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Tag: Black women in tech

  • Crystal Brown: Biotech CEO Without a Biology Degree

    Ever thought you needed a specific degree to conquer a new industry? Crystal Brown is here to prove you wrong! She’s not only become a powerhouse CEO in the fast-paced world of biotechnology but did it all without ever studying biology or tech. Talk about a game-changer!

    From Automotive to AI-Driven Therapeutics

    Crystal Brown, the brilliant mind behind the biotech company CircNova, is making waves. Co-founding CircNova in May 2023, she’s leading the charge in developing groundbreaking treatments. What’s even more remarkable? Her journey started in the automotive manufacturing industry, and she holds degrees in political science and women’s studies!

    Her transition into biotech wasn’t exactly planned. It all started when she took a part-time gig as a business manager for a life science startup. Initially hesitant to leave her familiar automotive world, friends encouraged her to explore this new, exciting field. She worried about not being taken seriously without a science background, but her talent and drive spoke for themselves.

    The Power of Circular RNA

    CircNova is at the forefront of a revolutionary approach to medicine, focusing on circular RNA (ribonucleic acid). This isn’t your average RNA; it’s a molecule within our cells that plays a crucial role in regulating biological processes. CircNova is the first company globally to leverage AI to generate, analyze, and identify these circular RNAs for therapeutic development.

    Why is circular RNA so special? Unlike linear RNA, which can degrade easily and has a shorter lifespan, circular RNA is a stable, continuous loop. This unique structure allows for more precise targeting of diseases, making treatments potentially more effective and comprehensive. Brown explains, “We are focused on RNA therapeutics, more specifically circular RNA, which gives us access to treat more undruggable diseases.”

    AI Engine for Novel Treatments

    Thanks to a $3.3 million seed round, CircNova has developed a proprietary AI engine. This powerful tool helps them identify, design, and produce novel, non-coding circular RNAs. This innovative technology opens doors to treating diseases that were previously considered too difficult to tackle.

    The company has ambitious goals, aiming to develop treatments for conditions like ovarian cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and rare genetic disorders. It’s inspiring to see leaders like Brown, who didn’t initially plan a career in biotech, driving such significant advancements.

    A New Era of Biotech Leaders

    Crystal Brown’s story is a testament to the fact that passion, innovation, and a willingness to learn can overcome traditional barriers. Her success highlights a growing trend of leaders entering the therapeutic and pharmaceutical space from diverse backgrounds, bringing fresh perspectives and groundbreaking ideas.

    What do you think about Crystal Brown’s inspiring journey into biotech? Share your thoughts on non-traditional paths to success in the comments below!

  • Jasmine Lee: Tech, Leadership & MS Advocacy

    Meet Jasmine Lee, a dynamic force who’s redefining success in the tech world. Her journey isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder; it’s a powerful story of building community, advocating for underrepresented groups, and demonstrating incredible resilience. After earning her accounting degree, Lee quickly rose through the ranks at Accenture, but her impact extends far beyond her professional achievements.

    Building Community with Black Wings

    One of Lee’s most significant contributions is her leadership within Black Wings, a vital program under Rewriting the Code (RTC). This initiative connects and supports over 2,500 Black women pursuing careers in STEM. For Lee, Black Wings offered a sense of belonging she hadn’t found elsewhere. “I found a community of women who looked like me, were going through similar struggles, and were truly welcoming to everyone,” she shared.

    This supportive environment empowered Lee to step into leadership roles, hosting events, leading global hackathons, and creating spaces for learning and connection. She recalls the rewarding experience of hosting a Black History Month event, seeing participants from around the globe come together. “Having the time to just decompress and just be who we are and really recognize that we are the future representation within this field is really empowering,” Lee stated.

    Confidence Through Pageantry and Tech

    Lee’s leadership journey also includes an unexpected, yet impactful, foray into pageantry. During the pandemic, she discovered how competing built confidence and valuable skills. Her dedication paid off, earning her third runner-up and Miss Congeniality at Miss Delaware USA. More recently, in June 2025, she won two scholarships totaling $1,300.

    Her experiences, particularly facing challenges as the only Black woman in recent competitions, have reinforced her commitment to creating inclusive spaces. Lee’s philosophy is clear: “It doesn’t matter if I walk away with the crown. As long as I’m being my full self and growing, I’ve truly won.”

    Turning an MS Diagnosis into Advocacy

    A significant turning point in Lee’s life came with her Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis in 2023. Initially mistaking it for scoliosis, she soon understood the profound impact of this autoimmune disease affecting the brain and spinal cord. “Luckily, we caught it early enough to begin treatment,” she noted.

    The diagnosis, occurring during a demanding period in her consulting career, forced a reevaluation of her priorities. “As someone who’s type A, it was hard for me to step back and say, ‘Okay, I can’t keep operating the way I’m doing.’ It really puts things into perspective. There’s more to life than work and I need to focus on my health, put me first and invest my time in what I’m passionate about,” Lee shared.

    Lee has transformed her personal health journey into a powerful platform for advocacy. She’s actively involved with the National MS Society, serving as a district area leader for Delaware and an MS ambassador. She’s also set to be a featured model in the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America’s Women of Action Luncheon & Fashion Show.

    Empowering the Next Generation in Tech

    Whether in her consulting work, leading Black Wings, her pageantry pursuits, or her MS advocacy, Lee’s core mission remains consistent: creating space and opportunity for others. Her advice to young women considering a tech career is simple: “Sign up immediately, take that class, even if you’re unsure.”

    She emphasizes that technology is fundamentally about people and adapting skills to new challenges, particularly in areas like healthcare innovation where she aims to improve pricing transparency and claims processing. Lee believes that encouraging more Black women to enter the tech field is crucial, as they are one of the most highly educated groups in the U.S. and are poised to shape the future of technology.

    What inspires you most about Jasmine Lee’s journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below!