Celebrating Black Excellence in Tech at JustAir

Britney Epps, Head of Engineering

What first sparked your interest in technology and software development? How did you come into climate tech?

I’ve loved computers since I was in elementary school. Anything that had to do with computers, I was about it and was determined to be the ‘go to’ person for it. From the desktop at home that was a Windows 95, to computer typing classes, eventually to a computer programming class, I knew my future was around creating with computers. What always excited me was the ability to create something from an idea in your head to something tangible. It made me feel powerful in an environment where I had little control and let me know there was a way out and a way to make a difference in the world. 

Doing this in a space like climate tech just feels like my superpower to use in this world. I’ve gotten a lot of experience in different industries and it feels good to be able to accumulate those skills and now use them to better my community. I am grateful for Darren for having this vision, and tapping me to be a part of something great.

What’s one major challenge you’ve overcome as a Black professional in this industry?

I think the biggest challenge I have had to overcome is thinking that in order to be successful in this industry is that I have to play by ‘their’ rules. I get to define my own and build my career out how I want to. My trajectory in this industry is defined by no one else but me, and I plan to do this my way. That includes building out an inclusive engineering team that is diverse, and a break from the traditional startup engineering mold. 

‍

PJ Hall, Lead UX Engineer

‍What excites you most about working in software development?

Software development is like a magic power that has helped me understand the world better, creating systems that function on their own, has helped me understand how worldly systems work. I get to address problems for people and see the solutions work right away. It’s a creative tool that allows me to build actual products that people can use. 

What’s been your proudest moment as a developer so far?

Building and maintaining JustAir, having a platform that I have to monitor and am in charge. I am excited that so many people use my creation on a weekly/daily basis.

‍

Derrick Kennedy, Lead Full Stack Engineer 

What has been the biggest learning curve for you in software development?

The biggest learning curve for me in software development by far is communication. My job is to understand stakeholders' (client, project manager, users, etc.) needs and translate them into solutions for computers. This often involves asking clarifying questions, such as, 'Can you give me an example of that?' or 'What is the desired outcome in this scenario?' It's crucial to understand the details of the issue to solve it properly. Being able to ask these questions, communicate points of view, and listen actively are essential skills for any solid engineer, as they ensure everyone is on the same page and contribute to a successful project overall.

What advice would you give to young Black professionals interested in entering the tech space?

My advice to young Black professionals entering the tech space is to cultivate a love for learning. The tech industry is constantly evolving, so continuous learning is essential to stay relevant and avoid becoming obsolete. Staying up to date with the latest technologies can also make you more desirable in the tech industry, which can lead to higher paying roles. The web is full of free resources like newsletters, YouTube, and Coursera. 

‍