Dr. Fallon Wilson strengthens the tech ecosystem nationwide, especially as it relates both to Black women technologists and underrepresented persons of color who may not have access to the ever-changing arena of technology. Her TEDx–Nashville presentation of Stop Ignoring Black Women and Hear of Our Tech Prophecies addresses the intersection of historical reality for Black women, spirituality, and technology. As the Lead Principal Investigator for #BlackTechFutures Research Institute, Wilson’s Institute’s work, funded in part by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s 2020 Open Knowledge grant, builds a national network of city-based researchers and practitioners conducting research on sustainable local Black tech ecosystems, especially within underrepresented communities. Her research includes the design of Smart City models. Prior to launching the #BlackTechFutures Research Institute, Dr. Wilson developed the SMART Black Tech Ecosystem Assessment Framework. Dr. Wilson represents as the Vice President of Policy for the Multicultural Media and Telecommunication Internet Council (MMTC) through which she launched a national campaign, “Black Churches 4 Broadband” to support digital access in Black communities. She Co-Chaired Nashville’s smart city plan, Connected Nashville. She is a member of the Federal Communications Commission’s Communication Equity and Diversity Council.
