Finding Opportunity in Tech: A Black Woman's Journey from Oakland to Equal Wages

??? Celebrating Black History Month: A Personal Reflection ???

by Ty'Jeare Hunter, Checkr Marketing Apprentice

Hey, LinkedIn community! As we dive into Black History Month, I wanted to take a moment to share a piece of my journey as a 23-year-old Black woman hailing from the vibrant city of Oakland, California, who prides herself on being a living resource. My story is one of resilience, overcoming adversity, and discovering and spreading the knowledge of opportunities that have come my way.

?? A Harsh Reality ??

Life has been a challenging ride. I've faced challenges that tested my strength and determination. One of the most significant hurdles was being labeled a criminal at 17 and being unable to find an equitably waged job because of it. The challenge of securing stable employment went beyond providing for basic needs; it was a significant journey of preserving my dignity and self-worth amidst adversity.

During the early years of my life, finding job opportunities for kids outside of the juvenile justice system and wards of the state was a tough challenge, leading me to work with several non-profit organizations for stipends. Every program I worked with taught me skills ranging from marketing, training, team management, public speaking, and teaching restorative justice to grant writing. Until I was 20, I could not find a job outside nonprofit internships. Even after starting my own profitable business, the best opportunities I could get were being a retail and fast food cashier. If I did not work with the programs I did as a youth, I doubt I would be where I am today. Programs meant for personal and professional development made me a successful entrepreneur, and for that, I am an advocate for them.

During those tough times, Oakland became more than just my hometown – it became my anchor. The community's spirit, resilience, and support played a crucial role in helping me navigate the storm, and I want to do that for others. Together, we transformed challenges into skills, enabling me to connect with resources and help others achieve the change they require to succeed.

? Rising Above Racism ?

As a Black woman, I've encountered instances of racism that sought to undermine my potential, from education to job opportunities. However, I draw strength from my late mother and Oakland’s rich activism and social justice history. Rather than succumbing to negativity, I turned those experiences into a driving force for change. I engaged in conversations about racial equality, creating community initiatives, and contributing to awareness, acting as a connector between community members and initiatives in place to help them prosper.

In doing so, I found empowerment that transcended the negativity. While this significant step proved fruitful, openly addressing the obstacles and demanding resolution required a remarkable level of vulnerability, transparency, resilience, and unwavering determination.

When programs are created to “help people in need,” often enough, there isn’t a person willing to hit the ground running to connect with the intended audiences and spread the information about opportunities. Without marketing, businesses won’t succeed. An opportunity without knowledge is as good as nonexistent.?

?? Finding Opportunity Amidst the Struggle ??

Despite the challenges, I refused to let circumstances define my future. Oakland, with its vibrant energy, became a source of inspiration. The city's diversity and creativity fueled my passion to pursue opportunities aligned with my dreams.

I sought mentorship, connected with local organizations, and immersed myself in educational and professional development opportunities. The support I received from the community was instrumental in propelling me forward. I seized every chance to grow and thrive, from mentorship programs to scholarship opportunities. Due to alignment with the right community members, such as Ellory Graves, Caheri Gutierrez, Mya Whitaker, and Aurora Lopez of Oakland, California, I could step out of my community and see another side of Oakland – a side where we promote self-reliance through community building and mobilization.??

?? Empowering Others Through my Journey ??

Today, I stand as a testament to the power of resilience and community support. My journey from adversity to opportunity is a story I carry with pride. Black History Month is not only a time to reflect on past struggles but also a chance to celebrate the triumphs and contributions of the present.

As I continue my journey, I am committed to uplifting others. My story is a reminder that no obstacle is insurmountable, and every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Let's use this month to amplify Black voices, spread the knowledge of programs that promote skill-building through employment, and inspire positive change by letting our actions reflect our intentions.

With that being said, I provide you with a list of free programs that help people start careers to create stability and earn competitive wages.?

• Year up (job training and help securing employment; also may offer a stipend) for young adults –?https://www.yearup.org
• Oakland Private Industry Council (career counseling and job training). You must be either recently laid-off because of a business closure from an Oakland-based business or be an Oakland resident – https://oaklandpic.org
• The Hidden Genius Project.?9-11th grade Black young men (technology creation, entrepreneurship, leadership training, and student led community training opportunities) – https://www.hiddengeniusproject.org
• Black Girls Who Code. Ages 7-25 (coding programs) –?https://www.wearebgc.org
• Bridgegood. Age 18+ college students, whether community college or university, in tech and recent grads who are within 1 year of graduation (career skill building, placement support, and mentorship) – https://bridgegood.org/apprenticeship/
• Hack the Hood. Ages 16-25 Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and AAPI youth (tech skill-building programs and career navigation support)?–?https://www.hackthehood.org
• Dev/Mission. K-24 (coding and technical career skill building) – https://devmission.org/our-free-programs/ ?

?? Let's connect and share our stories! Together, we can create a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. ???

#BlackHistoryMonth #OaklandPride #Resilience #OpportunityKnocks #CheckrforChange?