Kimberly Bryant

Kimberly Bryant founded Black Girls Code in 2011, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing technology and computer programming education to African-American girls. This initiative was spurred by the recognized need for inclusive learning environments in STEM fields. Bryant previously built a distinguished professional career, having earned her degree in Electrical Engineering with minors in Computer Science and mathematics from Vanderbilt University in 1989. Her early career included roles at Westinghouse Electric and DuPont, followed by professional experience in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, Merck, Genentech, and Novartis.

After over a decade leading Black Girls Code, Bryant departed the organization in August 2022, following an administrative leave initiated in December 2021. Following her departure, Bryant established the Black Innovation Lab in 2022. This new venture continues her mission by focusing on fostering a pipeline of founders and innovators from marginalized communities. The Black Innovation Lab aims to address economic disparities and seed a tech movement by investing in and accelerating companies founded by entrepreneurs from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, demonstrating a consistent commitment to social change and greater equity within the technology industry and beyond.