Stephanie L. Vaughn

Tech education platform sheCodesNow invited me to contribute to their #MotivationalMonday series featuring women who work in tech. I don't really like being on camera, but I made an exception for this because I want to be visible as a Black woman who is new to the tech industry and still finding my footing. I was very honest about my feelings, and I'm sure there are others out there who can relate!

*I know it’s nearly February 2019 - but as you’ll see in the lovely Hype Report graphic below (courtesy of DatCode), I had a very busy Fall 2018. I wasn’t joking in my previous entry when I said I had a lot on deck!

I’m still in awe at everything that I accomplished in 2018. While things have slowed down for me considerably, 2019 is looking like it holds a lot of promise for continued growth in the areas I chose to venture in 2018. I’m looking forward to pushing myself in ways that take me out of my comfort zone so that I can truly ascend into my purpose in this journey that I’ve been on for just over 2 years now.

Yours In Code,

Did you know that 100,000 households in Detroit are without Internet access of any kind? Or that nearly 57 percent of households in Detroit rely solely on their smartphones to go online? I explored the sobering reality of Detroit's digital divide in my very first talk "Internet Access: What It Looks Like For 40% of Detroit" at self.conference on August 17, 2018. 

(Photo Credit: Adrienne Friend)

After attending last year's conference as a scholarship recipient, returning this year as a speaker was very surreal. I'm extremely grateful to self.conference for giving me a platform that allowed me the opportunity to give my 1st talk in my hometown about an issue that affects so many people here. 

For anyone who is interested in learning more, the slides to my talk can be found at http://bit.ly/DETDigitalDivide

Before my TED Talk dress rehearsal *AHEM* I had my hands very full for 5 weeks giving this amazing group of young scholars at SMASH Wayne State their first exposure to coding:

The SMASH Academy computer science program is a project-based curriculum which also emphasizes design thinking. Universal themes throughout our CS sequence include problem-solving, computer architecture, standard data structures and algorithms, UI / UX design, sociological issues, and the history and culture of computing. Additionally, scholars are introduced to languages and skills that are in high demand in today’s (and tomorrow’s) engineering industry.

The first SMASH Academy was founded at the University of California, Berkeley in 2004. Since then, it has expanded across the Bay Area to Stanford University and UC Davis; into Southern California at UCLA; and across the country to Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2018, SMASH sites launched at the Wharton School of Business in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Wayne State in Detroit. I’m extremely fortunate that I had the opportunity to be a part of SMASH Academy’s inaugural summer in Detroit and I look forward to seeing the continued growth of our site in the coming years.

There were also short gigs as a Technical Volunteer for Code Detroit, where I worked as an instructor, teaching high school students the basics of coding and helping them build apps with Code.org's App Lab during Detroit Startup Week and as a Tech Mentor with Henry Ford Learning Institute’s Ford STEAM Lab. This digital-blended learning curriculum feeds the Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) pipeline by taking students through a six-part “Hackathon”-style process, exposing them to careers in STEAM and tech entrepreneurship. As a Tech Mentor, I spent 3 days working with a group of students through the prototyping phase and help them utilize Proto.io to build a working model of their original idea in preparation for their business pitch at the end of the week. These gigs happened before and after my time with SMASH, respectively.

Summer 2018 has been memorable in so many ways. Looking back, it’s hard to believe that I really accomplished everything I did in such a short amount of time. So much growth to process and reflect upon as I prepare for what’s to come this fall (and it’s a lot, but there will be more about that later).

Yours In Code,

First day of Front-End bootcamp: October 24, 2016

Final day of Front-End bootcamp (Demo Day): December 16, 2016

(Screenshots: Study Buddy - an AngularJS application)

As you can see by my lack of published work in the last year plus, I’ve been on a hiatus from Communications/Media. At the end of 2015, I decided to make the necessary moves and transition into a career in STEM (with emphasis on the T). I spent the bulk of 2016 working, saving and fundraising to attend a coding bootcamp that would allow me to pursue web development. 

