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Tamar Huggins is reshaping the landscape of education and technology, combining innovation with equity. As the founder of Tech Spark, Huggins has created a platform that uses culturally relevant AI tools to address systemic biases in education while empowering students. Her groundbreaking Spark Plug platform offers schools and organizations a way to integrate AI more inclusively.
In 2012, Huggins founded Driven, Canada's first tech accelerator for Black and BIPOC entrepreneurs. The program addressed the gap in business acumen often seen in underrepresented communities, focusing on transforming creative ideas into revenue-generating ventures. Despite facing challenges such as accusations of reverse racism, Huggins stayed true to her mission. By leaning on her advertising background and innovative thinking, she created a successful program that has raised over $1.1 million, with startups under its wing raising $20 million collectively.
Huggins is a strong advocate for culturally responsive pedagogy in education. She emphasizes the importance of tailoring teaching methods to reflect students’ lived experiences. Tech Spark has developed a tech entrepreneurship course that aligns with the needs and interests of underserved students, providing them with real-world skills and opportunities.
By connecting students with mentors from their communities and industries of interest, she fosters representation and guidance. Moreover, Huggins teaches young people the value of their data and intellectual contributions, ensuring they recognize their power in shaping products and solutions. Her dedication to bridging gaps in tech and education makes her a transformative force, paving the way for a future where diversity and innovation thrive hand in hand.
Tune into the Members Only episode to learn about the pivotal moment when Tamar realized her work was making a difference
Resources:
@tamarhuggins on LinkedIn
@sparkplug.ai and @techspark.ai on IG
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