Founder
  • Company: Black Innovation Lab
  • Contact: Not publicly listed; connect via LinkedIn
  • Why Learn From Her: Bryant introduced over 100,000 girls to coding and now builds tech ecosystems in the South. Her upcoming book Ascending will be a must-read.
  • Legacy Lesson: Inclusion isn’t optional, it’s revolutionary.

Why These Titans Matter

These leaders aren’t just building companies, they’re building legacies. They’ve faced systemic barriers, yet created platforms that uplift communities, challenge norms, and redefine what’s possible. Whether you’re an aspiring founder, investor, educator, or storyteller, these are the minds to learn from.

  • They’ve built billion-dollar companies with limited access to capital.
  • They’ve scaled ideas rooted in personal pain and community need.
  • They’ve created ecosystems that center Black excellence and innovation.

Final Word

In a world that often overlooks Black brilliance, these tech titans are impossible to ignore. They are the architects of a new future, one where innovation is inclusive, legacy is intentional, and impact is non-negotiable.

Want to build something that lasts? Start by studying those who already have.

Bill Gates Says Goodbye to Smartphones—Hello to Electronic Tattoos?

August 15, 2025

In a tech twist that feels straight out of science fiction, Bill Gates has declared the smartphone era is on its way out. The replacement? Not foldable screens or augmented reality glasses—but electronic tattoos.

Yes, tattoos. Not the inked kind that express your personality, but smart, skin-integrated tech that could revolutionize how we communicate, monitor health, and interact with the digital world.

The End of an Era

Smartphones have been our digital lifelines for over a decade. They’ve shaped our routines, relationships, and even our identities. But Gates believes their reign is nearing its end. According to reports, he’s betting on electronic tattoos, developed by Chaotic Moon and acquired by Accenture, as the next leap in personal tech.

These tattoos aren’t just wearable—they’re embeddable. Imagine a device that lives on your skin, powered by nanocapacitors, requiring no bulky batteries or screens. You could send messages, browse the web, unlock doors, or monitor your heart rate—all with a gesture.

How Do They Work?

Electronic tattoos use smart ink filled with nanocapacitors. They’re temporary, invisible, and interactive. Think of them as ultra-thin, skin-level sensors that communicate with nearby devices. They can track vital signs, detect health anomalies, and even serve as biometric keys.

In theory, they could eliminate the need for:

  • Passwords
  • Credit cards
  • Physical keys
  • Fitness trackers

It’s seamless, sleek, and deeply integrated. But is it too much integration?

The Ethical Dilemma

Here’s where things get murky. These tattoos would collect intimate data—location, health metrics, biometric identifiers. Who owns that data? How is it protected? Could it be hacked?

The idea of biometric tech embedded in your skin raises serious questions:

  • Could someone clone your identity through your tattoo?
  • What happens if the tech malfunctions?
  • Will governments or corporations use it for surveillance?

The promise of convenience comes with a potential cost to privacy and autonomy.

A Wellness Revolution—or a Digital Divide?

On the upside, these tattoos could transform wellness. Real-time health tracking could catch issues before they escalate. And without screens, we might finally break free from digital addiction.

But there’s a catch: accessibility. Will this tech be affordable? Or will it deepen the digital divide, giving only the privileged access to next-gen health and security?

Final Thoughts

Bill Gates’s vision is bold, and it’s already stirring debate. Are electronic tattoos the future of tech—or a dystopian detour? Will they empower us or expose us?

One thing’s clear: the conversation is just beginning.

Integrated Community Education Consultants: Empowering Milwaukee Through Education

July 22, 2025

In the heart of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a quiet revolution in community education is taking shape — led by Integrated Community Education Consultants LLC, a firm committed to transforming lives through strategic educational support and advocacy.

Who They Are

Founded in July 2021, Integrated Community Education Consultants LLC is a Wisconsin-based limited liability company that believes education is not just a system — it’s a tool for liberation, equity, and community empowerment. The organization is helmed by Walter E. Cullin Jr., who also serves as the registered agent and primary contact for the firm.

Integrated Community Education Consultants (ICEC) is a mission-driven consultancy committed to transforming communities through equitable, culturally responsive, and sustainable educational solutions. We specialize in partnering with schools, nonprofits, and community-based organizations to develop innovative strategies that close opportunity gaps, empower educators, and elevate student success—especially in historically marginalized populations.

At ICEC, we believe that authentic change begins with collaboration. Our team of experienced educators, administrators, and community leaders brings deep expertise in curriculum development, school climate improvement, leadership coaching, and stakeholder engagement. We integrate data-driven insights with grassroots perspectives to design actionable solutions tailored to each community’s unique needs.

