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It’s impossible to ignore the way technology is shaping how and what we do every given second. You are most likely reading this article on your phone or computer screen, or listening to the audio version thanks to Amazon Polly and cloud computing. In fact, according to a CNN report in August 2018, technology helped America’s economy way more than we thought because the Bureau of Economic Analysis revamped its gross domestic product calculations. The agency incorporated new information about cloud computing, cell phones, and other rapidly evolving technologies. As technology continues to reshape our future as we know it, equal access to this change agent remains unmet for billions of people. This is where Zakiya Harris, and the team at Hack The Hood hope to make an impact. Zakiya is the co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Hack The Hood, a non-profit that introduces low-income youth of color to careers in technology by hiring and training them to build websites for real small businesses in their communities. Hack The Hood wants to equip graduates of their Bootcamp with the skills and resources to find work and earn an income that enables them to live in the community where they grew up. In 2017, they saw a 92% completion rate of their Bootcamp attended by over 330 youth that built over 250 small business websites.
Zakiya is a seasoned leader and is a part of nationally recognized projects such as Impact Hub Oakland, Grind for the Green, and is a Fellow of Green for All and Bold Food. She is also a singer and author. #BlackGirlMagic #BlackExcellence
1. What is your morning routine and how has it contributed to your development as a leader?
My mornings are the most sacred part of my day. I genuinely believe that a strong start leads to a strong day. My morning begins with meditation, working out and setting intentions for the day. I also try to squeeze in a healthy breakfast and a lot of water. My practice has contributed to my development as a leader because, like most people, my day involves giving a lot of energy to others in the form of speaking, emailing, brainstorming, etc.. To do this my cup has to be full. My morning routine is how I fill my cup so that I can support others.
2. What compelled you to start/join Hack The Hood and what has surprised you the most about your journey thus far?
I was compelled to join Hack the Hood because I wanted to give Oakland youth and youth across the Bay Area the opportunity to access the tools that were shaping their future. What has surprised me most about my journey thus far is how quick this project took off. As a co-founder, I don’t think any of us realized how large the void was in the market. The reality is that mainstream education is failing everyone, especially underserved communities. More organizations and companies like Hack the Hood are going to step in to fill this gap to ensure that all young people are on track to obtain the 21st-century skills needed to thrive in the current economy.
3. Why is the cause you are pursuing or problem you are solving the most important for this generation? How would future generations benefit if it’s successful? What is at risk if you do not succeed?
If we as a country and a planet don’t create a world where all young people have access to the tools to navigate their future, we all fail. Technology is a critical component in the future of work. No matter what job/career young people today aspire to, technology will be at the center of it. Everyone is an expert in something and technology gives you the opportunity to use your expertise and combine it with technology to solve problems. For example, foster care students are going to feel more empowered to create technology solutions for the foster care industry, African Americans are going to feel more empowered to develop technology solutions to address police brutality, etc. If we don’t give everyone the tools, we risk not solving significant problems in the world. We risk not having a planet for future generations to live in.
4. Reflect on all of the key milestones/proudest moments you’ve had so far in building Hack The Hood to what it is today. Which of these milestones/proudest moments would you say is the most pivotal and why?
Our biggest milestone hands down was winning the 2014 Google Impact Challenge. After only one summer and 19 students, we beat out hundreds of other organizations and were awarded $500,000 from Google. That single act accelerated our work, allowed us to scale in 7 cities and build a community of local small businesses, tech companies, community members and youth. We are still benefiting from the social cache and ripple effect of that award.
5. What is the best piece of actionable advice you’ve received that continues to be a source of inspiration in good times and challenging times?
A mantra that I live by is a quote from Nelson Mandela who once said: “It only seems impossible until its done.” 
That is something that I live by. It reminds me that regardless of appearances, if you have a dream, you have to just go for it. His life like so many others was a true testament to that fact. Whenever I am facing a challenge personal or otherwise, I turn to that quote to remind me that anything is possible.
