Celebrating Black Business Month: Top 5 Black Tech Trailblazers in AI and Innovation

August marks Black Business Month, a time dedicated to honoring and recognizing the contributions of Black-owned businesses to the economy and society. In the non-stop world of technology, Black entrepreneurs are not just participating—they’re leading the charge in innovation and artificial intelligence. These trailblazing leaders are setting new benchmarks for excellence, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and making significant strides in their respective fields.

QualityWorks is thrilled to spotlight these five outstanding Black tech entrepreneurs and businesses making waves in the industry. From AI-driven solutions to groundbreaking consulting services, these companies are not only redefining standards but also inspiring the next generation of tech entrepreneurs. Join us as we celebrate the achievements of the women leading Orca Intelligence, Transformation Lead LLC, QualityWorks, Knowledge Architects, and Southpoint Consulting. These entrepreneurs and enterprises exemplify the spirit of innovation, resilience, and excellence that Black Business Month aims to celebrate.

 

1. Southpoint Consulting

Southpoint Consulting, Inc. is a small woman-owned management and technology consulting firm focused on delivering results-oriented services to their clients. The organization combines business acumen and innovative technology solutions to help clients achieve their goals and enhance business performance.

Their team provides solutions that achieve measurable results for Public Sector, Commercial, and Nonprofit clients. Their consultants bring years of industry expertise and innovative practice which allow us to meet the needs of your business. At the core of the company is their value system. Respect, Inclusiveness, Honesty, Transparency, and Excellence form the foundation for everything they do.

Nicale Whitehead Nxumalo is the President and CEO of Southpoint Consulting in the DC metro area. She is a dedicated entrepreneur and active in her community. She previously worked at Booz Allen Hamilton as a Senior Associate. Nicale attended the University of Virginia.

 

2. Transformation Lead

Transformation Lead is a global consulting firm headquartered in Atlanta, GA that helps organizations adapt to the rapid technological advancements of the modern age. The consultants work with enterprise-level corporations, governments, and nonprofits to implement operational solutions that allow their clients to streamline processes, increase efficiency, and stay competitive in their respective industries.

Their solutions are focused on driving business value to our clients and include a wide range of services, such as systems projects, modernization, and infrastructure. This may include upgrading hardware and software to more modern, efficient technologies, as well as implementing new systems and processes to improve workflows and increase productivity.The project teams also specialize in emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence and Smart City Solutions. In addition to these technical solutions, the firm also offers cybersecurity services to help protect clients’ sensitive data and systems from cyber threats. This can include everything from implementing firewalls and security protocols to training staff on best practices for data security.

Dr. Georgette Fraser-Moore, also known as “Dr Gee”, is a passionate, motivational and thought-provoking Visionary, Technologist, Innovator, and Organizational Transformation Expert. Dr. Gee is the President and CEO of Transformation Lead LLC, a global technology and business consulting firm focused in driving and implementing innovative technology and organizational change business solutions for enterprise corporations and government agencies. 

In addition to running a growing consulting business, Dr. Georgette is a published author, researcher, educator, philanthropist, missionary, and active member of the global community. Dr Gee creates and implements programs for enterprise organizations and government agencies focused on technology innovation, integration, operational improvement, leadership, and businesses optimization.

 

3. Knowledge Architects

Knowledge Architects is a Workforce Development and Technology firm that designs and develops digital training applications that improve processes, and increases efficiency and safety for industrial and transportation organizations. They have developed and delivered interactive applications and workforce solutions for some of the largest and most complex transit systems in the country. Their products and services include inspection apps, interactive e-learning content, and digital work instructions that prepare frontline workers for operation, and maintenance of new and existing equipment and systems.

Sheila Jordan is CEO of Knowledge Architects, LLC, a workforce development and organizational change consultancy and recently started XR4Transit, a technology startup that develops interactive work instructions for maintenance and operations procedures using AR and 3D technologies. She began her career in management consulting leading large scale training and change initiatives, delivering practical solutions to complex engagements across the U.S. for companies like The Coca-Cola Company, Georgia Pacific, State of Georgia, City of Atlanta, IBM and MARTA. 

Today, Sheila leads a team of experienced learning technologists, engineers, and application developers, who design “work & learn” solutions using emerging technologies like 3D animation, AR, and mobile apps. 

 

4. Orca Intelligence

Orca Intelligence, an 8(a), EDWOSB, was founded in 2014, to provide a holistic and enduring framework designed to underpin digital transformation initiatives within Offices of Enterprise Portfolio Management using automation, Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics. This framework is meticulously crafted to facilitate the seamless integration of digital technologies, ensuring strategic alignment, enhanced operational efficiency, and continuous innovation across the portfolio.

Melissa Daley founded Orca Intelligence in 2014 to offer clients a unique methodology to effectively capture, analyze, and manage software requirements. Ms. Daley is an experienced Systems Engineer with a BA in Computer Information Systems and an MA in Technology Entrepreneurship. She also holds a Design Thinking certification from the University of Virginia. Melissa worked as a consultant with several organizations such as Accenture, Booz Allen Hamilton, and many other companies, such as the State of Georgia Department of Human Resources, NGP VAN, DMI, and ICF.

 

5. QualityWorks