Whether supporting strategic planning, professional development, family engagement initiatives, or student-centered programming, ICEC stands at the intersection of education, equity, and impact. We help our partners build stronger systems, forge meaningful connections, and foster environments where all learners thrive.

In a city rich with history and resilience, Walter Cullin Jr. stands as a beacon of transformative leadership. As the founder of Integrated Community Education Consultants (ICEC) and host of the What’s Your Motive? podcast, Cullin has carved out a space where education meets equity, and collaboration replaces competition.

A Leader Rooted in Purpose

Walter’s journey spans healthcare administration, classroom teaching, and leadership roles as a dean and associate principal. With degrees in Healthcare Administration, Urban Education, and Educational Leadership, he brings a multidimensional lens to every initiative he leads. His mantra — “Intrinsically motivated with no excuses” — isn’t just a slogan; it’s a call to action for educators, students, and communities alike.

Impacting Milwaukee and Beyond

From moderating panels at Milwaukee Area Technical College to leading professional development workshops, Walter’s influence is felt across classrooms, boardrooms, and community spaces. He’s known for helping educators connect meaningfully with students, especially in urban settings, and for designing strategies that close opportunity gaps.

A Voice for Equity and Empowerment

Walter’s leadership is not just administrative — it’s deeply personal. As a devoted husband, father, and community advocate, he brings empathy and lived experience to every conversation. His work reflects the legacies of leaders like Dr. Herman Wrice and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., blending historical reverence with modern urgency.

Expanding the Vision with Co-Founder Wyll Holloway

Integrated Community Education Consultants is not a one-man mission—it’s a dynamic partnership grounded in purpose and lived experience. Alongside Walter E. Cullin Jr., co-founder Wyll Holloway, B.S., M.S. brings over 25 years of educational leadership within Milwaukee’s inner-city schools and communities.

Wyll’s career has spanned nearly every corner of the educational landscape. Currently serving in higher education, he previously spent 13 years as a school counselor at a local elementary school, where he cultivated lasting relationships and fostered generational impact. His calm, down-to-earth demeanor and holistic approach have empowered students, families, and colleagues to discover their voices, passions, and pathways to success.

From mentoring and coaching to classroom instruction and administrative leadership, Wyll has always centered community care and personal connection. His work reflects a philosophy that educational transformation begins with trust—and thrives through collaboration.

As a mentor, tutor, basketball coach, teacher, counselor, and part-time administrator, Wyll has touched lives across diverse backgrounds. His strength lies in his ability to listen deeply, solve challenges creatively, and guide others toward meaningful growth.

Now, through ICEC, Wyll is channeling his decades of expertise into equipping educators with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in urban classrooms and beyond. He remains committed to bridging opportunity gaps and nurturing resilience through professional development and community-based solutions.

What They Do

Integrated Community Education Consultants offers a range of services designed to uplift students, families, and institutions alike. Their work includes:

  • Education Consulting: Tailored guidance for schools, educators, and families navigating academic challenges and opportunities.
  • Community Engagement: Programs that connect educational goals with local needs, fostering collaboration between schools and neighborhoods.
  • Strategic Planning: Support for institutions seeking to improve outcomes, equity, and long-term sustainability.
  • Mentorship & Advocacy: Empowering youth and educators through mentorship rooted in cultural awareness and historical context.
  • Professional learning workshops for educators and leaders
  • Student empowerment and motivation programs

Where They’re Located

The organization is based at Milwaukee, WI 53219, placing it squarely within a community that benefits from its mission-driven approach.

Why It Matters

In a time when educational equity is more urgent than ever, Integrated Community Education Consultants stands out for its commitment to Black history, community legacy, and transformative learning. Their work echoes the spirit of leaders like Dr. Herman Wrice and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose influence continues to shape the educational landscape.

Podcast episodes: Please click the link and watch these episodes and subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Men’s Mental Health 2

Men’s Mental Health

Teacher & Student Mental Health

Teacher Quits After 1 Year of Teaching

Higher Education, Relationships & Impacting Youth

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Why IMTv360.io Is the All-in-One CRM 

April 3, 2025

Ai-Eco System Your Business Has Been Waiting For

In today’s fast-paced digital world, running a business without automation is like navigating a storm without a compass. If you’re looking for a smarter, faster way to engage with customers, book appointments, manage leads, and boost your online presence, IMTv360.io is your new best friend.

