Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamila Parham.
When most young girls were playing with dolls. Dolls were super fun but Jamila loved video and computer games a little more. At a young age her father, Nathan, purchased the first family computer because he knew there was a devastating lack of resources in Chicago Public Schools. Her brother introduced her to the world of gaming and they often had video game duels to determine who would do the house chores. Jamila became a force to be reckoned with in!
All of this set Jamila on a course develop her critical thinking and problem-solving skills in preparation for her career in technology. Unfortunately, there were little to no resources in the Chicago Public School system to prepare her for the advanced and rigorous curriculum at DePaul University, School of Computing. Although the road was tough, Jamila had to make her own way. On this journey, she encountered very few students that looked like her. As she navigated her career, Jamila saw little to no reflections of herself in tech roles and leadership. This was the beginning of her journey in STEM Advocacy.
Jamila received a Bachelor of Science from DePaul University in Computer Graphics and Motion Design. She holds a Master of Information Systems Project Management from Keller Graduate School. Jamila’s career has led her on a journey to become a Tech Leader delivery large-scale application development, operational improvement and smart city technologies for the various private and public sector industry leaders.
Jamila uses her story to encourage and motivate young students, young professionals from diverse backgrounds to pursue a career in STEM. Jamila was affectionately known as the “The Tech Unicorn”, is on a mission to celebrate all the unicorns excelling in industries where the odds are stacked against them. As a woman of color in a white male-dominated tech industry, she knew very well how discouraging this could be for a minority with their dreams set on the world of tech. Her purpose and passion are to make the road easier for those that follow in her footsteps and those beside her on the same journey. She wishes to see more tech unicorns all over the world in tech and every industry!
The Tech Unicorn™ is a platform created to empower those who feel as if they are hidden figures and ‘unicorns’ in STEM and beyond. The mission of The Tech Unicorn ™ brand is to uplift and provide opportunities to women, minorities, and people of color by educating, breaking down barriers and providing access to resources through mentorship, personal & professional development workshops and events.
Has it been a smooth road?
In society, your gender and the color of your skin can instantly put you in a box that automatically “defines” your potential, now make that box even small being a woman of color. I’ve witnessed and experienced your expertise, ability to lead and best “fit” for this role conveniently come into question navigating opportunities in the tech space.
There is an interesting case study called Howard vs. Heidi, one half of the class was given the study with “Heidi” the other half of the class was given the same case with her name changed to “Howard”. “Howard” was perceived as a decisive and strong leader, “Heidi” was viewed as selfish and not likable. These are the hurdles that we face, they can become real tangible roadblocks to our dreams and aspirations. I’ve learned that others perception of you is ultimately not your problem but it can be when you give it power. You have a voice in every room, you have a seat at every table and you have a special place in this world! Embrace your truth, trust your expertise, bet on yourself and enjoy the journey!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Tech Unicorn story. Tell us more about the business.
My name is Jamila Parham, affectionately known as, The Tech Unicorn TM ™. From my first tech role as a help desk agent working weekends when others passed up the opportunity, I knew I was different, I had more to give. Today, all of those trial and tribulations and bumps and bruises have led me to become a Tech Leader delivering the largest Smart Lighting Program in the world. I have spent over 12 years in tech and I have enjoyed every second of it! Along the way, I noticed there was rarely anyone that looked like me. Promotions and opportunities rarely went to anyone that looked like me, so being the person that I am I decided to stand up when others sat down. When working with the youth, many aren’t able to visualize themselves in technology roles or starting businesses or anything outside of sports and entertainment is so I decided to help change that! Outside of that, society could not visualize women and people of color in a leadership role! It as such a rare occurrence myself and other like we were deemed unicorns! I totally agree, achieving excellence against the odds stacked against us is PURE MAGIC! This was a wake-up call, a call to action that representation matters, opportunities matter! One of the greatest milestones on my journey thus far has been finding my purpose, this happened when two of the things I loved became one; my passion for my community and technology. I consider it a special milestone and honor to be a voice for my community and serve as a role model on a mission to change the face of technology. I am grateful to have created something that shifts the negative perception of those raised in the inner city of Chicago and instead provide a positive platform that extends a helping hand and a warm embrace to fuel the dreams of our youth and young professionals from inner-city neighborhoods. No one is looking for a handout, we are all just looking for an opportunity. If anyone is interested in technology and unsure if it’s a possibility for them, now, they know it is.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
Initially, when I pursued video game, 3D modeling and motion design I was told someone that looks like me from the south side of Chicago does not achieve success in those industries. Fortunately, this was something I never heard at home. My father worked long hours of overtime just to purchase our family computer, an hour a week in school learning how to type was not enough! He knew exposure was everything and now I know. I understand that everyone does not that have that same experience and we have to be a village for our community. I am here to say, “Yes, whatever you want in life is possible!”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jamilaparham.com
- Email: info@jamilaparham.com
- Instagram: @jamilaparham
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamilaTheTechUnicorn/
- Twitter: @jamilaparham
Image Credit:
Ross Oscar Knight Photography, GLO Photography and Fine Arts
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