From the president's helicopter to fighter jets—meet the black woman behind some top-secret tech programs
Bowling Green, KY (February 24, 2020) - Connected Nation is taking the time to honor Black History Month by talking with those in the black community who are creating a positive impact in innovating in the world of technology.
On the latest episode of the Connected Nation podcast, Jessica Denson, Director of Communications, talked with Sabrina Morton. They discussed Morton’s role as a change manager at L3 Harris (a technology group that provides advanced defense and commercial technologies across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains), as well as her contribution in the black community and her connection to Vice President Kamala Harris.
“It is very important that communities of color have access to technology. I mean, without it, you're not connected, literally,” said Morton. “You're isolated from the outside world, and isolated from understanding, especially in the environment we're in right now with COVID. It's so critical that we bridge the Digital Divide that's there.”
As a part of standing up and fighting for communities of color, Morton had to face many challenges as a black woman in an industry that is often dominated by white men.
“You know, as a black leader, I do want people to see my color. I want them to know that I come from a strong African American heritage bringing a very unique perspective,” said Morton. “I grew up in a hard-working household in Chicago. And even though I was raised in a neighborhood that was impoverished, I was taught to believe that I can do anything, and I set my mind to.”
Morton offered words of encouragement to other young women of color who are looking to get into the technology industry. Her advice speaks for itself:
“My advice for young girls is to go for it. There's nothing stopping you but you. You are the limit to your success,” said Morton. “There are not a lot of women in this industry, but it's changing. Like I've said tremendously over the last decade, ‘We're now the movers and the shakers. We're gaining the respect of our male colleagues.’”
To listen to the full interview, click on the link HERE or head over to our podcast webpage!
Other Black History Month Articles
- PODCAST: What the woman known as the "Mr. Rogers of Zimbabwe" can teach us about digital equity in America
- PODCAST: The Humana Foundation's CEO shares his BEST ADVICE for young black men and women hoping to lands roles in the C-Suite
- DATA: African Americans are less likely to have broadband at home
- Giving Voice: social media usage in the black community
- PODCAST: From the President’s helicopter to fighter jets—meet the black woman behind some top secret tech programs
- Meet “The Fairy Godmother of Tech Start-ups”
- Building equal experiences
- African Americans who have worked to advance technology for all
- African American history maker in tech: Roy L. Clay
- Moving the needle: Closing the internet access gap among African Americans