On Dec. 16th I completed a Front-End Development coding bootcamp at @grandcircusco-blog  in Detroit. Grand Circus is a learning institute in the heart of downtown Detroit that is passionate about bridging the skills gap between Detroiters and the businesses here who want to hire great talent. During the 8-week Front-End bootcamp I was immersed in learning the following coding languages and frameworks: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery, AngularJS, Node.js/NPM, AJAX/JSON, plus task runners like GulpJS. During the final 2 weeks of the program, we were split into groups and tasked with building interactive web applications using AngularJS and an API of our choosing (pictured above; view it online here). Coding bootcamp was one of the most challenging and intense experiences of my life, but I’m happy I went through with it. I’ve learned more than I can express, not just about building websites but about myself and my capabilities. I look forward to taking the next steps in my career transition and continuing to learn and grow as a developer.

That said, are you or anyone you know looking for a newly minted Junior Developer with 10+ years of Communications experience?

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/slvaughn7 

GitHub: https://github.com/slvaughn7

Feel free to follow me on Twitter and chat me up about the Dev Life, Communications and other assorted topics of nerdery. I’ll keep this as my Communications portfolio, but I’ll (eventually) build a new portfolio that focuses on dev things and perhaps find a way to combine the two.

Yours In Code,

Statistics Show It's Safe To Ride Divvy

Since its launch nearly two years ago, Chicago’s bike sharing program Divvy boasts an impressive 3.2 million rides. However, a truly remarkable fact worth noting is that there have been only 18 reported accidents involving Divvy bikes, according to data from the Chicago Department of Transportation. With widespread videos of inexperienced (read: clueless) Divvy riders on busy, less-than-bike-friendly roadways like the Dan Ryan Expressway and Lake Shore Drive, and Divvy riders who hog the sidewalk, this revelation seems a little too good to be true. 

Anyone But Rahm? Write In These Candidates

*cue Andy Williams - “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year”*

Hey Chicago, not sure if you've heard: it's time to elect a new mayor and this is your 489,034th reminder that elections are taking place on Feb. 24. Has the “anyone but Rahm” process of elimination has left you feeling lost, irritated, enraged, etc.? Don’t forgo your civic duty of voting for the next mayor of Chicago—you can totally write-in your choice pick. That’s where we come in with a proper assist.

Liv Warfield Is Here To Cure Your Winter Blues

When things seem to be endlessly dreary, sometimes the thinnest of silver linings can glimmer and capture your attention. Recently, I experienced such a lining in the form of an electric live performance by VH1 Soul’s “You Oughta Know” featured artist, Liv Warfield who made her national TV debut on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon at the end of last month.

You might not realize it, but Liv Warfield is on her way to becoming one of your new faves. Keep reading for her insights on discovering her voice, having Prince as a mentor, handling all of the production on her album and more.

40 Reasons Why I Love J Dilla

Celebrating a hip hop legend on what would have been his 40th birthday...

Like so many musical talents who shed their mortal coil at a young age, his legacy has experienced a whole new life of its own in the eight years since his passing. The expansive body of work that he left behind, along with the seemingly endless repertoire that has lent itself to numerous posthumous releases, garners the utmost respect and continues to inspire awe in a new generation of musicians and music lovers alike.

I’d argue that books could be written and courses could be developed around J Dilla’s technique and influence alone – for now, I’ll just humbly submit 40 reasons why I love this musical giant, in honor of his 40th anniversary of birth.

YouTube's Rising Star: Todrick Hall

From "American Idol" to the next big thing...

After a brief stint on American Idol, he’s now known for his original musicals such as Cinderonce and the Wizard of Ahhhs, and intricate flashmob videos that have gained him more than 670,000 subscribers and over 79 million views on YouTube. Hollywood has taken notice, and he has since landed gigs writing the song that is performed in Virgin Airlines’ in-flight safety video and choreographing a video for Beyonce from her latest self-titled release. He has also been named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 to watch in entertainment.

Recently, I had a chance to talk to YouTube’s latest rising star. Here’s what Todrick had to say about his unique career…

Get To Know A Grammy Nominee: Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes

Lead singer of the Alabama Shakes proves Black women rock...

