My name is Leshell Hatley. I am an entrepreneur, computer engineer, researcher, and doctoral student at the University of Maryland‘s iSchool. I am interested in researching and creating technologies that support learning. I have a BS in Computer Engineering and a Masters in Computer Science – both from Howard University.
I am the founder of two companies: a for-profit technology consulting firm called emagine! technologies, inc. and a not-for-profit community based organization, called Uplift, inc., designed to amplify the voice of underrepresented populations using technology. I started both companies about 10 years ago as I was trying to figure out what to do with my life. I must say, they both were meant to be as they have afforded me great opportunities working with great people around the globe.
I am a proud alum of Howard University and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I pledged during my sophmore year at Howard on the Ardorous 37 – Spring 1991 pledge line. I cherish every one of my line and sorority sisters and every sorority related experience. Delta is Awesome!
I am an illustrator and avid animation fan and am now learning Toon Boom Studio (when I have time away from my studies) and with it, would like to create my own animated short soon. I plan to post my illustrations here one day just so you can witness my skills. I am also a green & white belt in Kung Fu. I study the t’ien shan p’ai style of kung fu at the (Master) Dennis Brown Shaolin Wushu Training Academy. Master Brown is a disciple of Grand Master Willy Lin, who introduced the style to the U.S. in 1970.
I am a lifelong learner and I believe in academic scholarship and its journey 100%.
This blog was setup with a number of goals in mind:
- to get used to expressing myself to the public in writing;
- to get used to sharing my thoughts (all of them) with the public in writing;
- to simply practice the art of writing and serve as a record of progress;
- to provide a Black female’s perspective to the world – one who happens to be a computer engineer, entrepreneur, and PhD student – a rare perspective to most
I hope you enjoy it and check back often. Writings may vary in length, scope, domain, and mood.
It should be interesting!