Now, she represents a marginalized demographic dedicating her life to solving racial and gender equity in the field where she once felt alienated. “It’s just a space I love to be in,” she said. “Some people deem code as being pretty pictures and numbers and now we’re changing lives.”

Robinson is one of Google’s top 50 Black Founders, recipient of the Cloud Solution of the Year by M12 (Microsoft’s venture capital fund) and Women in Cloud, named Top 10 Under 40 and Top CEO by Mississippi Business Journal, a SheEO Venture semi-finalist, Databird’s “Rising Star,” a military wife, a mother, a Black Woman.

However, she is more than a name for February Black History Month or a name for March Women’s History Month.

Her name is Sheffie Robinson. She is the only Black woman that she knows of working in AI workforce development.

Robinson’s startup, Shamrck is an AI solutions company that is revolutionizing workforce development in underserved and minority communities. “Everything we do looks at success from a social lens –  cause and effect. How many lives can we change? How can we change the world with our technology?” she said.

“How many lives can we change?”

Robinson has always been social-impact driven. Even since childhood, Robinson could be found combining sociological theory with technology. This tech CEO/Founders’ whole life changed the day her mother brought home one of the first computers.

“At 12 years old, AOL was the thing. My Mom couldn’t afford AOL! We ran out of time on the free disks. So I remembered all the MS Docks commands from Oregon Trail, went into the back, and hacked my way into AOL. I realized I can do so many different things with code. It’s fun for me to see how much I can create with lines of words. It just snowballed from there,” said Sheffie Robinson.

Robinson has accumulated 23 years of experience in software engineering, spending seven years in the tech workforce as a freelance software engineer. Seven years masking a hidden talent as a mere hobby; “I have been building software since 1999 and I’m completely self-taught. I had a passion for finding ways to provide technical solutions for the underserved and I still possess that passion,” she said.

Although Robinson had work experience in technology, the lack of diverse representation in leadership throughout the industry discouraged the now, award winning innovator. In 2014, Robinson’s husband suggested she turn her side hustle into a career. In 2015, Shamrck was founded. Yet, not with the purpose of its work now. However, 95% of Robinson’s consumers were female or minority. 

“How can we change the world with our technology?“

Obtaining a Sociology degree from Thomas Edison State University, in Trenton, NJ, in 2020 amidst the commencement of a global pandemic, with a son entering his senior year of high school, Robinson had an insiders perspective of the pitfalls of COVID-level learning.

Shamrck’s business plan pivoted. Studying to be a mechanical engineer, her son’s high school didn’t offer the correct class for his high level course requirements. Robinson went to the local community college and school board. Resulting in a created a class for her son and the six other students they found with the same issue.

“It was like, wow, how many parents don’t know they can advocate for their kids this way? And how many schools don’t know they need these programs or have the resources behind them. How can we effect the future workforce in a way that gets them what they need not necessarily what we think they need. What are you going to college for? You’re not? What assistance do you get from there? Influencing diversity and equity in the workforce has to go back further than teaching college students and adults, otherwise, the next generation will have the same issues,” Sheffie Robinson said.

“Our goal is to make a community impact.”

Children in Hawaii believe in order to get a good job, they have to leave their home and family to receive proper training. However, Shamrck is repairing and impacting an entire island of overlooked people. The AI workforce development startup is currently integrated in a large high school in Hawaii stimulating economic development, solving long-stemming issues, and providing resources to students all without them having to leave the island.

Repurposing and expanding its preexisting AI functionality, Shamrck is standardizing education, creating metrics and facilitating benchmarks as it relates to current industry standards. Robinson changes lives and impacts communities, many of which are underrepresented and marginalized. Having personal experience in an industry lacking diversity, Robinson is first-handedly shaping the future for the better.

Yet, she’s as humble as she is heroic. “The work is more important than I even thought. People are recognizing. It’s just a highlight to the problem and the effort that is necessary to solve it. To me, that just means I gotta keep going. Were at the very beginning. We haven’t even touched a smidget of the capability of what the platform is or can do,” said Sheffie Robinson in response to her many awards and accolades.

The post Sheffie Robinson, Founder and CEO of Shamrck, Wants More Black Women in AI appeared first on Grit Daily News.

