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A Journey of Purpose: My Path to IBM Z in Celebration of Black History Month

By February 25, 2025No Comments

Written by Devonte’ Hawkins, IBM Z Data and AI Technical Specialist and core member of Mainframe Open Education

Black History Month is a powerful time to honor the incredible achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black leaders, innovators, and changemakers throughout history. It’s also a chance to reflect on how crucial representation and inclusion are across every industry—especially in technology. As I look back on my journey, I’m reminded of how much I owe to mentorship, community, and perseverance. These pillars have not only shaped my career but also fueled my mission to inspire others.

My story isn’t just about breaking into tech—it’s about redefining possibilities, overcoming challenges, and showing others that they can do the same. My journey to is a story of curiosity turned into passion and passion transformed into purpose.

From a young age, I was fascinated by technology. I loved exploring how things worked behind the screen, and this curiosity naturally led me to web development and graphic design during high school. There was something magical about turning lines of code into functional, creative projects—it felt like building worlds from scratch.

But it wasn’t until my sophomore year at Albany State University, a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), that my path truly began to take shape. A professor introduced me to IBM’s Accelerate program and IBM badges, opening doors to enterprise computing and the world of IBM Z.

This wasn’t just another tech program—it was a turning point. I realized the impact of enterprise technology and how it drives real-world innovations. This experience didn’t just introduce me to IBM; it introduced me to a world of possibilities.

Today, I proudly serve as an IBM zStack Technical Specialist in Atlanta, where I get to merge my love for technology with a career that challenges and excites me every day. My work is dynamic and impactful, including:

  • Client Meetings: Understanding complex needs and delivering tailored solutions.
  • Coding Demonstrations: Showcasing the power and versatility of IBM Z technology.
  • Creating Proof-of-Concepts: Transforming innovative ideas into practical applications.

In the fast-paced world of enterprise computing, continuous learning is vital. I’ve developed extensive expertise in the IBM z15 and z16 systems, which power critical operations for some of the world’s largest organizations. These systems are more than just hardware—they are the backbone of modern business, offering unmatched security, scalability, and performance.

And my journey is far from over. This year, I’m stepping into a new role as an IBM Z Data and AI Technical Specialist, focusing on:

  • Db2: A robust database management system renowned for its reliability and efficiency.
  • Watsonx Code Assistant for Z: Bringing AI capabilities into enterprise computing, transforming how businesses approach automation, data analysis, and application modernization.

I’m excited to dive deep into these technologies, using them to solve complex business challenges and drive digital transformation for my clients.

Beyond my day-to-day responsibilities, I am deeply passionate about community building. I host events and workshops, always looking for fresh ways to improve processes, adopt new technologies, and share knowledge with my peers.

But my approach isn’t just traditional. I also create memes and funny videos about mainframe technology, using humor as a tool to demystify complex topics. This creative approach makes enterprise computing more accessible and engaging, helping to build a vibrant community around IBM Z.

By blending humor with education, I aim to inspire others—showing them that mainframes aren’t just relics of the past but are, in fact, powerful tools driving the modern digital world.

My path has not always been easy. As a Black professional in tech, I’ve faced moments of doubt and been in environments where representation was limited. However, every challenge was also an opportunity to grow, to break barriers, and to redefine what’s possible.

Mentorship played a pivotal role in my success. Having leaders who believed in my potential gave me the confidence to push boundaries and pursue leadership roles. It also instilled in me the importance of giving back.

Today, I am committed to mentoring others, helping them navigate the tech world with confidence and resilience. I want to create a culture of inclusion and diversity, where more voices are heard, and innovation thrives.

For those looking to break into tech, my advice is simple but powerful:

  • Build a strong foundation in programming, cloud computing, AI, and databases.
  • Earn certifications, engage in internships, and participate in hackathons for practical experience.
  • Network and find mentors—these relationships are crucial for growth.
  • Stay curious and never stop learning, as the tech landscape is constantly evolving.

And above all, believe in yourself. Your background, experiences, and perspectives are your superpowers—use them to innovate, inspire, and create lasting impact.

To me, Black History Month isn’t just about reflecting on past achievements—it’s about actively building a brighter future. It’s about celebrating the legacy of those who paved the way while continuing to break down barriers and inspire the next generation.

I am deeply grateful to contribute to a culture that celebrates progress and possibilities, whether through mentorship, advocacy, or community building. My journey is a testament to the power of representation, perseverance, and purpose.

This month—and every month—we honor the trailblazers who came before us, amplify the voices of today, and inspire the changemakers of tomorrow.

Join me in this mission to redefine tech, inspire future leaders, and build a world where opportunities are boundless, and inclusion is the norm. Together, we can make technology not only a career path but a platform for change.

For more DEI resources, check out the Making Our Strong Community Stronger intiative: 

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