Today we’d like to introduce you to Kham Ward.
Hi Kham, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story is unique in that I have a background in diversity work that began in Higher Education prior to transitioning into the tech industry. As a Higher Education administrator, I focused on underrepresented groups and how they are sometimes excluded from access to high-quality education and sometimes navigated the professional world without preparation, resources, and a community that is sustainable throughout their careers. Although I enjoyed my work and found much success, the feedback I received when interviewing for Chief Diversity Officer roles was consistent—I would never advance into those positions without a doctoral degree. So, I left my job and committed to completing the degree I thought I needed.
As I am sure you can imagine, leaving my full-time job and salary for a graduate assistantship was rough. I was now a full-time doctoral student with about four other jobs (literally). I was determined to simultaneously earn a living and pursue my degree, even if that meant working multiple part-time jobs and attending class every day. One of my side hustles was loading packages on an airplane overnight for a shipping company. One morning, after my shift, my manager pulled me aside to find out my story – specifically, what a guy with multiple degrees was doing loading planes overnight. My answer to him was simple, that no job was beneath me and that I would roll up my sleeves to do whatever it took to reach my goals. My response sparked his interest, and he asked me if I had ever considered diversity work in the corporate space. I never considered it. Honestly, I never knew it was an option. That conversation with my manager changed my career path forever. I began my transition into the tech space and to date, I have worked for several notable tech brands doing the work that I love. The opportunities that the field of technology has offered to a guy like me –with no tech background– is something that I share with everyone. By day, I lead an organization in strategy and thought to make the company more diverse and inclusive, and intend on striving to help employees feel like they belong. My personal passion project is BLK Men in Tech – a community centered around making the tech industry more accessible and inclusive – specifically for Black men.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Anything that dynamically shifts culture does not come with ease. No, the road has not been smooth. What I will say is that it has been a journey. I have built my organization from the ground up and have received countless no’s when seeking support for my dream. Fortunately enough, I have also received support from a host of technology aficionados and neighbors (commonly known as allies) to make BLK Men in Tech (BMiT) come to life.
The road for BMiT has been long, fruitful, and game-changing. In our first year, we had over 8,500 conference attendees and got 50+ job seekers into their first roles in the tech industry. We’ve gifted laptops to youth nationally and have rallied Black men together overseas for Career Growth, Community Development, Workplace Trauma Healing, and Skill Building sessions. I know more challenges will come, but I am optimistic that we will be able to continue to support the community, the cause, and the people.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about BLK Men in Tech, Inc.?
BLK Men in Tech (BMiT) is a nonprofit organization with the mission of elevating the voice of Black men in the technology space by offering year-round engagement opportunities for people in our community, The Neighborhood.
Black men must often develop a certain degree of mental toughness to navigate their careers and achieve their goals without compromising their cultural values. At BMiT, we make tech accessible and inclusive. Our priority is to increase Black male representation in technology leadership, technical roles, and within the tech community as a whole. We also strive to educate and increase the interest of students of color in tech careers. Through our continual efforts, we aim to establish a neighborhood committed to providing aspiring, current, and future tech leaders with the resources and opportunities they need to achieve greatness in this highly complex industry.
BLK Men in Tech exists to be able to provide the resources and mentorship to Black people entering the tech industry with a laser focus on the Black male experience. We support the development of Black talent in the tech space, from community building and job searching to salary negotiation and career development. I’m most proud that we have created a space where all Black men feel welcome and stay connected as they navigate their personal and career journeys.
At the heart of BLK Men in Tech is the community of people, and we ensure that our community is connected and supported throughout the year. We partner with our sister organization, HERTech Unicorn, led by Latoya Moore. They join us for these events and create opportunities for Black women to benefit from many of the same offerings in a space curated specifically for them.
BLK Men in Tech holds an annual conference as an opportunity for Black men and our supporters to meet people, meet companies, and meet goals. This year our theme is “THRIVE” and we’ll be in Fort Lauderdale Beach, FL from October 13th – 16th with speakers and sessions focusing on technology careers, investing, professional development, networking opportunities, and, of course, nightly events that won’t disappoint.
The fact that we exist is what sets us apart. When I entered the tech industry, there was no centralized place for me to build community with other Black men in the tech industry who could identify with my experience. There was no resource that catered to my specific needs and acknowledged my unique point of view as a man of color entering into foreign territory. BLK Men in Tech has become that resource and network for brothers much like myself who entered the tech field and no longer have to navigate it alone. I am proud of the community of men and allies (The Neighborhood) that has been created to bridge this gap. It goes beyond breaking into tech and climbing the ranks. We have created an ecosystem that is designed to help Black men win – professionally, mentally, physically, and emotionally. There aren’t many spaces that cater to us in that way and I am most proud of that.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking is a game of finesse, courage, discernment, and faith. Leaning into my faith helps me to determine what risks to take and when. I have been most successful when I am prepared for the unexpected. I’m a firm believer in “staying ready so you don’t have to get ready”, and I thrive on that hill.
Transitioning from my doctoral studies to pursuing a career in the tech industry was a major risk I took in my career. I was newly married at the time, with a young daughter and two degrees into a career in Higher Education. I hustled my way to get where I was in the University space and walked away from it to pursue a path that someone else told me might be a good fit for me. I dove in, explored the possibility, and never looked back. That decision was life-changing for me.
I couldn’t imagine my life without making that change now. I’ve supported my family and others in the community in ways I would have never been able to because I decided to take a risk on myself. I’ve been able to mentor, build, and grow my skills because of that risk. I’m now a Founder and CEO because of the risk I took and I thank God every day for leading and guiding my path.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@blkmenintech.com
- Website: www.blkmenintech.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blkmenintech/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blkmenintech
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/blkmenintech
Image Credits
Cendino Teme, Khamisha Remikie