“If we weren’t touching capital, all of that ecosystem building was for nothing,” said the co-founder of Black Founders, an organization that empowers entrepreneurs and provides founders with access to advice, mentorship and funding.

Woodard recently spoke at a BLCK VC online event titled “We Won’t Wait”–held on the same day as the memorial service for George Floyd.

“Black founders are often over-mentored and under-invested,” Woodard said during the event. “If you have the ability to write a check, but you will only offer mentorship to black founders, that is only helpful to your ego.”

Essentially–if you are not planning on investing, don’t meet a black founder to make yourself feel good.

“More than 80 percent of venture firms don’t have a single black investor and just 1 percent of venture-funded startup founders are black,” according to BLCK VC.

Connecting founders and a look at data

The Black Founder List is an initiative set up by James Norman, Yonas Beshawred and Sefanit Tades to create a network around black-founded, U.S.-based, venture-backed companies. People Of Color In Tech (POCIT)  was the first group to support and promote the list. 

Through its network, the list aims to be comprehensive. Black founders can add their startup to be assessed for inclusion.

Currently the list tracks around 227 founders, which is a small count given the number of startups funded in the U.S. on a quarterly basis. In the first quarter of this year, 2,000 U.S.-based startups raised funding. In 2019 a total of 9,300 U.S.-based startups raised funding.

We spoke with the co-creator of the list, James Norman, a founder of Pilotly, and a partner at Transparent Collective, which assists minorities in raising funding. Having raised funding, Norman deeply understands the challenges founders face, and how much harder it can be without access to a network or friends and family to help raise that first $100,000 to $200,000 to get started.

To date, Pilotly–a platform for tracking user engagement with media–has raised $1 million. And Transparent Collective has helped founders raise $30 million. The list was created to let interested black founders know what else is out there.

Of the active companies on the list, 35 percent have female founders; a much higher percentage than we find more broadly in Crunchbase. Our most recent stats show 20 percent of newly funded startups globally have at least one female founder.

Two unicorn companies are profiled on this list, including co-founder and CEO Robert Reffkin of real estate giant Compass, and robotic pizza-maker Zume Pizza, which was recently closed, co-founded by Julia Collins.

Of the active companies, 61 percent had their last funding at seed, and 21 percent are at the Series A stage. The vast majority of these companies will require follow-on funding to grow.

Numbers aside, the daily struggle for black VCs and founders remains a reality.

That struggle was clearly illustrated in a profound personal experience retold by Elliott Robinson, a partner for growth equity at Bessemer Venture Partners. While walking down the street  in Palo Alto, in the heart of Silicon Valley, Robinson was pinned down by police despite having done nothing wrong.

Said Robinson: “It doesn’t matter where I went to school, what fund I worked for, what boards I’ve been on … because I’m a black man in this country still today in 2020, I wake up every day trying not to become a hashtag.”

Related: Global Venture Funding Through The Pandemic, Late-Stage Stays Strong

The article The Conversation And The Data: A Look At Funding To Black Founders by Gené Teare first appeared on Crunchbase News.

The post The Conversation And The Data: A Look At Funding To Black Founders appeared first on Grit Daily News.

In the world of VC, that means supporting entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented groups, not only through advice and networking but through investing as well. Tweeting support is one thing, writing checks for black entrepreneurs is another–and the latter is what really counts.

Here are seven powerful statements from firms and funds dedicated to investing in diverse founders and teams.

Note: We understand that this is by no means a complete list of firms dedicated to diversity, so stay tuned for more coverage.

Precursor Ventures

What it does: Invests in seed-stage companies.

Some investments: Spark Grills, Pepper, Planet FWD

“The Precursor team is grieving the loss of our brothers and sister to police violence. We are an all black team. We invest in black founders. We believe that their lives and our lives matter. We remain steadfast in our efforts to create a more just venture ecosystem. We stand alongside those who work to combat the effects that institutional racism and police brutality have on communities of color.” Via Twitter

Kapor Capital

What it does: Invests in seed and early-stage startups that address social needs, with a focus on diversity.

