Adamaka Ajaelo

Day 1 of National Black Business Month: All month long, we’ll be spotlighting Black technologists, entrepreneurs, and founders who are reimagining the data and AI economy. 🔦 Today’s Spotlight: Angela Benton – Founder & CEO of Streamlytics Angela Benton founded Streamlytics to give people back control of their data, and get paid for it. Long before data equity became a buzzword, she recognized how Big Tech extracted value without consent and how that extraction disproportionately impacted Black and Brown communities. Through Streamlytics, users can upload their digital activity, like streaming habits or browsing data, and monetize it on their own terms. But Angela’s impact didn’t begin there. Before Streamlytics, she had already reshaped Silicon Valley’s pipeline. As the founder of NEWME Accelerator, she helped launch over 300 startups and played a key role in directing tens of millions in venture capital toward underrepresented founders. Her playbook is simple but transformative: Shift the power dynamic Design with transparency Ensure the future isn’t just inclusive, it’s owned NewME, which launched in 2011, was the first accelerator dedicated to underrepresented tech founders, and under her leadership, it helped raise over $47 million for Black and Brown entrepreneurs, at a time when few doors were open. Angela’s work reminds us that data is power, but only when it’s equitable. At The Data Guys™, we focus daily on building systems grounded in privacy, transparency, and ethical AI. Angela Benton’s work is living proof that we can build data systems that are both profitable and principled. 🎯 Why This Matters: Black founders still receive less than 1.2% of all venture capital funding. Yet despite the odds, leaders like Angela Benton are showing us what’s possible when you pair technical mastery with a community-centered vision. 🔁 Follow along this month as we feature more Black-led companies, innovators, and builders who are making waves across the tech landscape, from AI and cybersecurity to data engineering and climate tech. As a Black-led data and machine learning engineering firm, we believe it’s both our responsibility and our honor to uplift those who are paving paths, breaking systems, and building solutions that center equity, brilliance, and innovation. Let’s not just celebrate Black businesses. Let’s fund them. Learn from them. Work with them. #TheDataGuys #DataEquity #AIForGood #BlackInnovation #TechForEquity #BlackFounders #EthicalAI #DigitalRights #NationalBlackBusinessMonth #AngelaBenton #BlackTech #EthicalAI #DataOwnership #DEIinTech #Streamlytics #BlackExcellence #BuyBlack #AIforGood #BlackFounders

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This report is deeply concerning — and it deserves more attention. Black unemployment is rising again, with Black women — among the most educated and job-seeking groups — being hit the hardest. At the same time, the rollback of DEI efforts and recent workforce cuts have disproportionately affected Black professionals. The economic impact is already significant. The loss of Black workers from the labor force has contributed to an estimated $37 billion reduction in GDP. Let’s be honest about what this means. When decision makers remove access, opportunity, and representation, they aren’t protecting the economy — they’re weakening it. Black Americans drive over $1.6 trillion in consumer spending annually and continue to lead in workforce participation and entrepreneurship growth. Excluding this talent doesn’t just hurt communities — it creates a ripple effect across industries, innovation, and economic performance. Equity isn’t political. It’s economic. And the data is making that clear. https://lnkd.in/eTUWHeaj

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In honor of #BlackHistoryMonth, I’m highlighting leaders who are shaping the future of tech. Cristina Mancini is the CEO of Black Girls Code, an organization that amplifies the voices of Black girls and works to close disparities in STEM by providing resources, access, and representation for communities of color. Mancini has worked at some of the most influential companies in media and technology, including executive leadership roles at Salesforce and 20th Century Fox. At a tech conference years ago, she realized she was the only Black woman in the room, reinforcing a powerful truth: talent is everywhere, but access is not. This moment inspired her to step into the CEO role at Black Girls Code in 2023. Through Black Girls Code, more than 40,000 students have been trained in areas like AI, gaming, cybersecurity, and creative computing. Under her leadership, Black Girls Code continues to empower the next generation of tech leaders and innovators, ensuring their perspectives don’t just shape the future, they lead it. So proud of you, Friend!

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We see you leading projects, managing teams, and breaking barriers — even when the spotlight isn’t on you. Black Women in Data was built to amplify those who make data work-work. #DataLeadership #RepresentationMatters

