Atlanta has always been known for its culture, creativity, and community. But beyond the music, fashion, and food, a quiet revolution is happening in the city’s innovation corridors — and at the center of it are Black women. These women are coding, creating, investing, and leading in ways that are transforming the future of technology, not only in Georgia but across the globe.
The New Silicon Peach
Over the last decade, Atlanta has earned a new nickname — the Silicon Peach. Fueled by a vibrant startup ecosystem, accessible resources, and a deep well of talent from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), the city is quickly becoming a hub for Black tech excellence.
From the halls of Georgia Tech to the innovation labs at Spelman College, Black women are not just participating in tech — they are pioneering it. They are founders, investors, UX designers, cybersecurity experts, and data scientists redefining what innovation looks like in the South.
Tech Queens on the Rise
1. Jewel Burks Solomon – A Visionary at the Helm of Innovation
One of Atlanta’s most influential figures in tech, Jewel Burks Solomon is the Managing Partner at Collab Capital and Head of Google for Startups U.S. She’s dedicated her career to closing the funding gap for Black entrepreneurs. As the co-founder of Partpic — an AI-powered app acquired by Amazon — she proved that innovation doesn’t just belong in Silicon Valley. It thrives right here in Atlanta.
2. Dr. Ayanna Howard – The Power of Robotics and Representation
Dean of the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University and former Georgia Tech professor, Dr. Ayanna Howard made her mark in Atlanta as one of the world’s leading roboticists. Her research in artificial intelligence and ethics has inspired countless Black women to pursue STEM careers and break barriers in tech spaces once closed to them.
3. Candace Mitchell Harris – Blending Beauty and Technology
As co-founder and CEO of MYAVANA, an Atlanta-based hair care technology company, Candace Mitchell Harris is redefining what tech innovation looks like. MYAVANA uses artificial intelligence to analyze hair strands and provide personalized product recommendations. Her work bridges science, beauty, and self-care — empowering Black women through technology that understands their unique needs.
4. Esosa Ighodaro – Championing Inclusion Through Tech
Co-founder of Black Women Talk Tech, Esosa Ighodaro is on a mission to create spaces where Black women founders can thrive. Her organization hosts conferences and connects thousands of women across the country to investors, mentors, and opportunities — including a strong network right here in Atlanta.
HBCUs: Breeding Ground for Tech Excellence
Atlanta’s HBCUs — particularly Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Clark Atlanta University — continue to play a vital role in nurturing Black women innovators. Spelman’s new Innovation Lab and partnerships with major tech companies provide a pipeline for young Black women to enter the industry equipped with skills and confidence.
Dr. Tamara Pearson, Director of the Center of Excellence for Minority Women in STEM at Spelman, calls this “the renaissance of representation” — a time when Black women are leading technological solutions that reflect the communities they come from.
Breaking Barriers and Building Futures
Despite their growing influence, Black women in tech still face challenges. Representation in the industry remains low, and access to venture capital remains a persistent obstacle. Yet, Atlanta’s innovators are undeterred. They are building their own ecosystems — creating coworking spaces, funding collectives, and mentorship programs to ensure the next generation has fewer barriers to break.
Organizations like TechBridge, DigitalUndivided, and The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) are leading the charge, supporting women-led startups and amplifying Black women founders.
The Power of Community and Collaboration
What sets Atlanta apart from other tech cities is its sense of community. Black women here don’t just innovate for profit — they innovate for purpose. They build apps that help local businesses, create AI models that reduce bias, and use data to address health, education, and financial inequities.
This community-first mindset is why Atlanta continues to attract women from around the world who want to create change while staying connected to culture.
Looking Ahead: The Future Is Black, Female, and Tech-Driven
The rise of Black women innovators in Atlanta’s tech scene is more than a movement — it’s a legacy in the making. They are rewriting the narrative of what leadership in technology looks like, shaping industries that once excluded them, and proving that brilliance, creativity, and innovation have no bounds.
In the words of Candace Mitchell Harris, “When Black women create, we don’t just disrupt industries — we redefine them.”
So, as Atlanta continues to evolve as the Silicon Peach, remember this: the future of tech is already here. And she’s a Black woman.
Featured Resources in Atlanta Tech
- Collab Capital – Funding for Black Founders
- DigitalUndivided – Empowering Women of Color Entrepreneurs
- The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) – A hub for growth and innovation
- TechBridge – Nonprofit tech innovation for social impact
- Black Women Talk Tech Atlanta Chapter – Networking and mentorship opportunities