Brittany Howard is the lead singer and guitarist for the Athens, Alabama rock group Alabama Shakes, who are nominated for Best Rock Performance alongside other rock massives such as David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Queens of The Stone Age and Jack White. She invokes comparisons to Janis Joplin when she sings, and she channels Rosetta Tharpe when she plays. In other words, she is fierce, and you will deal. She told BET.com, “Somebody could’ve said to me, ‘You can’t play rock music, you’re Black.’ Watch me!” Her tenacity has paid off, as this is the second year in a row that the Alabama Shakes have been nominated for a Grammy. The group is still riding the wave of success and adulation that came with their Best New Artist and Best Rock Performance nominations last year.

Get To Know A Grammy Nominee: Gregory Porter

Your life needs a strong jazz vocal presence...

From starring in the original cast of the Tony Award nominated Broadway production It Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues to racking up 4 GRAMMY nominations in the last three years, it cannot be overstated that talent is in no short supply when it comes to Gregory Porter. His voice is the musical equivalent of snuggling under a blanket on a rainy day. Or a mimosa brunch at your favorite restaurant. Or whatever it is that makes you happy to be alive at any given moment. He could sing company listings from the Yellow Pages and it would be enthralling.

Get To Know A GRAMMY Nominee: Hiatus Kaiyote

First Australian band to be nominated in the R&B category...

Last week we kicked off a series called “Get To Know A GRAMMY Nominee” and introduced you to Gary Clark Jr., the first artist to garner nominations for Best Rock Song and Best Traditional R&B Performance in the same year. This week, we’ve got another milestone first: meet Hiatus Kaiyote (say it with me: hi-AY-tus ky-O-tee), the first Australian band to be nominated for a GRAMMY in an R&B category!

Get To Know A GRAMMY Nominee – Gary Clark Jr.

The next Jimi Hendrix? Maybe...

So, when you’ve been playing playing guitar since you were just 12 years-old and mentored by veterans of the Austin, TX rock scene, recorded with Alicia Keys and Sheryl Crow, performed alongside the likes of B.B. King and Buddy Guy at the Crossroads Guitar Festival, starred in a movie with Danny Glover, and sang the blues for President Obama at the White House all by the age of 29, the natural progression is to become the first artist in history to be nominated for Best Rock Song and Best Traditional R&B Performance GRAMMYs in the same year. Total no-brainer. Yet, despite having an impressive array of accomplishments at a young age, Gary Clark Jr. still hasn’t reached his peak. When the New York Times calls you “the next Hendrix” those are some massive shoes to fill.

All I Want For Christmas Is More Unlocking The Truth

This pre-teen metal band will surprise and delight you...

You don’t have to be a massive metalhead to appreciate what these kids are doing. Why wouldn’t you want to clap your hands like Sherman Klump’s mother and cheer when you see Black youth embracing who they are and excelling at what they’re passionate about? Can we pause for a moment to talk about how the name Malcolm Brickhouse is perfect for a metal guitarist? He doesn’t even need an alias! Never mind that they aren’t even old enough buy tickets for a PG-13 movie when they’ve performed for thousands at this year’s AfroPunk Festival in Brooklyn and at Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin, Texas.

Daley Appreciation

Promote what you love, instead of bashing what you hate...

I was going to write about something serious and throw some (decidedly much deserved) shade at a certain artist whose name rhymes with “Cacklemore,” but I’ve decided to follow the “promote what you love, instead of bashing what you hate” route instead.

You can thank British R&B singer Daley for the sudden change in editorial direction. I had the distinct pleasure of seeing him in concert for the first time Wednesday night and as a result, this Grinch’s heart has since grown three sizes.

Original Lyrics: Sometimes I need to be alone / Bitch don’t kill my vibe, bitch don’t kill my vibe

(via Respectful Rappers)

I’m aware that this is intended to be satirical and humorous, and no, not all of them directly address misogyny. However, there’s no denying that this is yet another example of rap music and hip hop culture being singled out. Make no mistake, I am NOT excusing or defending the misogyny that has been prevalent for the better part of hip hop’s existence. I am all for calling out misogyny when it is expressed, but I’m not here for the sentiment that rap has the monopoly over the market. The discussion of misogyny can and should be expanded to examine how it influences popular music overall.