Executive CV : Brenda Darden Wilkerson
PLANET | DIVERSITY
Executive CV : Brenda Darden Wilkerson
Brenda Darden Wilkerson ’ s 30 yearlong career in the tech industry almost never happened . Prior to college , she had wanted to become a doctor , and as an undergraduate at Northwestern University , she majored in pre-med biomedical engineering . As luck would have it , all engineers had to take two programming classes , which is how she learned about programming and computer science . It was a discovery that would change her life leading her to become a computer scientist and a long career .
Following 16 years as a computer scientist , Brenda transitioned into education and since 1992 , has been working to democratise computer science . She founded the original Computer Science for All program , building computer science classes into the curriculum for every student in the Chicago Public Schools ’, and served as the inspiration for the Obama administration ’ s national CS For All initiatives .
Over the last five years , as President and CEO of AnitaB . org , she has continued to be an advocate for access , opportunity , and social justice for underrepresented communities in technology . The Californiaheadquartered non-profit , which was founded in 1997 by American computer scientist Dr Anita Borg , focuses on intersectional gender and pay parity in tech that connects , inspires , and strives for greater equality for women and nonbinary technologists in business , academia , and government .
“ We still see and feel the impact of intentional marginalisation of ‘ others ’, including women , LGBTQIA + people , people of colour , disabled people , and more people whose identities and backgrounds do not fit into neat boxes ” businesschief . com 71