Tammy Buckner
Tammy Buckner is one of the top tech innovators and community builders in KC. Technology has been a part of Tammy’s life for a long time; she even taught herself how to code as a child. Tammy grew up in Memphis but went to the KC area for high school and college, where she attended the University of Central Missouri, DeVry, and Rockhurst University.
Tammy became a developer for The Kansas City Star and then worked as a software developer, project manager, and system analyst for almost 20 years at a few top companies in KC before starting her technology solutions and consulting agency in the spring of 2015 called Techquity Digital.
They were focused on assisting companies and organizations to be more effective and efficient in their business process and technology execution. In addition, they help their clients develop business-centric online experienced IT Services and business process environments.
They act as a trusted advisor for customers in purchasing, planning, implementing an effective technology platform/strategy based on analysis or daily process, and optimizing cross-channel digital marketing initiatives.
In the summer of 2019, Tammy also Co-Founded a nonprofit called WeCode KC and serves as the CEO. She founded WeCode KC when she realized the lack of minorities in the technology industry.
WeCode KC’s primary focus is to provide the youth, especially those in the urban core of KC, the opportunity to learn technical concepts and leadership skills and create a pipeline of future-ready professionals through project-based learning and innovative programs.
They teach kids from age seven up to 17 JavaScript, Python, HTML, and CSS. A growing alum network is proving the tech pipeline works by entering computer science in college, starting tech companies, and learning market value assets to enter the workforce as tech professionals.
During COVID, the international organization pivoted and started online classes, which led to kids logging in from Canada and multiple states, including New York, California, and Virginia.
Her work with WeCode KC recently won the 2023 Women Achievement Award, issued by the Missouri State Lieutenant Governor, Mike Kehoe, and received a resolution by the State of Missouri.
Since 2018 she has been listed as a Black Woman in Tech to Follow on Twitter List; in 2022, she was named a Community Builder to Watch by Startland News and a Small Business Superstar by the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.
She has been heavily involved with KC Women in Technology. She and five other African American women formed The V Form Alliance. This woman-owned initiative executed a project to positively impact various communities using technology, cultural experiences, and education.
Tammy’s love for technology and creating diversity in that industry has been her main goal, and she is having an impact. Her passion, work ethic, and generosity will continue to change lives in KC and worldwide.
Visit the WeCode KC website to learn more, volunteer, or donate.
Website: www.wecodekc.org