Some investments: Encantos, Bridge, Planet FWD

“This moment calls for more than words (and donations). Every aspect of business as usual needs disruption. We need actions so never again will we have two Americas, one privileged by wealth, opportunity, and safety and the other shackled by skin color and zip code. Some of us can turn off social media, choose not to watch horrific videos and retreat to comfortable private lives, but that escape is a luxury not all of us have. That’s white privilege and those of us who are white must understand and dismantle it…. Never lose sight–every action you take and those you don’t are political acts–where you work, spend your (money), the clothes you wear, the media you consume and who/what you invest in. Choose wisely and justly.”

You can read Kapor Capital’s complete call to action here.

Lo Toney, Plexo Capital Founding Managing Partner

What Plexo Does: Invests in emerging venture capital funds and early-stage companies.

Some investments: iSono Health, PlayVS, Blavity

“As an allocator of capital, it is not enough to invest in one company led by a “diverse” entrepreneur and check the box—it is now time to expand your network to find high potential Black entrepreneurs in your areas of investment and invest in them.”

You can read Toney’s complete post here.

Harlem Capital

What it does: Invests in early-stage companies led by diverse founders, aiming to invest in 1,000 founders over the next 20 years.

Some investments: Curu, Compt, Dexai Robotics

“While the protests are striking, we encourage people to focus on the root cause of these events, which are racism, injustice, and oppression. Words can be meaningful, but actions speak louder. Actions like texting a black colleague, educating yourself and your network, speaking up publicly, voting in elections and voting with your dollars are the start of meaningful change. As a firm with a mission focused on increasing access for minorities and women, we continue to focus on economic empowerment and using our energy to make the world a more equitable place. We cannot achieve this mission alone and will need your support to help uplift our communities. It is not radical to want safety, freedom, justice, and economic opportunity. It is American.”

You can read the full statement here.

Backstage Capital

What it does: Invests in companies led by underrepresented founders.

Some investments: Hava Health, Dressmate, Career Karma

“Investors–we are here to help you invest in more Black and underrepresented founders. We will help curate lists for you and make direct connections. DM for more info.” Via Twitter

Chris Lyons, Andreessen Horowitz Cultural Leadership Fund

What it does: Connects cultural leaders to tech companies. Limited partners include Shonda Rhimes, Quincy Jones and Kevin Durant. Fees and carry from the fund are donated to nonprofits helping African Americans enter the tech industry.

Some investments: Mayvenn, Incredible Health, Overtime, Propel,  Wonderschool,

“Protect our black owned businesses by any means. Black entrepreneurs work day in and out to pull us out of past conditions, and embody what Black excellence looks like in America. If you destroy their vision for making a better Black America, you destroy our hope for a future.” Via Twitter

Miriam Rivera, Ulu Ventures Managing Director

What it does: Invests in early-stage IT companies.

Some investments: Truth{set}, Span.IO, Cerebro Capital

“Let us be allies to communities of all colors and women in these painful times. African Americans, LatinX, Asians, Native Americans, and immigrants and are suffering distinctly in this pandemic. Also let us understand that all Americans and the world share in the great suffering of this pandemic, particularly first-responders, police included, the poor, the incarcerated, the homeless, the elderly, the unemployed, and women. ‘In the end, we will not remember the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends (MLK).’ ”

Related: Global Venture Funding Through The Pandemic, Late-Stage Stays Strong

The article Investors With Proven Track Records Of Diversity Funding Respond To National Crisis by Sophia Kunthara first appeared on Crunchbase News.

The post Investors With Proven Track Records Of Diversity Funding Respond To National Crisis appeared first on Grit Daily News.

But this young violinists dreams are still manifesting as we speak and she has overcome a lot in her personal life to get to this point in her musical career. She managed to gain the attention of a music producer recently who made the beat for Ludacris’ “Move B****” (Get Out The Way)” from a simple IG post. And continues to cover other popular songs from all genres including hip hop and pop.

She is still growing as a rising and respected violinist nationwide, performing at private events for major brands like Gatorade’s Super Bowl 54 media party where she was able to meet track legend Usain Bolt.

“Gatorade reached out to me and I got to play for the Patriots for a private dinner,” she says. “I got to meet Usain Bolt and other Super Bowl champions. They could have gotten any violinist and they chose me.”

Unexpectedly, she ran into two iconic R&B singers backstage and one gave her inspirational words that confirmed she was on the right path by using her gift.

