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Fallon Wilson

Co-Founder at #BlackTechFutures Research Institute and National Black Tech Ecosystem Association

Professional Background

Fallon Wilson, PhD, is a strategically data-conscious leader and a trailblazer in the realm of public interest technology. With over a decade of impactful experience, Fallon has developed, launched, and grown programs, partnerships, departments, and organizations across the K-12, higher education, and non-profit sectors. Illuminating his career is a steadfast commitment to equity and tech inclusion, which has significantly influenced workforce outcomes in the communities he serves.

Holding the position of Vice President of Tech Policy at the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC), Fallon plays a pivotal role in shaping policies that support inclusiveness in tech and media. His focus on equitable access to technology ensures a broader representation in industry advancements, which is crucial for fostering innovation and creativity. This advocacy extends far beyond policy; it's about real-world applications that create opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Prior to this, he co-founded the #BlackTechFutures Research Institute, where he served as Principal Investigator. This role showcased his dedication to research and data-driven insights regarding Black technological advancement. His work at the Institute emphasizes the importance of understanding the socio-economic impacts of technology and developing strategies to close the digital divide.

His previous experience as a Google EDU Equity Advisor allowed him to work directly on initiatives promoting educational equity through technology. This role provided him the opportunity to engage with educational institutions and technology companies to increase access to digital resources for students from diverse backgrounds.

Fallon's impactful leadership also includes his time as Research Director at Black Tech Mecca, where he brought visibility to the contributions of Black professionals in the technology sector. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Black in Tech Nashville, he facilitated a thriving community for Black tech professionals in the Nashville area. Through strategic partnerships, networking opportunities, and community engagement, Fallon has successfully contributed to the empowerment of Black individuals in the tech industry.

His commitment to education extends further, having served as Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Strategic Partnerships at American Baptist College, and as the Managing Director at Teach For America. Each of these roles helped enhance educational opportunities and equity for students in various educational landscapes.

In addition, Fallon worked as a Graduate Yearlong Fellow at Education Pioneers, focusing on educational innovation and system change. His foundational experience as Executive Director at Hope Community Development Corporation reiterates his dedication to community upliftment, education, and social impact.

Education and Achievements

Fallon began his academic journey at Spelman College, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government. Spelman College is renowned for empowering young women, particularly women of color, equipping them with the skills to lead and innovate in various sectors. His undergraduate studies laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in public service and policy.

He pursued further education at the University of Chicago, where he completed both a Master’s degree and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Service Administration. His graduate studies focused on the intersection of social systems and the impact of technology on community services. This academic background not only enriched his understanding of policy and administration but also reinforced his commitment to leveraging technology for the greater social good.

Achievements

Fallon Wilson's career is marked by numerous achievements that showcase his influence and contributions. Here are some highlights:

  • Leadership in Tech Policy: As Vice President at MMTC, he leads initiatives that shape legislation and influence public discourse on technology equity.
  • Founding Initiatives: Co-founder of the #BlackTechFutures Research Institute, fallon has spearheaded research aimed at understanding and improving the representation of Black professionals in tech.
  • Community Building: Through his work with Black in Tech Nashville, he has built a supportive network that empowers the local Black tech community.
  • Educational Advocate: His tenure as a Google EDU Equity Advisor directly impacted educational policies to ensure equitable access to technology for all students.
  • Innovative Research: At Black Tech Mecca, he engaged in research that highlighted the contributions of Black technologists, providing necessary data to advocate for increased representation.

Conclusion

Fallon Wilson, PhD, remains a dedicated advocate for equity in technology and education. His extensive experience across various sectors illustrates his comm

Highlights

Aug 28 · linkedin

I am excited to announce that #BlackTechFutures Research Institute#BlackTechFutures Research Institute I have a National Science Foundation Workshop grant to help launch our inaugural "2024 Black Joy AI Summit: Building an Equitable Black AI Ecosystem." This convening both in person and online, will show how Black Joy operationalized through our Black Cultural Arts and Black Cultural Institutions can translate AI to non-STEM/CS Black communities, inspire students and adult learners to develop computer science skills, and help fine-tune foundational AI models. The Summit is completely FREE!!! You can register here: https://lnkd.in/g33EvXsx

The Summit is held at the historical Metropolitan AME Church in DC where Pastor William H. Lamar IV understands that Black faith communities, specifically, Black churches can play in retooling Black communities for a new world of AI. The summit is based around Black cultural art performances and workshops led by scholars/artists/activists like Dr. Nettrice Gaskins, Ph.D. Curry J. Hackett Tahir H. Hajj Flemings Jurnell Cockhren Michaela R. Henley Jasmine McNealy! We will have dream speeches by Bennett College President Suzanne Walsh Damon Todd Hewitt Spencer Overton and panels with Spelman Lane Provost Pamela Johnson and Chancellar Pamela Dube about Black Higher Education Institutions can lead in building Black Public Interest Tech career pathways. Dr. Fay Cobb Payton, Ph.D., MBA will lead a workshop with Black coding schools, Black youth coding camps, Black Tech Associations, and HBCUs on how to align learning, course sequence, and best practices to support the Black AI workforce.

Hope you can join us in person or virtually! Safiya Noble, Ph.D. Vanessa Rhinesmith Doreen Abiero Nicol Turner Lee Andreen Soley Jennifer A. Jasmine Stoughton Michele Lawrence Jawando Lili Gangas Paige Rodgers Shunda Leecost Vickie S. Robinson Timnit Gebru Renée Cummings Dr Anino Emuwa Christal M. Jackson Meme Styles (Taliaferro), MPA Dr. Joy Buolamwini Alejandra Y. Castillo John Irons Pelonomi Moiloa Alexa Turnage Ruha Benjamin Brenda Darden Wilkerson Afua Bruce

Jul 17 · linkedin

So many things to share about my organization #BlackTechFutures Research Institute. First, our amazing partner Siegel Family Endowment published a case study on our work to build an inclusive public interest technology, specifically, a “Black Public Interest Technology.” It tells the story of how Black community anchor institutions in local Black Tech Ecosystems can help build inclusive AI futures that show Black people and communities as AI leaders.

You can read about it here: https://lnkd.in/eGRp_geb

Secondly, The White House just mentioned our work in their $100 Million-dollar Public Interest Tech Press release. We are building a movement that will both address the digital divide and a black-joy AI future!

Lili Gangas Charlton McIlwain Antonio (Tony) Williams Sherrell Dorsey Kimberly Bryant Christal M. Jackson Kalinda Ukanwa Liz Wilke, PhD Ruha Benjamin Safiya Noble, Ph.D. Vanessa Rhinesmith Timnit Gebru Wendy Ekua (W.E.) Da’Cruz Naomi Jordan Cook Jared L. Jasmine Thomas Leanne Pittsford Kip Dooley Nicol Turner Lee Isaac McCoy Justin Hendrix Tawana Petty Nettrice Gaskins, Ph.D. Curry J. Hackett Mmaki Jantjies (PhD) Lori McGlinchey Matt Mitchell Eloise Alexis Michele Lawrence Jawando Andreen Soley Dennis Schultz Michelle Shevin

Related Questions

How did Fallon Wilson, PhD, become a leader in educational technology policy?
What inspired Fallon Wilson to focus on tech inclusion and equity in education?
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How does Fallon Wilson leverage his data-driven approach to influence tech policy initiatives?
Fallon Wilson
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Location

Nashville, Tennessee, United States