There is no denying that there is a significant disparity in the representation of women, particularly Black women, in scientific and technology-related fields. The tendencies begin in the way our culture instructs young girls in middle and primary school, and even earlier.
Kimberly Bryant, the founder of Black Girls CODE, believes that mentorship is critical in changing the narrative and culture surrounding young women. Bryant intends to engage with a bigger demographic of young girls by collaborating with actor, singer, and influencer Willow Smith, and teach them by example that technology is more than just cool; it can help us create a better world. In honor of ‘International Day of the Girl,’ the collaboration with Willow Smith was unveiled. “We are grateful for Ultimate Ears and Willow Smith’s assistance in furthering the Black Girls CODE movement’s goal of equal representation of Black women and girls in the tech field. We are building stronger economies and more equitable communities by working together with like-minded partners to promote change, ultimately fulfilling the true promise of democracy through diversity and inclusion.”
Smith is one of the most visible and well-known proponents of feminism today. Every week, she can be heard on Red Table Talk with her mother, Jada Pinkett Smith, and grandmother, Adrienne Banfield-Norrism, talking about anything from evolving sexual dynamics to mental health awareness, self-esteem, and even cultural stereotypes. Smith’s association with Ultimate Ears will give her complete creative control over the brand, a job she is eager to take on.
“Ever since I was little, I’ve been an admitted ‘STEM geek’ with a passion for technology. This is why I am thrilled to partner with Black Girls CODE and Ultimate Ears as a way to break the mold not just through my UE FITS, but to spark a conversation around female empowerment within the technology space,” said Smith. “It is important to me and for others to be able to use my platform to help advocate for causes I believe in, one of which is to empower our future generation of female minds in underrepresented spaces.”
