Meet Audrey Willis

We were lucky to catch up with Audrey Willis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Audrey, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Being the ‘only’ in the room has taken many forms throughout my career: whether it’s being the only Black woman, the only mother, or the only person without a degree, I’ve faced those moments where I was the ‘other.’ Initially, I viewed this as a barrier, thinking it impacted how others saw my success, and to an extent, it did. However, over time, maturity and experience shifted my perspective.

I’ve come to embrace the fact that my uniqueness is my superpower. No one else has my experiences or my perspective, and that allows me to create my own path. I no longer let others’ definitions of success limit me. I define success for myself, and that gives me the freedom to establish my own rules.

Knowing that I’m often the ‘only’ in the room, I walk in with the confidence that my perspective is valuable. I understand that I bring something different to the table, and that difference can drive innovation, create new solutions, and impact the community. I see being the ‘only’ not as a limitation but as an opportunity to lead and make a lasting impact.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m Audrey Willis, the Chief Innovation and Programming Officer at CodeCrew, an organization dedicated to empowering underrepresented communities through technology education and workforce development. My focus professionally is on creating innovative programs that bridge the digital divide and provide access to life-changing opportunities in technology for people of all ages. At CodeCrew, we provide K-12 programming, professional development courses, and our flagship Code School, which helps adults transition into tech careers.

What’s Exciting & Special: What excites me most about my work is the impact we’re having on people who might not have otherwise considered a career in technology. Seeing our students—many of whom are from marginalized communities—gain confidence and transform their lives through coding and tech is incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s a middle schooler building their first app or an adult landing their first tech job after completing our bootcamp, I feel energized knowing that we’re helping people unlock their potential.

Our mission goes beyond just teaching tech skills. It’s about representation. As a Black woman in IT, I know firsthand the importance of seeing yourself reflected in the spaces you want to occupy. We are not just teaching coding—we are building a pipeline of diverse talent that will shape the future of tech.

Upcoming Projects & Expansion: We have several exciting initiatives coming up, including the expansion of CodeCrew, which will allow us to reach even more people in need of access to quality tech education. Additionally, we are in the middle of a Capital campaign as we are moving our headquarters to Northside Square.

At CodeCrew, we are constantly innovating and pushing the envelope, and I’m incredibly excited to see what the future holds as we expand our reach and continue to transform lives through technology.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Resilience: Growing up in Memphis, I was raised by relatives because my mother struggled with drug addiction. From a young age, I learned that I couldn’t afford to let my circumstances define me or hold me back. I had to make a choice to rise above my environment, and that experience gave me the resilience to push through the toughest challenges in my life and career. Whether facing personal struggles or navigating being the “only” in the room in the tech industry, I developed the ability to persevere and thrive, even in the face of adversity.

Adaptability: The fast pace of the tech world requires constant learning and flexibility. When I first entered the industry, I didn’t have a computer science degree, but I was determined to succeed. By staying curious, embracing new technologies, and continuously upskilling, I made adaptability my strength, allowing me to stay relevant and effective in my work.

Vision: Having a clear vision of my purpose has been key to my journey. I’ve always been driven by a desire to create opportunities for underrepresented communities in tech, and that vision has guided my work with CodeCrew. Whether it’s through our K-12 programs or adult Code School, my goal has been to open doors for people like me, who didn’t have the easiest start but still deserve the chance to succeed.

Advice: Life may throw obstacles your way, but don’t let them define you. Whether it’s personal struggles or career challenges, push forward. Surround yourself with a strong support system, and remember that setbacks are opportunities for growth.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I’m always looking to collaborate and partner with folks who share a passion for building up our tech community. CodeCrew is at a pivotal moment of growth, and there are several ways people can get involved.

Job Opportunities for Students: Our CodeCrew students are talented and ready to contribute. If you’re a company or business looking for tech talent, we’d love to connect you with our graduates who are trained in software development, UX/UI, and other areas of tech.

Volunteers and Mentors: We’re always looking for professionals who are willing to volunteer or mentor our students. Whether it’s sharing your expertise, offering guidance, or supporting our programs, your contribution makes a huge difference in their growth.

Raising Funds for Our Headquarters: We’re currently raising money to establish a permanent headquarters for CodeCrew, which will allow us to expand our reach and teach even more students. If you’re interested in supporting this mission, we’d love to talk.

Building Memphis’ Tech Community: Memphis is now on the global tech stage, with companies like XAI and large data centers setting up here. We need to figure out how CodeCrew can benefit from this exposure and ensure that our students are part of the city’s tech growth. We welcome partnerships that help us align with these larger initiatives.

If you’re reading this and want to collaborate, please reach out to me! You can connect with us through our website, or feel free to message me directly on LinkedIn. Together, we can create more opportunities for Memphis and help shape the future of tech in our city.

Contact Info:

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