Inspiring the

next generation of

the STEM+C workforce

About Us

Modern Figures Inc. is an organization dedicated to amplifying the voices and experiences of Black women in computing through media, outreach, and education. The organization’s flagship initiative is the Modern Figures Podcast, a conversation-style show that highlights the journeys and achievements of Black women in computing. Co-hosted by Dr. Jeremy Waisome and Dr. Kyla McMullen, the podcast serves to educate and inspire students by showcasing the diverse career paths available in STEM.

Beyond podcasting, Modern Figures Inc. engages in workshops, speaking engagements, and conference participation. The organization’s leaders frequently present at technical gatherings, serve on panels, and deliver keynote addresses, advocating for increased representation and mentorship in computing. Additionally, Modern Figures Inc. raises awareness by hosting exhibitor booths at conferences to expand outreach and engagement with the broader STEM community.

The podcast and related activities are primarily funded by generous grants and donations from organizations such as the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) and the Computing Research Association – Widening Participation (CRA-WP).

Travel Grants

Are you a gender-marginalized student in computing looking for support to attend a professional conference? The Modern Figures Travel Grant offers up to $2,000 in travel scholarships to help you access vital networking opportunities, professional development sessions, and a strong community of peers and mentors.

By supporting your attendance at affinity group conferences, we aim to foster a more inclusive computing field by ensuring that underrepresented individuals have the resources they need to thrive

Modern Figures @ Microsoft

Join us at Microsoft Garage in Midtown Atlanta for an exclusive Modern Figures convening, bringing together researchers, educators, and advocates to advance the study of Black women and girls in computing. The Microsoft Garage is an innovation hub where ideas become reality—a space designed to foster collaboration, experimentation, and cutting-edge research. This convening will spark critical discussions, map out research priorities, and strengthen the community dedicated to broadening participation in computing. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, share insights, and drive meaningful change!

Modern Figures Inc. Projects and Initiatives

Modern Figures Podcast

Modern Figures Podcast is a dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black women in computing, sharing their unique experiences, challenges, and successes in computing. Hosted by Dr. Jeremy Waisome and Dr. Kyla McMullen, the podcast provides an engaging and accessible space where guests discuss their journeys into computing, the impact of mentorship, and the systemic barriers they have navigated. Each episode highlights real-life stories that serve as both inspiration and proof of concept that Black women not only belong in computing but are excelling in the field. Beyond storytelling, Modern Figures Podcast serves as a resource for students, educators, and professionals, offering insight into career paths, academic experiences, and strategies for persistence in STEM.

Research

Modern Figures is conducting research to understand and support the experiences of Black women and girls in computing through a thematic analysis of podcast interviews, a roundtable discussion, and listening sessions. By analyzing narratives from Modern Figures Podcast, the project aims to uncover key factors influencing interest, persistence, and well-being in computing while leveraging Black feminist methodologies to frame the research. The findings will inform evidence-based strategies to broaden participation, build a research community, and create a shared knowledge base that strengthens advocacy and policy efforts for gender-marginalized individuals in computing.

Travel Grants

By supporting your attendance at affinity group conferences, we aim to foster a more inclusive computing field by ensuring that underrepresented individuals have the resources they need to thrive

Convenings

Modern Figures is bringing together leading researchers, educators, and advocates through a series of powerful convenings to advance research on Black women and girls in computing. Roundtable discussions will unite experts to map out critical gaps in existing literature, share resources, and develop a collaborative research agenda. Following this, listening sessions will be held at major computing conferences, creating space for Black women in computing to voice their experiences and help shape future research directions. These convenings will not only strengthen the research community but also drive actionable strategies to improve representation, retention, and success in computing.