In the fast-moving world of technology, Black women are not waiting for an invitation; they’re leading the charge. From startups and cybersecurity labs to venture funding and digital media, they’re transforming ideas into impact.
The Defender celebrates Houston’s Black female innovators who are redefining what it means to be a GameChanger in tech.
Kara Branch
Kara Branch is the Founder and CEO of Black Girls Do Engineer (based in Houston), a nonprofit that serves girls ages 6–21 in STEM fields, including robotics, cybersecurity, AI, aerospace, and more. Her background: Chemical engineering and an Executive MBA, and she launched the nonprofit after years in engineering and tech leadership.
Why she stands out: She is actively building the pipeline of Black women into tech from Houston—with mentorship, hands-on training, and real representation.
LaToya Shambo
LaToya Shambo is the founder of Black Girl Digital, a media/digital agency born out of Houston that focuses on empowering Black women in digital spaces. She made the transition from ad agency work to digital entrepreneurship while based in Houston.
Why she stands out: She bridges tech, media, and community, demonstrating how digital platforms and production are integral to “tech” in Houston and inclusive of Black women’s voices.
Kristi Jackson‑Muhammad
Kristi Jackson-Muhammad is the founder of Women CEO Project and led the “Global Power Tour” conference in Houston, a high-level event for women founders, especially women of color, in tech and business. She is also the founder of the Woman CEO Project, a global think tank and business development company built specifically for women entrepreneurs. The Woman CEO Project organization hosts over 40 business courses every year.
Why she stands out: She amplifies Black women tech and business founders through events and networks in Houston, creating visibility and opportunities beyond the product-building side.
Margo Jordan
The Texas Southern University grad (BA and MBA) is the Founder & CEO of Enrichly, a Houston-based self-esteem-focused personal development gaming platform. She earned recognition in Google For Startups 2022 Founder Academy and was recently selected by the Royal Family of Abu Dhabi to implement programs in the UAE. She now spearheads ‘PD Tech,’ a groundbreaking industry focused on making personal development accessible worldwide. Her recent TEDx talk marks another milestone in her journey.
Why she stands out: Margo has built a tech product that addresses youth development, not just coding or apps, tying tech innovation with social impact. She’s raised venture capital and made national headlines.
“Self-esteem is a muscle that needs to be worked out every single day.” — Margo Jordan.