Whether you’re a small business owner, a service pro, or an entrepreneur managing multiple brands, IMTv360.io brings all your marketing, CRM, and customer engagement tools under one smart, easy-to-use platform. Let’s break down why this all-in-one marketing suite is quickly becoming the secret weapon for local businesses nationwide.

🌟 What Is IMTv360.io?

IMTv360.io is a full-stack digital marketing and automation platform that gives businesses the power to acquire customers on autopilot using artificial intelligence and real-time engagement tools. Think of it as your very own virtual marketing department—just without the overhead.

At its core, the platform is built to help you:

✅ Capture more leads
✅ Convert conversations into clients
✅ Automate follow-ups and scheduling
✅ Enhance your reputation with online reviews
✅ Reactivate old clients with targeted campaigns
✅ Never miss a call, message, or appointment again

🛠️ IMTv360 Features – What You Get Inside

1. AI Receptionist (Your 24/7 Customer Service Star)

Tired of missing calls or having leads fall through the cracks? The AI Receptionist is trained to handle real-time conversations, book appointments, respond to questions, and even follow up with potential clients—all without lifting a finger.

👉 Live Demo: https://whop.com/prime-ai-business

2. Unified Inbox for All Messages

Text, email, Facebook, Google Messages, Instagram DMs—it’s a lot to juggle. IMTv360 brings all your conversations into one place so you never miss a beat.

3. Webchat + Google Chat Integration

Turn every visitor into a customer by installing a smart chat widget on your site. With built-in AI, it can respond instantly and direct leads straight into your CRM.

4. Missed Call Text-Back & Call Recording

When someone calls and no one answers, the system sends an instant SMS follow-up. Plus, every call is tracked and recorded—perfect for training or quality assurance.

5. Automated Email + SMS Marketing

Reignite cold leads, send review requests, or launch promos automatically. With smart campaigns, your past clients will feel like you never forgot them.

6. Reputation Management Tools

Send review requests via text or email and manage Google and Facebook reviews from one dashboard. Get more 5-star ratings and turn happy customers into loyal fans.

7. Appointment Booking & Calendar Sync

Say goodbye to back-and-forth scheduling. Clients can book time on your calendar directly through text, website chat, or your social media.

📲 Try the AI Receptionist in Action

Want to see how powerful the AI tools really are? Visit the live demo and watch the AI Receptionist handle tasks like a pro:

👉 Demo Page: https://whop.com/prime-ai-business

📞 Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!

Have questions or need help deciding if IMTv360.io is right for your business? Text or call us directly at:

📱 (701) 620-3759

We’re happy to walk you through the features or even schedule a private onboarding session.

🔗 Follow IMTv360 on Social Media

Stay in the loop with updates, live training, feature rollouts, and customer success stories:

💡 Final Thoughts

IMTv360.io isn’t just another CRM—it’s an entire marketing ecosystem designed to help you thrive in today’s digital-first economy. Whether you’re scaling a service-based business or building a brand from the ground up, this platform is built to grow with you.

If you’re ready to automate your hustle and finally get ahead, IMTv360.io is where you start.

 IMTv360 The Basement Krew Overview Promo 3.21.2025 7.24pm.mp4

IMTv360.io is an all-in-one online marketing platform designed to help local businesses acquire customers on autopilot by leveraging automation and artificial intelligence (AI). The platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools aimed at streamlining customer acquisition, engagement, and retention processes.

Key Features of IMTv360.io:

  • Lead Capture: Utilize tools like web chat widgets, Google Business Chat, and call-to-action forms to capture leads from your website, social media, and Google.
  • Nurture & Convert: Manage all your communications—including Facebook Messenger, email, SMS, webchat, and Google Messaging—through a unified inbox. The mobile app facilitates easy communication from your device, while features like missed-call text-back and video messaging enhance customer engagement.
  • Online Reviews: Effortlessly send review requests and respond to feedback from platforms like Google and Facebook within the same interface, helping to boost your online reputation.
  • Reactivation Campaigns: Re-engage your existing customer database through email and SMS campaigns, turning past clients into repeat customers. 
  • https://whop.com/prime-ai-business
  • AI Receptionist: Implement an AI-powered assistant to manage leads, book appointments, and handle customer inquiries, ensuring that no opportunity is missed.

AI Receptionist Demo:

Experience the capabilities of the AI Receptionist by visiting the demo page:

Contact Information:

  • Phone Number: (701) 620-3759 
  • By integrating these features, IMTv360.io aims to provide businesses with the tools necessary to automate customer interactions, enhance engagement, and drive growth through innovative AI solutions.