Unapologetically Dope: Lessons for Black Women and Girls on Surviving and Thriving in the Tech Field

by A. Nicki Washington, Brenda Darden Wilkerson (Foreword)

If technical skills were all that were required to get ahead, then Black women would be well ahead of the rest in the tech field. However, we often face battles that have nothing to do with our academic performance or professional experience. From our confidence to our hairstyles, Black women and girls are often scrutinized, marginalized, disregarded, and undervalued…until now.

In Unapologetically Dope, Dr. Nicki Washington shares her lessons learned from childhood to adulthood on how to remain your most authentic self while still succeeding in a field where less than 1% of all graduates are Black women.                                                                                 

Learn to assemble your tribe, recognize the power players and gatekeepers, and play chess instead of checkers, all while never losing yourself and remembering to lift while you climb. Unapologetically Dope provides the tools necessary to make your mark in a field that is in dire need of diverse ideas and innovations. Be audacious. Be unapologetic. Be dope.

86 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 12, 2018

Reviews

[Todd Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Washington in "Unapologetically Dope" provides a timely guide for black women and girls who are not just pursuing careers in tech, but want to thrive in tech. Throughout this book are great nuggets of wisdom, Dr. Washington's personal experiences, and her undeniable swag that will encourage any reader to be the best "chess player" that thrives in their field/career.

As a father who has a daughter who is into tech this was a must get, and I'm glad I can put this gem of a book in her hand.

To my former classmate of the esteemed Johnson C. Smith University the Dr. Nicki Washington thank you for sharing your genius with us all.

[Demica Smith-Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

No more apologizing for being me

Thank you, Dr. Washington for writing this book I have now recommend ed to all of the women I know I'm the Tech field. This book has given me the strength to not apologize for my dopeness and sit in the room where I am not only the only women but also the only African American and not feel as though I need to shirk myself or not be there. I will no longer apologize for being me.......

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life lessons to live by

I especially like how Dr. Washington breaks down types of friends to highlight their value in your life. This is helpful for everyone but especially people who may mistake someone for being mean when they are a straight shooter. Overall excellent book that weaves together the author’s personal story with sage advice.

[Callie Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Washington has found the perfect name for the tips and advice she provides in this book- free jewelry. Take it and let it build your confidence in all of your technical and professional endeavors.

[Naomi King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book ! Dr. Washington gave her honest and most valid facts and opinions for being a Black women in general while also filtering through the tech industry. I would strongly recommend

[Karen Catlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a white woman, I wanted to read this book to better understand the challenges uniquely facing black women in tech. I learned so much. To Dr. Washington - thank you for writing it.