“Shavone’s personal story about breaking into tech is equal parts accessible and inspiring. We need more relatable role models for young people from diverse backgrounds in the technology space. Shavone shows our future generations not just how to get a foot in the door, but how to thrive when there. I highly recommend this for any young person with big dreams of innovating in tech!”
—Kimberly Bryant, founder and CEO of Black Girls CODE
“Black Internet Effect is the book we all need now. With refreshing empathy, curiosity, and grace, Shavone Charles encourages everyone—but especially women of color—to settle for nothing less than we all deserve. Shavone’s authenticity and humor make for an inspiring read, and I encourage readers to learn and laugh as they experience this Pocket Change Collective book.”
—Melonie D. Parker, Chief Diversity Officer, Google
“This frank, spirited guide spotlights a thoughtful leader who embraces social responsibility.” — Kirkus
This latest entry in the Pocket Change Collective series comes from a young African American
woman who was the youngest and first-ever Black woman hired onto Instagram’s marketing and
communications team. She then moved to TikTok for a newly created role as the company’s first-
ever head of Diversity & Inclusion Communications. As a teen, Charles never seriously
considered a career in tech. She liked technology and was into gaming and coding but was also
aware of the dismal statistics concerning the few women in Silicon Valley, let alone the tiny
percentage of people of color. Still, she applied for a Google BOLD internship, was accepted,
and excelled. As her career took off, Charles quickly realized she was most effective when she
represented herself—her Blackest, most authentic self—and she urges readers to do the same.
She stresses that young users should become active participants in building safe and inclusive
platforms where individual voices, especially voices from marginalized communities, can be
heard and recognized. Teens will appreciate the straight talk and unique insights.
— Kathleen McBroom, Booklist Reviews
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