My first name is Erica, but I go by E. Veal because it sounds like ‘evil.’ Now that I’m working on my doctorate and have my cat; I just need a swivel chair, and my transformation to becoming Dr. E. Veal is nearly complete! (Muha-ha-ha!)
I’m working on my Ph.D. in Organizational Development and Leadership, specializing in Organizational Diversity. My current research aligns with the work of prominent women in data ethics and digital activism, such as Safiya Umoja Noble, Timnit Gebru, Joy Buolamwini, and Ruha Benjamin. My work focuses on consulting with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to ensure ethics and governance is at the forefront of developing and implementing AI solutions. Responsible AI systems are crucial to ensuring marginalized communities aren’t perpetually harmed by technologies that do not account for algorithmic bias affecting their decision-making processes.
I received a full academic scholarship from the Dorozetz National Institute for Mathematics and Applied Sciences (DNIMAS) to attend Norfolk State University, the seventh-largest Historically Black College and University (HBCU). There, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics. I continued my education at Norfolk State University and attained two Master of Science degrees in Optical Engineering and Computer Science. On paper, I am a nerd!
Norfolk State University
Applied Mathematics
2004
Norfolk State University
Optical Engineering
2006
Norfolk State University
Computer Science
2017
The University of Arizona
Organizational Diversity
Expected 2025
Before working in cloud and data, I started my career working as a high school Geometry teacher. I focused on inspiring low to middle-class high school students to pursue higher education through technology and mathematics. After teaching, I secured a career as a Nuclear Engineer at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, VA. In 2013, I moved from my hometown of Portsmouth to Alexandria, Virginia, to pursue a career as a SharePoint Engineer.
I am an outspoken advocate of the inclusion and empowerment of women in STEM fields. I was appointed the Committee Chairperson for Novetta’s Unity Committee, which is Novetta’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging group that provides a forum for employees to cultivate a sense of unity. That opportunity inspired me to pursue my doctorate in Organizational Development & Leadership, focusing on Organizational Diversity. I was fascinated by the systematic inequalities that plagued not just my organization but similar organizations in that space. I am interested in ways organizations can combat systemic injustices within team paradigms.
In my spare time, I volunteer throughout the community through several non-profit organizations committed to economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement. I serve the community as the Non-Technical Lead for the DC Chapter of Black Girls CODE and the Technology Committee Co-chair and web administrator for the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
As a speaker, I work with schools and non-profit organizations to inspire students about STEM fields and empower the community with information about economic, technological, or political awareness. I am the author of “Sh!t, Now What: Becoming a New Adult”, a book for graduating women of color that discusses topics that affect their schooling, careers, and future.