When Jamil Shabazz talks about diversity in tech, he doesn’t lead with statistics—he leads with stories. Stories of growing up with limited access to computers, of discovering a world-changing technology on a floppy disk, and of raising eight daughters to be game changers.
Today, as an IT director and leader of BDPA Indianapolis, Jamil is living proof of what happens when you combine technical skills with a mission to uplift. BDPA’s goal is simple and ambitious: take kids from the classroom to the boardroom. And the way to get there? Early STEM exposure, real-world mentorship, and—critically—representation. Because you can’t aspire to be what you can’t see.
Jamil is also a realist. He knows organizations often hesitate to partner because they’ve got internal programs already. But as he points out, representation at leadership levels is still scarce. Partnership isn’t duplication, it’s amplification.
What’s more, the benefits go beyond feel-good optics. A workforce that reflects its community is more innovative, more engaged, and more resilient. And as technologies like AI reshape industries, inclusive pipelines aren’t just about equity; they’re about future-proofing business.
Jamil’s message is clear: be the Sankofa bird. Move forward, but always look back to bring others with you. Because equity isn’t something that happens on its own. It takes intention, partnership, and people like Jamil leading the way.