Beyond making an impact at Google, the world’s largest information superpower, Fabian Elliott, with less than four years of technology industry experience under his belt, is on a mission to transform Chicago into a Global Black Tech Mecca.
“With hard work and a bit of luck, I became the first person from my university to intern at Google, and that led to a full-time offer to start my career in the Chicago office,†said Elliott. “This exposure to the tech world lit my passion for black empowerment through technology and led me to play a key role in revamping, revitalizing, and re-branding Google’s black employee group. I now serve as Global Co-Chair, along with my core role as an advertising technology consultant.”
My latest endeavor with Black Tech Mecca is an effort to transfer what I was able to create within a company to the city I have come to love, by leading the charge to transform Chicago into the Global Black Tech Mecca.â€
“Our vision is to transform the city  through the development of a thriving black tech ecosystem. We believe this will require programming synergy, an adequate impact tracking mechanism, and a comprehensive narrative. Thus, we will tackle it from a holistic scope by implementing a “connect and direct” strategy, defining a universal metric system, and executing a supportive branding initiative.” As an advertising technology consultant at Google, Elliott helps clients leverage Google’s digital advertising platforms to meet their business needs.
BlackEnterprise.com caught up with the young trailblazer to talk about his plans for revamping the tech scene in Chicago, and get his tips for aspiring change-makers looking to make an impact.
BlackEnterprise.com:Â Why is the Black Tech Mecca initiative needed in Chicago?
Elliott: The city’s Master Tech Plan envisions Chicago as a city fueled by technology, which requires increased participation of Chicagoans in the digital economy. The black community is drastically underrepresented in the tech space and are facing critical issues with unemployment, poverty, and access to resources. As a matter of fact, 34% of blacks in Chicago currently live under the poverty line. Thus, an initiative that can leverage tech to empower the black community and increase participation in the digital economy is essential.
Tell us about the ‘a-ha’ moment that inspired you to launch Black Tech Mecca?
I was at a community tech event last year. To be exact, it was the first annual fundraising event for Blue1647, a tech innovation center in the city. During a conversation with other attendees, I was sharing with them my interest in finding a way to make Chicago a beacon in the black, tech, and global communities. Then in mid-sentence, the idea to combine all of them and transform the city into the ‘Global Black Tech Mecca’ dawned on me. From there, I was obsessed with the concept and it’s possibilities for impact.
Black Tech Mecca is solely focused on the city of Chicago. Are there any plans to expand beyond the city?
Our long-term vision is that developing the world’s best black tech ecosystem in Chicago will eventually produce a blueprint for communities and cities around the world to follow. Working in tech, it is ingrained in us to always think about how to scale and maximize impact. However, one must first have something that is truly viable before scaling can even become an option.
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Since launching Black Tech Mecca, what do you believe is your greatest achievement?
We only launched less than three months ago, so our most significant achievements are still ahead. This may sound sappy, but I would say our biggest achievement to date would just be the people, the community, and the city daring to believe in such a bold goal. The excitement of our volunteers and partners has been uplifting. We have not just started an organization, but we have started a movement.
In a couple of months, we will be launching a technology platform to strengthen connections and synergies within Chicago’s black tech community, so that will be exciting.
Describe the challenges you faced during start-up. How have you overcome them?
Challenges
are what drive us as a team and a movement. We faced some of the usual suspects encountered by entrepreneur[ship], including finances, selecting a corporate structure, and prioritizing a barrage of tasks.To overcome them, we have had to focus on our core competencies and swallow our pride to seek guidance for everything else. We know how to build a tech ecosystem, but can always use guidance on back-end operation and remaining in good standings. We like to leverage local resources and incubators in the city.
What do you wish you had known then, that you know now?
I would recommend the focus on surrounding yourself with very strong financial and project management talent as early on as possible. Operations are key, and your money can never be funny. If you already have those skill-sets yourself, I would recommend finding ways to fill other key holes quickly.
What qualities have helped you succeed thus far?
Belief. I know that Chicago will become the ‘Global Black Tech Mecca.’ In my mind, it is already a reality. I think this comes out when I interact with people. Collaboration has also been key. It is one of our core values as an organization as well. We want to create the environment that blacks need to thrive in tech. If this is related to your organization’s mission, we want to partner and help you be successful in executing that mission.
Considering the lack of diversity within the industry, how do you stay motivated?
The lack of diversity is exactly what motivates me. I do not see an obstacle, I see an opportunity. It won’t be a breeze to change, but nothing worth obtaining comes easy. I am also motivated by the incredible progress our youth are making in the tech space. Chicago is progressive in computer science education, especially with the flagship program CS4All, which teaches intro to computer science courses in hundreds of schools in the city for all grades.
What is your best piece of career advice for a young person pursuing a career in technology?
Even though it may not be widely visible, there are plenty of blacks ‘killing it’ in the tech game. John Thompson is the chairman of the board at Microsoft, Ursula Burns is the chairman and CEO of Xerox, Trystan Walker helped turn FourSquare into a powerhouse. Our vision is to transform the city into the ‘Global Black Tech Mecca’ through the development of a thriving black tech ecosystem. We believe this will require programming synergy, an adequate impact tracking mechanism, and a comprehensive narrative. Thus, we will tackle from a holistic scope by implementing a ‘Connect & Direct’ strategy, defining a universal metric system, and executing a supportive branding initiative.