Tag: healthcare innovation

  • 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!