Cole is a young innovator of color and activist, organizing around economic development. Cole identifies as a biracial (Black & White), gender non-conforming masculine of center woman (using the pronouns she, her and sir). Cole was born in Washington D.C. but moved to Oakland, CA soon after. Throughout the '80s & '90s, Oakland was one of the most diverse and integrated cities in the country. The experiences gained from growing up in such a unique city set a foundation for her life’s work.
After graduating from high school, Cole attended Mills College, located in East Oakland; becoming a first generation college graduate. As an undergraduate, Cole was a full-time student, all while working three jobs. Later in her academic career, Cole earned a M.Sc from the London School of Economics.
Through the experience of being a first-gen college grad, Cole saw the struggles that many people of color face when attempting to chase the American Dream. As innovators of color, Cole and her peers are rule-disrupters and boundary testers, thinking outside of all boxes to build and create things that are for, invest in, uplift and inspire their communities.
In 2010, Cole founded the Brown Boi Project, an organization that “works to build leadership, economic self-sufficiency, and health of young masculine of center women, trans men, & queer/straight men of color.” She approaches her work with the understanding that everyone has a unique role in the movement and every role is key to the strategy that will lead our communities to success. Cole recognizes that for every failure, there is an opportunity to learn and to grow. She uses those lessons to guide and inform her work today.
Through the experience of being a first-gen college grad, Cole saw the struggles that many people of color face when chasing the American Dream. In 2015, Cole founded Brioxy, an organization which “seeks to empower innovators of color by connecting them to a peer network, practical advice, and insider knowledge that can help them thrive as they shift the opportunity landscape for others.” In addition to her work with BBP and Brioxy, Cole celebrates her marriage to her wife Aisha (13 years!) as one her biggest accomplishments.
This Pride season, we salute Cole and her movement to uplift the hackers and hustlers of communities, working to transform our world into a better, more equitable tomorrow.
Art by Chucha Marquez | lachucha.tumblr.com