“MC Lyte was there and Monica Brown was there,” Black says while reminiscing about her Essence and Ford event. “Backstage I was getting ready to perform, and I wasn’t paying any attention to what was going on around me.  And then I hear somebody walking up recording me and I look up and it’s MC Lyte recording me on her IG live and she said ‘this is only the beginning’ and then we took a picture.”

Black has even serenaded a large crowd at Essence and Ford Motor’s “My City 4 Ways” tour, at which she humbly shared her credentials.

An instrument that changed her life

Let’s back up to her upbringing in Atlanta where she struggled with bullying that led to her feeling not so confident about herself. The violinist was made fun of at school for her uniqueness and natural hair but was able to use her gift of music as an outlet to deal with her pain. In a world where kids have committed suicide and contemplated harming themselves, she is passionate about helping to uplift victims of bullying in schools by sharing her experience and acting as a mentor. She acknowledges that prevention may not be possible but finding a healthy tool to express oneself is key to healing.

A teacher in high school introduced her to the instrument that she didn’t know would change her life. After attending multiple schools throughout the Atlanta area, she found herself struggling to fit in with the crowd and being picked on about her weight. Many would say she was too skinny and she needed to eat more during a time when thick women received more positive attention.

The violin fights back

In a phone conversation with her, she went on to explain how the violin served as her weapon against bullying. She would play the instrument just about everyday after school, learning different classical ballads and excelled very quickly as a musician at an early age.

“I was trained on classical music,” Black explains when asked about her beginnings in playing the violin. “That’s like a big influence on my music, if you listen to the music I’ve ever played, it sounds like classical music if you take the beat off.”

It took some time after graduating high school when she became comfortable enough to put herself out there with her music. Networking was tough for her at first because she thought people would think she was weird or not good enough. But she eventually was able to put her past behind her to blossom into an accomplished violinist.

Advocacy efforts

Nowadays, Joy is on her grind as a full-time musician traveling the nation to perform solo gigs. But she is eager to perform with talented artists on stage and admires the “Mad Violinist” who is a renowned violinist from Tallahassee, FL known for his hip hop covers and collaborating with many superstars in the music industry.

It’s more than just becoming a successful musician for the 22-year-old. Black has become an advocate for anti-bullying, speaking at different events that bring awareness of bullying and supporting organizations that aim for prevention. Sky’s the limit for this young star who continues to add more to her resume.

There’s no telling where you’ll see her playing next but her fans are kept up-to-date about her many whereabouts through her social media. One thing is for sure — her violin has been a source of empowerment and strength, not just for herself but for many who have battled with any type of insecurity or suffered from bullying.

The post Joy Black used her violin to raise awareness of bullying and her fans are loving it appeared first on Grit Daily News.

Beauty Bakerie was created by Cashmere Nicole, a black female entrepreneur back in 2011, and has since skyrocketed, becoming a $5 million company.

The launch of their Cake Mix Demi-Matte Foundation has expanded their fame further, as the company dared to do what, sadly, has seldom been done before. Put the dark shades first.

The description under each of the foundations on the website reads:

“The shade range is dark to light. Now is a time of healing, so this is a real celebration of unity, understanding, and love.”

In addition, the company knows how to clapback on Twitter. When asked why they numbered their darkest foundations first, Beauty Bakerie makeup answered:

“We arranged them dark to light. It means we’ve been conditioned to think that dark to light is out of order.”

Owner Cashmere also has the best story for how the company got to this idea:

“When we launched the foundation we sat down so many girls and asked what they thought about the shade range, and shade #1 was this girl named Julia, and she had really, really, dark, dark, rich skin. And they said, ‘what do you like about Beauty Bakerie Cake Mix?’ and she giggled in the most innocent way and said, ‘That I’m number 1.'”

Check out their Instagram swatch video here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmWjvBVnWXx/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_loading_state_control

Beauty Bakerie is known for using better ingredients and creating products with no parabens. In addition, they’re cruelty-free, vegan, and named after delicious pastries. Because who doesn’t love being reminded of dessert when beating their face??

The foundation is on sale on their website and does ship internationally. Oh, and the best part is that it’s a pretty reasonable price, $28 a bottle.

Have you tried the new foundation shades yet? Let us know what you think in the comments!

The post Beauty Bakerie Makeup Releases 30 Shades of Foundation With a Special Surprise For Darker Tones appeared first on Grit Daily News.