About Us

HOW WE BEGAN

In 2020, our Founder and Executive Director, Talya C. Parker hosted a captivating #BlackGirlsinCyber Facebook Live series, where she invited four accomplished Black Women to share their inspiring journeys in the Security, Privacy, and STEM space. The purpose was to generate industry awareness and to highlight the diverse entry points for Black Women in these fields.

In 2021, Talya, and one of our allies, joined the #STMiC Campaign. Talya’s ally encouraged her to transform the series into a non-profit organization, with the goal of supporting Black Women on a larger scale.

The BGiC Foundation was established in Atlanta, GA, and received its 501(c)3 designation on June 3, 2021. Our organization offers various programs to members of our community, and we are committed to expanding our reach and impact through strategic planning and securing additional funding.

OUR MISSION

At BGiC, our mission is to foster industry awareness and promote diversity in cybersecurity, privacy, and STEM fields, particularly for women of color. We strive to achieve this by providing mentorship, scholarships, training, organizing events, and engaging in community outreach activities.

Our goal is to cultivate a pipeline of qualified women who can serve our communities in these crucial roles. We believe that by empowering and supporting women of color in these fields, we can help bridge the gender and diversity gap and create a more inclusive and equitable industry.

Our Vision

At BGiC, our vision is to empower and nurture the talents of women of color in cybersecurity, privacy, and STEM fields. We strive to create a world where women of color are represented in these industries at every level, and their contributions are recognized and valued.

Our aim is to transform socio-economic conditions not only in the US but also in African communities globally. We believe that by providing opportunities and support to women of color, we can create a ripple effect that positively impacts their families, communities, and the world at large.

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors comprises founding members and key contributors to BGiC's financial and operational success. The Board is responsible for prioritizing the organization's financial and legal obligations, leading the voting process for selecting operational committee leaders, and presenting crucial reports to the Executive Committee annually.

In addition, the Board drives fundraising and sourcing initiatives, supports the strategic goals and mission of the organization, and provides guidance on crucial aspects of BGiC's operations. This includes advisement on cohort curriculum development, administrative staffing resources, strategy planning, and expanding corporate partnerships to broaden our impact.