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I had the wonderful opportunity and joy attending the 9th Annual Black Women Talk Tech: "Roadmap To Billions" conference here in NYC with my Women.NYC squad.🫶🏾 It was a meaningful experience to be able to measure how far I have come in my own entrepreneurial and technical journey. As a 13x entrepreneur, I know first-hand that this journey is filled with exhilarating highs as well as sometimes heartbreaking and challenging lows. I know that validating feeling of getting that first check, client, paid customer, raising friends and family; and navigating all those investor meetings + the rejections; dealing with co-founder misalignment and hires that just don't pan out; pivoting a product too ahead of it's time, or a business to meet the moment, and sunsetting a business that has run it's course. These are the defining moments that can catapult your business, or crush your dreams altogether. And now… we’re also throwing #AI into this chaotic mix 😅🙆🏾‍♀️🥴 … Yes, it can be a GAME CHANGER (when done right), but it can also be GAME OVER for your business (when done without proper strategy, guidance, and usage). ✨ GRATITUDE to all of the amazing speakers who generously shared. ✨ Here are some #pitching & #investor 💎 I wish I knew when I was starting previous business ventures: 💎 Be strategic about who you pitch. Research investors to see where they are in their fund's cycle and focus on those who are actively writing checks right now. 💎 Run your #startup #fundraising like a political campaign. 💎 Details matter, use structured tools: #AirTable, #Monday, #Asana, #GoogleSheets to manage outreach, track conversations, and schedule follow-ups.(You can automate this) 💎 THE RIGHT CHECK is more important than just a check! BE SELECTIVE with the money you bring in, and WHO you bring in; you need allies who truly believe in your vision! ✨ Some essential #operations & #finance 💎 that stuck out for me: 💎 Address your #moneymindset! Consider working with a therapist or coach (as your FIRST FOUNDER STEP). 💎 Hire a #CPA early, don't just get any accountant; find a Certified Public Accountant who can advocate for you and understands your industry, especially if you're in tech where tax laws and credits change. 💎 Keep your financial data in the cloud (and secure), so you ALWAYS HAVE VISIBILITY INTO YOUR NUMBERS! ✨ For #legal, seek out SPECIALISTS, avoid "jack-of-all-trades" lawyers or random documents off the internet. Legal mistakes made early are costly and complicated to fix later, potentially impacting your ability to raise or even own your core assets. ✨ #NellyYusupova facilitated a wonderful session on #AgenticAI, #workflowautomations and building #AIAgents for business: 💎 "You can't automate chaos!" 💎 Identify and clearly define the problems you need to solve before you dive into exploring shiny new AI tools. This ensures you're using AI effectively. 💎 Training AI on your own company's data is key to making it truly useful and customized.

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8.19 GLOBAL NETWORK Brotherhood Beyond Borders A Global Campaign Initiative by Candidate Grayson | UDC Board of Trustees Nominee ⸻ MISSION STATEMENT To increase the number of Black male scholars attaining advanced degrees by building a global support system that provides access, mentorship, and opportunity—starting from Washington D.C. and reaching across continents. ⸻ PROGRAM OVERVIEW The 8.19 Global Network is a bold, cross-continental initiative connecting Black men in graduate and doctoral programs through a shared commitment to educational excellence, leadership development, and global impact. Grounded in the philosophy of “uplift through unity,” the program bridges local needs in communities like Ward 8 with global perspectives, empowering Black men to thrive as scholars and changemakers. ⸻ CORE PILLARS 1. Global Mentorship Exchange • Match Black male graduate students in the U.S. with scholars and professionals from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America • Virtual mentorship pods focused on academic success, cultural exchange, and professional advancement 2. The Black Scholars Summit (Annual) • Rotating global conference featuring panels, research showcases, and cross-border collaboration • Topics: Public Policy, Innovation, Health Equity, Technology, Economics, and Social Justice 3. Scholarship & Fellowship Pipeline • Collaborate with global institutions, HBCUs, embassies, and Black-led organizations to create funded opportunities • Quarterly workshops on study abroad, research grants, and grad school funding 4. Community Reinvestment Labs • Scholars design community-based service projects rooted in their regional needs • From mentoring youth in Ward 8 to launching educational programs across the diaspora 5. Digital Learning & Leadership Hub • Online platform offering: • Graduate prep tools • Research & publishing guidance • Webinars & leadership sessions • Global directory of Black male scholars ⸻ WHY IT MATTERS Only 8.19% of Black men in Ward 8 hold an advanced degree. The 8.19 Global Network is about increasing that number—not just in D.C., but across the world. This is more than a program—it’s a movement led by Candidate Grayson. ⸻ Follow the Mission: #819GlobalNetwork | #CandidateGrayson | #BrotherhoodBeyondBorders

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The transition from executive leadership to the boardroom isn’t just a step up—it’s a fundamental shift from managing day-to-day operations to mastering high-level governance and strategic oversight. In a recent conversation with Black Enterprise Magazine, I shared a few core pillars for executives looking to evolve into board directorship: ▪️ Master the Pivot: Move your focus from functional management to strategic governance and ethical guardrails. ▪️ Sharpen Analytical Acumen: The ability to distill complex data into salient, actionable insights is your greatest asset at the table. ▪️ Formalize the Path: Start your preparation early—ideally 1 to 3 years out—by investing in governance training and building intentional, high-level networks. Board service is about stewardship and driving organizational trajectory. If you’re ready to scale your impact, here is the blueprint I’ve used to navigate the journey:

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Today I had the privilege of presenting to the ICF Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Member Resource Group on “Seeing Through Many Lenses: AI, Identity, and the Power of Inclusive Innovation.” Thanks to Kaumudi Goda and Dr. Aikyna Finch, PCC for your leadership and facilitation. We explored how AI is not neutral, it reflects the lenses we bring to its design. Without inclusion, we risk amplifying bias and inequity. With inclusion, we unlock trust, innovation, and equity at scale. Key themes we discussed: - AI & Coaching: A moment of choice, replicate bias or reimagine equity. - Psychological Safety & Trust: Building AI coaching tools requires competence, integrity, and benevolence. - Paradigmatic Shifts: AI can drive transformation in organizational development, but only when grounded in inclusion. - Measuring Complexity: The Hierarchical Complexity Model (Michael Lampert Commons) helps us assess both AI and human performance. As DEIB leaders, our role is to ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and shape the AI future with our voices and our lenses. Together, we can reimagine what it means to be human, and design AI that reflects the richness of our identities. #AI #InclusiveInnovation #Coaching #ICF #DEIB #Leadership #FutureofWork

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Discover how to measure the ROI of executive coaching. Learn key metrics CEOs and HR leaders must track to evaluate coaching impact and success.

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