As we celebrate Black History Month, two employees from MongoDB share their personal stories of overcoming obstacles to succeed in the tech industry. Rita Henderson, an Administrative Assistant, reflects on her journey as a black woman from North Philadelphia, who overcame poverty and single parenthood to earn her degree and launch a free technology program for social justice. She emphasizes the importance of empowering underrepresented communities in tech and creating a platform where their voices can be heard. Daniel Hawthorne, a Regional Director, shares his experiences as a black man in tech sales, who faced pressure to conform to traditional norms and stereotypes. He credits MongoDB's employee resource group with helping him find his authentic self and embracing his individuality, which has led to significant personal and professional growth. Both stories highlight the importance of diversity, inclusion, and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in the tech industry.