Tech Talks
TECHNOLOGY IMPACTS EVERYONE
The Tech Talks interview series showcases the many ways individuals and groups interact with technology. These stories highlight the need for tech to be intentional, ethical, and inclusive.
Are you interested in sharing your story? Email ati@bu.edu to sign up.
Deanna
Deanna Harris is a multimedia journalist, producer and founder of “chattin w/ d,” a show that seeks to empower youth by highlighting the journeys of... More
Julie
An assistant professor at the University of Michigan School of Information, Dr. Julie Hui’s research seeks to understand and reduce barriers to workforce development. She... More
N.J
N.J Umoh is the founder and CEO of CompSciLib, an EdTech platform making computer science theory and math help more accessible to students around the globe. Currently working as a software engineer, N.J is passionate about building a community of those in tech with marginalized identities. We talked to N.J about the conceptualization of CompSciLib and his experience in computer science. More
Angela
A licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) in Boston, MA, Angela is about to welcome her first child. We chatted with Angela about connecting with other expectant parents using the app Peanut and the link between social media and mental health. More
Avery
Dr. Avery Dame-Griff is a lecturer of Gender and Women’s Studies at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. He is also the founder and curator of the Queer Digital History Project and author of the upcoming book The Two Revolutions: A History of the Transgender Internet, out August 2023. More
Tamisha
The first in her family to obtain a graduate degree, Tamisha Civil is the host of Voice of Reason Boston, a radio broadcast focusing on socioeconomic issues impacting those in the greater Boston area. Previously, Tamisha worked as a Victim’s Witness Advocate in Suffolk Superior Court. She currently works as an Associate Probation Officer in Massachusetts and Legal Advocate for survivors of domestic violence at Finex House. Voice of Reason Boston can be heard every Saturday at 11am ET on WEZE 590 AM. More
Marcus
A justice reform advocate, Marcus Bullock is the founder and CEO of Flikshop, an organization utilizing technology to keep families connected to their incarcerated loved ones. For less than a dollar, users can upload photos and messages that Flikshop transforms into postcards sent to facilities nationwide. We talked with Marcus about creating Flikshop, the importance of connection during incarceration, and adjusting to a digital world post-release. More
Quyen
After studying computer science at the University of Oklahoma, Quyen began working with Asian Americans Advancing Justice, an organization which seeks to advance civil and human rights for Asian Americans. In her role, Quyen monitors multilingual social media mis/disinformation content; she is currently considering a master’s degree in journalism with a focus in mis/disinformation. More
Shaun
Shaun Patrick Tubbs is a fitness instructor, actor, director, and founder of black by brand, an apparel company seeking to inspire and bring joy to communities of color. We chatted with Shaun about representation and tokenization within the fitness industry, expanding access to wellness, and digital authenticity. In 2020, Shaun was quoted in the New York Times article Yoga, SoulCycle and Peloton Face Truths About How Black Lives Matter. More
Mackenzie
A recent dual-degree graduate of the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University, Mackenzie seeks to utilize technology, entrepreneurship and community investment to close the racial and gender wealth. We chatted with Mackenzie about her two start-ups, the impact of equity investing and working in a white, male-dominated field while holding marginalized identities. More
Leonard
Leonard Cortana is a Ph.D. candidate in Cinema Studies at New York University / Tisch School of the Arts and an affiliate researcher at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University. In his work, Leonard researches the intersection of digital networks, race and technology, and activism with a particular emphasis on digital visual activism, the memorialization of assassinated activists, and the online protection of human rights defenders. More
Kashyap
Kashyap is a high school student and chapter director at Encode Justice, an international coalition mobilizing youth for human and civil rights in the age of artificial intelligence. We chatted with him about his involvement in Encode Justice and why it’s critical to consider ethical AI from a youth perspective. More
Naomi
Naomi is a twenty-four year-old youth manager at an educational non-profit in New York City; we chatted with Naomi about how COVID-19 and the lack of adequate technology has widened disparities within New York City’s public schools. More