Meet the Creator Behind the ‘Black Girls CODE the Future’ Coloring Book
We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.
The contributions of Black STEM pioneers serve as guiding lights for our #futuretechbosses to step into their greatness and share their brilliance with the world. As we continue to celebrate Black History Month and look forward to Women’s History Month, we honor the legacies of those whose innovation and resilience allowed our #techdivas to have a seat at the tech table.
Representation is everything. We’ve teamed up with one of our Black Girls CODE #techdivas, Nia Asemota, for the creation of a coloring book designed for our #futuretechbosses. The Black Girls CODE the Future Coloring Book is an ode to inspiring Black women in STEM and a source of encouragement for our future change makers. Check out our interview with Nia below and purchase a copy of the book.
What inspired you to join the Black Girls CODE community?
Nia: I first found out about Black Girls CODE in high school around the time I started to apply for colleges. I was researching different organizations that supported young women in STEM. I didn’t know that computer science would be a path for me, however I was on my robotics team, so I was always interested in technology and engineering. Growing up I wanted to be a doctor and Black Girls CODE showed me that I can combine my passions. It showed me that I can have interest in both medicine and tech and carve my own path. To me something that is so important — especially with the coloring book — is the notion of paying it forward. I started volunteering with Black Girls CODE about a year ago as one of the technical instructors, teaching girls ages 7 to 13. Taking on that role was so important to me, because I tapped into my leadership skills to provide them with resources.
What are your thoughts on the importance of representation in STEM?
Nia: It’s important to see yourself in others and to be inspired by the work they’re doing; it helps build confidence and shows you that you can do the same things. Through being a part of the Black Girls CODE community, I’ve learned the importance of exposure to STEM education, especially within underserved communities. Representation is important as we continue to grow technologically. This semester I took two artificial intelligence classes where we talked about the potential and limitations as tech relates to decision making in healthcare, criminal justice reform and other major areas. While we do have technologies that are innovative and help in certain areas, they can consequently perpetuate cycles of racism, sexism and bias. I’ve been inspired by amazing Black women in this field to take the necessary steps to learn how to make these AI applications more equitable. I want to set the tone, be the example and pay it forward with the knowledge I have.
Have you had any mentors along your journey? Can you talk about the influence they’ve had on you personally and professionally?
Nia: I’ve had mentors throughout my journey who have been really instrumental in guiding me and encouraging me to pursue my passions despite any obstacles. They’ve helped me create my own path and narrow down my passions and have connected me with so many opportunities. For me personally, I struggled with finding my voice and making sure I was heard in this field. My mentors have boosted my confidence and reassured me that I am supposed to be where I am. They’ve helped me eliminate that feeling of imposter syndrome and encouraged me to be someone who young girls of color can look up to. Mentoring is so important, especially in these STEM spaces. It’s important to see yourself reflected in others who are doing great work. Mentors can see your potential. They are the link between what is and what could be. They open your eyes to a world of opportunities that you’ve never known before. They can open doors and put you at the table. These things are crucial, especially as it relates to having your voice heard and feeling accepted in these spaces.
What was the inspiration behind the coloring book?
Nia: As an Afro-Latina concentrating in computer science and biomolecular science, I understand the importance and necessity of representation. This quarantine period was a time of reflection; reflecting on who I want to be, where I currently am in life and the impact I want to have. This time provided me with the opportunity to learn digital illustration. I started drawing as an outlet to relieve stress. I remember one day picking up my iPad and I just fell in love with creating these art pieces of people who look like me. This is where the idea for the coloring book stemmed. With it, my goal is to empower young women of color through illustrations where they can see themselves reflected. For myself, growing up — and especially now — there were a lot of issues surrounding representation. I dreamed to create a platform where they can color the world as they see it. I wanted to showcase the future game changers they’re going to be. With this coloring book, I hope it inspires them to act and chase their dreams and know they are important and can be who they want to be.
“I want them to know their generation has the potential to evoke transformative change and they will go on to do great things.”
What do you want the #futuretechbosses to walk away with after reading the book?
Nia: I want them to know they can achieve anything. I’ve been in positions where I’ve felt insecure as the only person of color in the room. I want them to know their generation has the potential to evoke transformative change and they will go on to do great things. Most of the coloring book pages are girls coding and doing robotics, but I also wanted to have features where I highlighted influential women in STEM through imagery, inspiring quotes, and information about their contributions.
What’s on the horizon for you?
Nia: I’m focused on finishing the NYU AI school. I’ve fallen in love with technology and I want to continue to evolve in the space. Software engineering is what I want to pursue. I’m also going to continue drawing. I launched an art business during quarantine, dubbed ArtxNia, where I create digital designs, prints and posters. One of the things that I am most excited about is continuing to volunteer with Black Girls CODE.
Check out Nia’s artwork and follow her on Instagram and Twitter. Don’t forget to purchase a copy of the Black Girls CODE the Future Coloring Book for your #futuretechboss!
