Keyaria Rhodes

About Keyaria Rhodes

Hello there! I\'m a strategic advisor and thought leader focused on executing Tech for Good Initiatives Currently focused on 1) Partnering with Start-Ups & Venture Capital organizations interested in launching and/or scaling emerging tech for good 2) Research on social trends linked to Mix Reality (AR/VR) in entertainment (i.e, gaming, film, photography, etc.). • High impact initiatives • Large-scale strategies for emerging technology • Cross-sectoral collaboration across tech & non tech teams • Interdisciplinary learning (e.g, Inclusive Product Development, Human-Compatible Design, Prototyping, etc.) As a Tech Evangelist who advocates for the business value of product inclusion, I am deeply invested in the intersections of technology and justice (e.g,+). My research interrogates the role of data and social platforms in shaping the life outcomes of historically excluded people. As a Social Innovation & Impact Architect committed to Responsible Innovation, I leverage data and strategic partnerships to streamline collaborative and effective initiatives. I use my creativity to build sustainable processes in conjunction with programs that capacitate people to design and deliver high-impact solutions in service of diverse, equitable and inclusive outcomes. I hold an Masters degree. from Columbia University in African-American and African Diaspora Studies, a graduate certificate from the Institute for Research on Women, Gender and Sexuality at Columbia University along with a Bachelors degree and Advanced Research Certification from the University of a Management Consultant I deliver consensus-based solutions working cross-functionally with tech and non tech teams while applying a range of data-informed frameworks at various institutional and grassroots often design and deliver evaluation activities in compliance with data governance standards, which drives agile strategic planning and decision-making. I am passionate about Responsible Innovation in addition to applying my knowledge and skills as a subject matter expert and advisor on issues that include: race, gender, sexuality, disability, accessibility, etc. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to connect further. I’m always looking for opportunities to build new relationships and explore projects that fit my background and interests. Cheers, Key

Experience

1. Senior Business Program Manager

   Microsoft

   Jan 2022 — Present

   Oversee strategic initiatives (in a team lead or advisor capacity) across engineering, design, product management, communications and legal teams, resulting in numerous co-designed patents ( & counting), successful hackathon programming and inclusive product development initiatives among all org levels. •Champion racial equity, inclusive research, UX/UI design, impact planning and evaluation while also defining metrics (KPIs/OKRs) by leveraging key stakeholder insights captured through surveys, usability studies, contextual inquiry, etc. Impact so far has spanned across Microsoft-wide surveys and insights drawn from thought leadership on research design. •Develop and model best practices for diverse, inclusive and accessible products and services resulting in improved user experiences. •Lead inclusive learning culture initiatives at the organization and team levels through thought leadership, strategic planning and end to end program management. •Drive continuous improvements and inform business direction and approach to ensure our direction and position for each program is moving positively forward. •Enable cross geo collaboration by creating connection points between stakeholders in service of a shared interest and commitment in improving the lives of all people.

Education

• Columbia University

  Master's degree with distinction, focused on business and emerging technology

• Columbia University

  Graduate Certificate in Research on Women, Gender and Sexuality

• UW Foster School of Business

  Executive Education, Governing Boards; Board of Directors; Board of Advisors

• University of Washington

  Bachelor's degree with distinction, focused on public policy & international relations

• University of Washington

  Advanced Research Certificate , Political Science and Government