Black Girls Code Appoints Dr. Avriel Epps as Its AI Expert-in-Residence to Advance Responsible Tech Education

Black Girls Code announced today the appointment of Dr. Avriel Epps as its AI Expert-in-Residence, a new role designed to integrate ethical and responsible teachings into the organization’s expanding AI curriculum.

A Harvard-trained social scientist and rising voice at the intersection of technology, ethics, and culture, Dr. Epps brings deep expertise to the real-world impact of artificial intelligence on underrepresented communities. Her appointment signals a bold new chapter for Black Girls Code as it accelerates its mission to launch one million learners into tech careers by 2040 and contribute to a more inclusive technology industry.

“People belong at the center of technology, and if we build ethically from the start, we can create a future that truly serves us all,” said Cristina Mancini, CEO of Black Girls Code. “I’ve had the pleasure of following Dr. Epps’ work for a while, and I’m proud to share her expertise with the Black Girls Code community. She brings the clarity, conviction, and creativity needed to prepare our future leaders to drive the systemic change our industry and world desperately require.”

Dr. Epps is a computational social scientist and a Civic Science Postdoctoral Fellow at the Cornell University CATLab. She completed her Ph.D. at Harvard University in Education with a concentration in Human Development, and an S.M. in Data Science from Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Previously a Ford Foundation predoctoral fellow, Dr. Epps is currently a Fellow at The National Center on Race and Digital Justice, a Roddenberry Fellow, and a Public Voices Fellow on Technology in the Public Interest with the Op-Ed Project in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation. Dr. Epps is also the co-founder of AI4Abolition, a community organization dedicated to increasing AI literacy in marginalized communities and building community power with and around data-driven technologies.

As Black Girls Code’s AI Expert-in-Residence, Dr. Epps will support workshops for learners of all ages, contribute to the curriculum, mentor participants exploring AI and machine learning and strengthen the organization’s expanded offerings for learners 18+ as they navigate and explore different career pathways. As the author of A Kids Book About AI Bias, her guidance will help ensure that Black Girls Code participants not only enter the industry, but shape it in more ethical, equitable, and imaginative ways.

“Black Girls Code reaches thousands of learners each year, and I’m honored to join this vibrant community of future technologists,” said Epps. “This generation has the opportunity to reimagine what AI can be—and who it serves. Together, we’ll build with care, courage, and creativity.”

About Black Girls Code:

Since 2011, Black Girls Code has been at the forefront of creating a more inclusive tech industry by inspiring, educating, and equipping young girls and women with the skills to lead and thrive in technology. Through culturally relevant programs for learners ages 7-18 and career acceleration initiatives for adults 18+, BGC is not just closing the opportunity gap—it’s shaping the future of tech by championing the next generation of innovators and leaders.

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